Veteran Ugandan singer Halima Namakula has addressed the backlash surrounding her stage appearance at her 50-year music anniversary concert, saying she owes no one an explanation except her children.
The milestone concert, held over the weekend at the Kampala Serena Hotel, saw Halima take to the stage in outfits designed by a collaboration of three prominent Ugandan fashion designers. While many fans celebrated the iconic singer, some social media users took aim at her fashion choices, claiming she dressed more like a teenager than a mother.
But Halima was quick to respond.
“I don’t care what others think as long as my children approve of how I look,” she said in an interview. “They’re the first to tell me if something doesn’t suit me. Once they give me the green light, that’s all that matters.”

She went on to reveal that her children had personally selected the designs she wore that night, and she felt confident and proud wearing them.
Her daughter, singer Rema Namakula, also came to her defense, applauding her mother’s youthful energy and timeless sense of style.
“She has always had a young spirit. She surrounds herself with young people and keeps up with trends,” Rema said. “It starts from within—she believes she can do anything, and that shows.”
The anniversary concert was a grand celebration of Halima’s legacy, with top-tier production handled by Fenon Records. The event featured world-class lighting, sound, and stage design, setting a new standard for local concerts.