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Quick Facts
Born
1980
1980
From
Uganda
Uganda
Journey
St Balikuddembe Mitala Maria is a renowned Ugandan musical group based at St Balikuddembe Senior Secondary School in Mitala-Maria, Mpigi District. Named after Uganda's first Catholic martyr, Saint Joseph Mukasa Balikuddembe (1860–1885), the ensemble connects to a deep cultural and spiritual heritage.
The group's history is closely linked to the school's origins. As headmaster Charles Ssebunnya recalls, the school struggled in the early 1980s with only about a dozen students. Recognizing the power of music, he started and developed a school choir, which evolved into the current ensemble through disciplined training from his experience at Bukalasa Seminary.
Students from various local family backgrounds united in the choir, maintaining both academic discipline and musical excellence. The ensemble’s communal spirit mirrors the strong local and religious roots of Mitala-Maria parish, established in 1899 by the White Fathers.
By the mid-1990s, the choir had gained national recognition. Their songs were aired on CBS FM and other radio stations, and their performances at venues like State House and events such as the Mbarara Coca-Cola Football Cup boosted their profile. This success transformed public perception of the school from obscurity to a cultural hub.
Specializing in traditional and religious music, the ensemble skillfully combines local gospel hymns, kadongo-kamu, and traditional melodies. Notable songs include “Ntambula Ngaludde” and “Kyenina.”
