George Wilberforce Kakoma


George Wilberforce Kakoma was a Ugandan musician who wrote and composed "Oh Uganda, Land of Beauty", Uganda's national anthem.

Early life and education

Kakoma was born during the 1920s in what is now the southern part of Uganda's Masaka District. He graduated from the Trinity College of Music and Durham University.

Career

Prior to Uganda's independence, three sub-committees were established to deal with Uganda’s national symbols. The sub-committee for the creation of a national anthem encouraged Ugandans to submit their proposals.
In July 1962, the committee chose Kakoma's composition. It had taken him a day to compose the music and writer the lyrics for "Oh Uganda, Land of Beauty".
Kakoma worked as a music teacher in the Masaka District.

Later life and death

Kakoma died on 8 April 2012 in Kampala's Kololo suburb, aged 89. He had been ill since February 2011.

Publications