Martyrs’ Choral Festival: How choirs reacted to qualifying for finals

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When they learnt that they had made it to the National Martyrs’ Choral Festival grand finale, most choirmasters had one of the two reactions: Disbelief or ecstasy. Some checked twice, even thrice, before believing it, but one truth rang clearly — hard work, harmonies and heavenly hope had paid off.

This Saturday, May 31, Serena Conference Centre will be a grand stage as the choirs (Anglican and Catholic) tussle it out for the cash prizes totalling sh36m. To make the experience extremely delightful, the festival is being sponsored by Equity Bank, Centenary Bank, National Social Security Fund, Pepsi, the Parliament of Uganda and Uganda Revenue Authority. Here are the voices behind the choirs.

The choirmasters and choir mistresses whose passion and prayer carried their teams to Serena’s grand stage.

Lilian Namukwaya

Choir co-ordinator, Morning Glory Choir, St Apollo Kivebulaya, Abayita Ababiri, Entebbe

Lilian Namukwaya.

When Namukwaya received the news, subtlety was not on the set list. “We shouted!” she exclaims.

She goes on: “Their performance wasn’t just about good vocals; it was about challenging assumptions. We only presented quality singing — and the judges liked it.” For a choir sometimes overlooked in the pecking order of ‘usual suspects’, their victory sang volumes.

“To those who didn’t make it,” Namukwaya said: “Heed the judges’ words and improve. There’s always a next time.” Then she signs off like a general rallying her troops to vocal glory: “For God and my choir.”

Vincent Kyalwazi,

Music director, St Charles Lwanga Rubaga Cathedral Choir

Kyalwazi Vincent

When Kyalwazi learnt that his choir had made it to the finals, he could not believe it.

“I checked twice, until I read it in New Vision.” But once the reality settled in, the joy was electric as the choir’s sleepless rehearsals and Kyalwazi’s relentless pursuit of musical finesse had paid off. Yet, rather than bask in glory, Kyalwazi rolled up his sleeves—or rather, raised his baton.

“We immediately began planning — thinking of new techniques, reviewing where we are not perfect.” Now, the choir rehearses tirelessly. “We are fired up not just by the scent of victory, but by a deeper mission. We are ready to give the best performance ever to whoever turns up on Saturday.”

Samuel Sioga

Choirmaster, Rwenzori Diocese, Kampala Fellowship Choir

After claiming third place last year, Sioga and his choir came back with a confident resolve: “This time, we are aiming for the top. We have been preparing for this competition for a while.”

Sioga said he has identified their strength in hymns and classical repertoire and selected two vibrant pieces — the kind that stir both soul and scorecard. “We rehearsed them thoroughly, then submitted our recording to New Vision,” he explains.

And then came the news: “A friend who follows our choir read it in the Friday paper and called me.” Soon after, New Vision sent Sioga a congratulatory message. His team is not leaving things to chance. “This year’s set piece is much more difficult and requires special techniques, but we are up to the challenge,” Sioga said.

Julius Peter Ocari Dyangcal

Choir director, The Shepherds Choir of St Augustine, Church of Uganda, Lira

Julius Peter Ocari Dyangcal.

For Dyangcal, the news of his choir’s qualification was not just a celebration — it was a sacred confirmation. “We received the news with immense joy and deep gratitude to God,” he said with humility. For him and The Shepherds Choir, this was more than just cutting — it was a divine appointment. “It is truly the hand of God that has paved the way.”

Dyangcal reflected, sounding more like a preacher than a choirmaster. But he is not content with just showcasing Lira’s musical excellence, he sees the finale as a national altar.

Ambrose Kizito

Choirmaster, Our Lady Seat of Wisdom SS Choir, Kasawo—Lugazi Diocese

Ambrose Kizito

For Kizito, it was exactly half past noon when he received the good news that sent a ripple of joy through the school compound and made even the shyest chorister hum loudly.

Their journey to the National Martyrs’ Choral Festival finals was fuelled by prayer, passion and hard work. “We have been giving in as much as we could,” Kizito said. With gratitude flowing and voices sharpening, Kizito and his choir are tuning up for what promises to be a memorable performance.