Biography

Halima Namakula, a Ugandan music icon, rose to fame in the late '90s with her breakthrough hit, "Ekimbeewo," initially recorded on a whim during a studio glitch while accompanying her son. Despite not considering herself a singer, the song became a massive success, propelling her into the music industry. At 57, Namakula, known for aging gracefully, attributes her beauty to happiness, healthy living, and her expertise in beauty and modeling.

Having spent most of her adult life in the USA, she returned to Uganda over two decades later to care for her aging mother. In 2003, she founded Women at Work International (WAWI), a charity that initially focused on empowering girls and women, later extending its support to boys. Under WAWI, Namakula has helped over 200 sex workers off the streets and advocated for family planning.

Her dedication to humanitarian work also led her to address the issue of fistula. After a successful collaboration with Dr. Sherry Thomas in 2012, treating 141 women, she continued her sensitization campaign, hosting the first Fistula Walk in 2013. As a mother of four biological children and several adopted ones, Namakula values motherhood as a lifelong blessing and draws inspiration from her own mother's caring nature.

Born and raised in Kalerwe, Namakula faced challenges, becoming a mother at 15 and quitting school. She resumed her education in the USA after joining her husband but faced adversity after his death in 1994. Despite not releasing new music, Namakula leverages her enduring popularity to draw crowds and further her humanitarian efforts, aspiring to be remembered for her significant contributions to Uganda's humanitarian causes