Ugandan musician and presidential adviser on ghetto affairs, Buchaman, has opened up about his deep regret over joining the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), claiming he feels completely sidelined and betrayed by the very system he once served passionately.
Buchaman—real name Mark Bugembe—was appointed by President Yoweri Museveni to help mobilize and empower youth in urban ghettos. But years later, the former Firebase Crew member says most of his ideas to uplift struggling communities have been deliberately sabotaged.
“It hurt me, but that’s how NRM is,” Buchaman said candidly. “People start things, and other people jump on them because we come up with our ideas—and people whose aim is to eat money chase you out.”
💔 “I Was Pushed Out by Selfish People”
The singer, known for his street influence and close ties to fellow artist-turned-politician Bobi Wine, didn’t hold back when describing his frustration. He says a small clique within the ruling party has monopolized decision-making, sidelining those with real passion for grassroots change.
“It’s a small group—maybe five people—who dominate everything,” he revealed. “They frustrate genuine efforts and even go as far as badmouthing others to the President.”
According to Buchaman, these individuals have turned community development projects into personal money-making ventures, leaving the ghetto youth—the very people he was tasked to represent—abandoned.
😔 “I Mobilized for Them, Now They Don’t Appreciate Me”
Buchaman’s voice carried both anger and disappointment as he reflected on the energy he invested in building ghetto structures, organizing youth, and promoting mindset change among marginalized communities.
“I regret that I spent my time mobilizing the ghetto structures and mindset change for them, and now I’m not appreciated,” he lamented.
When he first joined NRM, Buchaman said he believed it was an opportunity to create real transformation—especially for the poor and unemployed youth in Kampala’s slums. But he now admits that dream has been shattered.
“We had plans for self-reliance, for skill-building, for changing lives. But they didn’t want that—they only cared about their pockets,” he added.
⚠️ From Hope to Frustration: Inside Buchaman’s Journey
Buchaman’s relationship with politics began after he fell out with Bobi Wine and joined forces with Museveni’s camp ahead of the 2021 elections. At the time, his appointment as presidential adviser on ghetto affairs was seen as a bold move by the NRM to reach disillusioned youth who once supported opposition voices.
However, years later, Buchaman says the promises of empowerment never materialized. He claims that despite being on the President’s advisory team, his projects to provide skills, music training, and employment programs were either underfunded or completely ignored.
“We had big ideas for the ghettos—music studios, training centers, and campaigns for self-employment—but nothing moved because of the same people blocking progress,” he said.
💬 “They Badmouth Us to Stay in Power”
According to Buchaman, internal politics have taken over what was supposed to be a mission of service. He alleges that certain individuals within the system use manipulation and gossip to protect their positions, even if it means ruining others’ reputations.
“They talk bad about us to the President so that they can stay in his good books,” he said. “When you try to work honestly, they isolate you.”
The singer claims he has been blacklisted from key meetings and events, effectively cutting him off from opportunities to present his ideas directly to leadership.
🎙️ A Voice for the Ghetto That Was Silenced
For many Ugandans, Buchaman’s appointment once symbolized hope—a sign that voices from the streets could finally influence policy. But his latest statements reveal the deep cracks in that vision.
While the NRM has often praised him for helping connect with ghetto communities, Buchaman says the system no longer listens to the people who truly understand life on the ground.
“The ghetto is full of talent, full of dreams,” he said. “But how can we grow when those in power keep shutting us down?”
📣 Fans and Critics React
Buchaman’s emotional confession has ignited conversation across social media, with many Ugandans sympathizing with his situation—while others see it as a predictable outcome of his political alignment.
One Facebook user commented:
“He thought joining NRM would change things, but now he sees the truth. They used him.”
Another added:
“Buchaman meant well. The system just doesn’t want people who speak up.”
However, some critics argue that Buchaman made his choice and must now live with the consequences.
“He betrayed the Firebase family for politics. Karma is real,” one tweet read.
✊ A Turning Point for Buchaman?
Though visibly frustrated, Buchaman’s tone suggested that he hasn’t lost his passion for community work. Sources close to the musician hint that he might return to independent activism—possibly reuniting with some of his former collaborators to continue empowering ghetto youth without political interference.
Whether he remains aligned with NRM or decides to walk away, one thing is clear: Buchaman’s trust in the system has been badly shaken.
“We wanted change for our people,” he said quietly. “But now I see it was never about us.”
🔚 Final Thoughts
Buchaman’s candid revelation exposes a deeper struggle within Uganda’s political and entertainment landscape—where power, loyalty, and personal gain often overshadow genuine service.
His story serves as a powerful reminder of how easily idealism can be crushed by corruption and politics. Yet, it also reignites conversation about the ghetto’s future—and who truly speaks for its people.
💬 What do you think of Buchaman’s confession?
Was he used by the system, or did he play himself? Share your thoughts below and stay tuned to Entertainment Page One (E Page One) for the latest celebrity and political tea.
