Jamaican Singer spice visits Uganda.

Jamaican dancehall star Spice has visited the seat of the Buganda Kingdom at Bulange Mengo as part of her week-long cultural immersion tour in Uganda. The programme, organized by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) in partnership with the Buganda Kingdom, comes ahead of her maiden concert scheduled for 9 May 2026 at Lugogo Cricket Oval.

The visit is part of UTB’s broader strategy to place cultural tourism at the centre of Uganda’s destination branding. Spice was formally received by the Katikkiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, during a ceremony held in her honour at Bulange.

A key highlight of the event was Spice being bestowed with a Kiganda clan name, Nankula, placing her within the Enkula (Rhino) clan of Buganda Kingdom. The honour symbolically connects her to Uganda’s cultural heritage and the conservation efforts linked to the rhino species, which her upcoming concert is also expected to support.

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Uganda Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Juliana Kagwa described the visit as historic, noting that Spice is the first international artist to fully engage in Uganda’s cultural and tourism experiences before performing in the country.

“We are making history here today. Spice is the first international artist to accept the invitation to truly explore Uganda… We will make it standard for every artist who performs on our soil,” Kagwa said.

Buganda Kingdom, one of Africa’s oldest and most influential traditional monarchies, traces its origins back to the 14th century under Kabaka Kato Kintu.

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Today, it represents about 27% of Uganda’s population and remains the country’s largest traditional kingdom. Its cultural heritage sites include the Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and burial place of four Buganda kings.

Speaking at the event, Owek. Mayiga welcomed Spice, emphasizing the deep cultural connections between Africa and the diaspora.

“I welcome our sister from Jamaica to the seat of the Buganda Kingdom… You are on the continent of your ancestors’ kingdoms,” he said, highlighting Uganda’s cultural richness, wildlife, and heritage as central to its tourism appeal.

He also linked Spice’s music to the enduring spirit of African identity and cultural continuity, noting the symbolic importance of her visit.

Spice, who has spent the week exploring Uganda’s cultural and natural attractions, described the experience as deeply personal.

“I feel at home. There is a bond here I cannot fully explain… To be given a name and placed in a clan, I am no longer just visiting Uganda. I belong to it,” she said.

Her visit to Bulange Mengo further strengthens the UTB-led “Kabaka Trail,” a cultural tourism route connecting key heritage sites including the Kasubi Tombs, Bulange, Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, and other significant historical landmarks.

Beyond the glitz of her performances, Spice used her platform to make a difference. According to Exclusive Bizz, she gave back to Ugandan communities through her Grace Hamilton Foundation, which focuses on empowering women and children in need. Her donations included essential supplies for children, underscoring her commitment to humanitarian work.

In her own words, Spice expressed joy at being able to contribute: “I am honored to support children in Uganda and to see how music can unite us while also bringing hope to those who need it most.” This statement reflects her dual mission—spreading dancehall culture while uplifting disadvantaged communities.

🏠 Partnership with Local Foundations Spice’s charitable activities in Uganda resonate with ongoing efforts by local organizations. For instance, the Dina Special Children Foundation in Mpigi District—which recently unveiled Ugandan singer Spice Diana as its ambassador—works to rehabilitate children with physical and mental disabilities. While Spice Diana’s role is distinct, the overlap in timing highlights a broader movement in Uganda’s music industry: artists using their influence to champion social causes.

Spice’s Grace Hamilton Foundation complements these efforts by extending international solidarity. Her donations to Ugandan children reinforce the idea that global stars can play a role in local development.

🎶 Cultural Impact Spice’s visit also carried cultural significance. She praised Ugandan artists like Cindy Sanyu for their fearless style and hinted at possible collaborations. Such exchanges could open doors for Ugandan musicians to reach wider audiences while strengthening ties between Jamaica and Africa.

Her adoption of a Ugandan name and her public admiration for local talent show that her trip was more than a performance tour—it was an embrace of Uganda’s identity and creativity.

📈 The Bigger Picture Spice’s arrival in Uganda demonstrates how international artists can blend entertainment with philanthropy. By donating supplies to children and engaging with local foundations, she set an example of how celebrity influence can be harnessed for social good. Her Grace Hamilton Foundation’s work in Uganda is likely to inspire both fans and fellow artists to think beyond the stage.