Julie Mutesasira is a Ugandan-Canadian gospel singer celebrated for popular tracks like Nkulembera and Lwana Nabo throughout East Africa. She has shifted from Uganda to Canada, advancing her gospel music career amid personal transformations.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Julie Birungi (aka Julie Mutesasira, Julie Nalugya) |
| Date of Birth | February 27, 1978 |
| Place of Birth | Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda |
| Nationality | Ugandan-Canadian |
| State of Origin | Kampala (Central Uganda, Buganda) |
| Partner | Jean (wife, married 2020) |
| Children | Esther, Ezekiel, Elizabeth |
| Occupations | Gospel singer, musician |
| Labels | Independent (no specific label noted) |
| Net Worth | $400,000 – $450,000 |
Early Life and Education
Julie Birungi, better known as Julie Mutesasira or Julie Nalugya, entered the world on February 27, 1978, in Kampala, Uganda.
She was raised in Old Kampala and later Kanyanya, both Kampala suburbs, Julie was the firstborn of three children to the late Henry Ssebatta and Rose Lutwama. She started singing at five years old in St. Matia Mulumba Church, attending Kampala Kindergarten for early schooling, Buganda Road Primary School through P.7, and joining church choirs early on, inspired by figures like Jimmy Katumba.
Career
Julie launched her music journey with the 2004 single Nakwagala, her debut that gained traction in church circles and local competitions. She rose through church performances, blending gospel with love songs like Ekikunyumira and Lwana Nabo, which became East African hits and boosted her visibility.
Albums such as Nkwekutte (her first full project), Abasinga, and Yesu Sente Za Kibuga followed, showcasing her versatility in Luganda worship and praise tracks. Collaborations, notably Bamuyita Yesu (also known as Yani) with Iryn Namubiru, earned widespread acclaim and award nods.
By 2016, after her divorce and move to Canada, she continued releasing music independently, including Saba, List Ya Mukama, and Kijja Kugwa, which dominated gospel playlists. Her digital presence exploded with millions of streams on platforms like YouTube and Apple Music.
In recent years, she has sustained momentum with live performances in the diaspora, gospel events, and her 2026 album Kamuwane, featuring fresh worship anthems that reflect her evolved personal and artistic journey.
Personal Life
Previously wed to Pastor Steven Mutesasira until their 2016 split, Julie shares three children—Esther, Ezekiel (winners of East Africa’s Got Talent 2019), and Elizabeth—with him. After moving to Canada, she announced her lesbian identity in 2020 and wed her partner Jean that year, marking seven years together by 2022.
Net Worth
Her wealth sits estimated at $400,000 to $450,000, drawn from music sales, live shows, and ventures in Uganda. With no big 2026 shifts noted, fresh releases like Kamuwane point to steady income.
Selected Discography
Songs:
- Asobola
- Ntelekera
- Ekikunyumira
- Tokikola
- Gwenjagala
- Tokola Ensobi
- Nkizudde
- Ngateyakutonderwa
- Lwana Nabo
- List Ya Mukama
- Nzuuno
- Ndayira
- Sikyaadayo
- Katonda Nange
- Nkwagala
- Yani (Bamuyita Yesu, feat. Iryn Namubiru)
Albums:
- Nkwekutte
- Abasinga
- Yesu Sente Za Kibuga
- Kamuwane (2026)
Awards and Recognition
Among her honors are Best Female Gospel Song for Saba (HiPipo 2014), Best Religious Song for List Ya Mukama (HiPipo 2015), Song of the Year (Olive Gospel 2012), Female Artist of the Year (VIGA 2016), and Diva Collabo for Yani (DIVA 2011). She earned a nomination for Best Religious Song with Kijja Kugwa (HiPipo 2016).
