Jjumba Lubowa Aligaweesa (born 1978) is a Ugandan spiritual leader, cultural revivalist, traditional healer, and award-winning musician. He is globally recognized as the Universal High Priest (Ssabakabona) of Tondism, a native African spiritual and ancestral faith rooted in pre-colonial traditions, distinct from foreign religions such as Christianity and Islam.
Jjumba Lubowa Aligaweesa
With a following of nearly three million believers worldwide and a legacy of training over 1,000 cultural and spiritual practitioners, Jjumba has dedicated his life to reviving, preserving, and celebrating African spirituality and cultural identity. He is also the founder of Baamu Records, a music label focused on traditional and spiritual sounds.
2. Early Life & Spiritual Awakening
Birth & Family Background
Born: 1978
Place: Rakai District (now Kyotera), Uganda
Father: Senyonga Mugerwa Paulo – A Catholic who passed away when Jjumba was very young
After his father’s death, Jjumba was raised by a Muslim relative, Hajj Sulait Mugerwa, and brought up in the Islamic faith. However, his spiritual journey would soon take an extraordinary turn.
Jjumba Lubowa Aligaweesa
Spiritual Calling
By the age of 7, Jjumba began showing signs of spiritual sensitivity. At 13, he was fully recognized as a medium for the spirit Lubowa, beginning his journey into African traditional religion.
Despite not advancing beyond Primary Three (P.3) in formal education, Jjumba’s depth of spiritual knowledge and ancestral connection has transcended academia. His prophetic abilities, healing practices, and leadership would eventually bring him national and international recognition.
3. Rise to Spiritual Leadership: The Birth of Tondism
In 2017, Jjumba was formally consecrated as the First High Priest (Ssabakabona) of the Tondism Faith — a spiritual revival movement aimed at restoring pre-colonial African beliefs, values, and practices.
Jjumba Lubowa Aligaweesa
Achievements as Spiritual Leader:
Founded and registered Enzikiriza Y’obuwangwa n’ennono (Tondism Faith) in Uganda
Established over 100 worship centers across Uganda and the diaspora
Trained and ordained more than 1,000 cultural and spiritual leaders
Co-authored official Tondism doctrines, gazetted by the Ugandan Government in 2021
Received an Honorary Doctorate in African Culture and Heritage from Humboldt University, Berlin
Represented Tondism and African spirituality at UNESCO forums and international cultural summits
Jjumba actively advocates for religious freedom, cultural pride, and the decolonization of African identity, including campaigns against the renaming of African children with foreign names.
4. Music Career & Cultural Impact
Musical Identity
Jjumba is one of Uganda’s most influential cultural musicians, known for his kadongo kamu–inspired sound, poetic lyrics, and deep spiritual messages. He uses music as a medium to revive African heritage and educate communities.
Founding of Baamu Records
Jjumba founded Baamu Records, a label that produces spiritual and cultural music that aligns with the values of Tondism. It also serves as a platform for young traditional artists.
Major Albums
He has released over 30 albums, including:
Zukuuka Africa (2023)
Amaka Ne Nnono (2024)
Obuganda (2024)
Obulamu Bwe’nsi (2025)
Omulangira Bam ft. Ssenga Kulanama (2025)
Signature Songs
“Stress” – A kadongo kamu masterpiece that won him international acclaim at the 2025 Hollywood Independent Music Awards (HIMA) in Los Angeles
“Sebatta wa Leero” – A tribute to cultural icon Fred Sebatta (and Jjumba’s nickname)
Other popular songs: Asamira Lubaale, Ekitamu, Mukodomi, Akabira Kange, Asana Kwagala, Ebyayita Byo
Record-Breaking Cultural Launch
On November 10, 2024, during the Kampala Tuzze Cultural Fest at Club Obligato, Jjumba:
Launched 30 music videos and 50 audio tracks in one night — a first in Uganda’s music history
Performed alongside his wife, Ssenga Kulanama, in a concert celebrating African heritage, spirituality, and storytelling
5. Personal Life
Marriage & Family
Spouse: Nezia Nabakooza, also known as Ssenga Kulanama – a renowned traditional healer, herbalist, and spiritualist
Wedding: 2019, held at the Walusi Sacred Spiritual Site, Luwero District
The couple shares 10 children, including:
Daughter: Najjumba Nakayaga Kalindaluzzi
Also known by her music stage name Peshi Denovah
Emerging singer continuing the family’s legacy of music and cultural preservation
Entrepreneurship & Philanthropy
Together, Jjumba and Kulanama run:
Farms (notably coffee farming)
Real estate businesses
Transport ventures
An NGO affiliated with the Tondism faith focusing on education, cultural empowerment, and community development
6. Media Recognition & Legacy
Jjumba has been featured widely in Ugandan and international media:
Bukedde TV
New Vision
Ennono TV
NTV Uganda
Cultural programs and documentaries
He is praised for:
Pioneering cultural education through music and faith
Championing indigenous African knowledge systems
Advocating for spiritual freedom and identity decolonization
Uplifting communities through Ubuntu, charity, and education
7. Titles, Honors & Accolades
Year Award/Honor Details
2017 High Priest of Tondism Consecrated Ssabakabona (1st Priest)
2021 Government Gazette Official registration of Tondism doctrines
2023 Honorary Doctorate Humboldt University, Berlin
2024 Cultural Record Launched 30 videos + 50 audios in one night
2025 HIMA Nominee & Winner “Stress” nominated & awarded in LA
8. Summary: A Life of Purpose
Jjumba Lubowa Aligaweesa stands at the intersection of tradition and transformation. From a boy with limited schooling and spiritual visions to a continental spiritual leader and international music award winner, his life embodies:
Faith
Resilience
Cultural pride
Creative expression
Through his work, he has awakened a generation to the power of African spirituality, culture, music, and unity.
Biographical Facts at a Glance
Full Name Jjumba Lubowa Aligaweesa
Born 1978, Rakai/Kyotera District, Uganda
Religion Tondism (Indigenous African Faith)
Title Universal High Priest (Ssabakabona)
Profession(s) Spiritual Leader, Musician, Herbalist, Cultural Advocate
Record Label Baamu Records
Wife Nezia Nabakooza (Ssenga Kulanama)
Children 10, including singer Najjumba Nakayaga Kalindaluzzi (aka Peshi Denovah)
Known For Spiritual revival, traditional music, cultural activism