By Nathan Eyagu 

For decades, Kampala has been the heart of Uganda's entertainment and celebrity scene. However, Northern Uganda is now stepping up, making the capital seem small as it continues to host top international celebrities. Once a region known for recovery, it has now become a cultural hotspot, attracting some of the world’s biggest names in music, film, and comedy.

Northern Uganda’s entertainment scene has exploded with international superstars taking center stage in cities like Arua and Gulu. Nigeria’s Afrobeat sensation Fally Ipupa rocked Arua City in 2023, but this year has seen even more top names hitting the stage. Congo’s afro singer Awilo Longomba and Nigeria’s popular comedian Sabinus brought electrifying performances to Arua in 2024, leaving fans in awe and solidifying the north as a new entertainment capital.

As the year comes to a close, Northern Uganda’s entertainment calendar is heating up. Gulu and Arua are set to host even more high-profile acts. On December 21st, Rude Boy, one of Nigeria’s biggest music icons, will take the stage at the renowned Acholi Inn in Gulu City. A week later, on December 28th, Tanzania’s Bongo Flava star Harmonize will headline a major show in Arua City, continuing the trend of international talent gracing Northern Uganda’s stages.

While Kampala has long been known as the "money city" for hosting big artists and lavish events, its entertainment scene seems to be shifting. Currently, the capital is flooded with local events, with fewer international stars making their way to the city. Meanwhile, Northern Uganda is pulling in some of the continent’s biggest entertainers, drawing crowds that rival, if not surpass, Kampala’s.

Northern Uganda is proving it’s not just a place of history or recovery—it's a thriving, dynamic region that’s becoming the future of Ugandan entertainment. As Arua and Gulu continue to attract top global talent, Kampala might soon find itself playing catch-up.