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NUMA Awards 2026 unveils 39 categories and a new venue
9 November 2026, 6:50 pm
By Ekel Bonny Daniel
The Northern Uganda Music Awards (NUMA) has announced major developments for its 2026 edition, unveiling 39 award categories, introducing new regional recognitions and relocating the annual event to a new venue.
The announcements were made during a press conference held 9th November 2026 at Acholi Inn Hotel in Gulu City, attended by NUMA officials and members of the media.
Speaking at the press conference, NUMA CEO Okot Juma Jammie explained that the decision to relocate the awards from Pece Memorial Stadium to Police Primary School, also known as Vanguard Primary School, follows the ongoing upgrading of Pece Stadium ahead of the African cup of nations (AFCON) 2027.
He said the new venue offers better security, a spacious compound, a well-fenced environment, a large entrance gate and more sanitation facilities. He also promised an improved event experience, including a high-standard VIP setting.
Reflecting on NUMA’s journey since 2002, Jami revealed that the awards started with approximately 80 attendees and a UGX 100,000 top prize.
Today, the Overall Artist of the Year receives UGX 2 million, demonstrating the awards’ growth and commitment to recognising musical talent.
Organising Committee Chairperson Tempra Omona described NUMA 2026 as a symbol of growth, resilience and regional inclusion.
He explained that the introduction of South Sudanese and Teso artist categories recognises the strong musical and cultural connections between these communities and Northern Uganda.
NUMA Secretary Cankara David (CK) announced that the awards have expanded from approximately 34 categories last year to 39 this year.
The five new categories are South Sudanese Male Artist of the Year, South Sudanese Female Artist of the Year, Teso Male Artist of the Year, Teso Female Artist of the Year and Dance Group of the Year.
NUMA 2026 nominations will officially open on December 1 and run for 14 days through online platforms and partner radio stations, including 102.1 Mega FM, 89.5 Speak FM, 95.7 Radio Rupiny,104.1 Favour FM, 94.3 QFM Lira and Mega 100.
Fans are encouraged to nominate their favorite artists and support their participation.
The organisers have called on artists, fans, sponsors and other stakeholders to support the 2026 edition.
Official list of award categories
A. Overall and Regional Artist Categories
- Overall Artist of the Year
- Overall Artist of the Year – First Runner-Up
- Acholi Male Artist of the Year
- Acholi Female Artist of the Year
- Lango Male Artist of the Year
- Lango Female Artist of the Year
- West Nile Male Artist of the Year
- West Nile Female Artist of the Year
- Karamoja Male Artist of the Year
- Karamoja Female Artist of the Year
B. Music Genre and Song Categories
- Lakubukubu Song of the Year
- Dancehall Artist of the Year
- Hip-Hop Artist of the Year
- Gospel Artist of the Year
- Afrobeat Artist of the Year
- R&B Artist of the Year
- Breakthrough Artist of the Year
- Collaboration of the Year
- New Artist of the Year
- Rumba Song of the Year
- Song of the Year
C. Talent and Entertainment Categories
- Young Talent of the Year
- Best Aguma Group of the Year
- Comedian of the Year
- DJ of the Year
- MC of the Year
- Most Consistent Artist of the Year
- Producer of the Year
D. Media and Industry Categories
- Content Creator of the Year
- Blogger of the Year
- Radio Personality of the Year
- Legendary Artist of the Year
E. Special Recognition Categories
- Special Recognition Award – First Recipient
- Special Recognition Award – Second Recipient
F. Newly Introduced Categories for 2026
- South Sudanese Male Artist of the Year
- South Sudanese Female Artist of the Year
- Teso Male Artist of the Year
- Teso Female Artist of the Year
- Dance Group of the Year