Eddy Kenzo, one of Uganda’s most prominent musicians, has come forward to clarify his stance on politics, emphasizing that he has no intention of contesting for any political position in the foreseeable future. This statement comes amidst growing speculation following his involvement in the formation of the Uganda National Musician Federation (UNMF), a move that has sparked controversy within the music industry.
Kenzo, along with other artists, broke away from the Uganda Musicians Association (UMA) to establish the UNMF. This decision led to a significant rift in the industry, particularly with artists affiliated with Bobi Wine’s National Unity Platform (NUP), who have criticized the federation for allegedly accepting billions from the government without addressing long-term issues like copyright law reforms.
Addressing these criticisms, Kenzo, who was once a vocal critic of the government, explained that he made a conscious decision to set politics aside in favor of focusing on the welfare of the music industry. He revealed that his decision to engage with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was driven by a desire to find solutions that benefit all artists, not just a select few.
“Do not expect me to contest for any political position anywhere because I’m not a politician. I tried my best to go back on ground and help my friends because charity begins at home,” Kenzo stated, emphasizing his commitment to the creative industry rather than politics.
Kenzo also addressed the ongoing propaganda that he believes is intended to sow division among artists. He argued that unity among artists is crucial for gaining bargaining power and that the UNMF’s efforts are aimed at developing the creative sector, which he noted is a significant contributor to the country’s economy.
“We are non-partisan because we have so many creatives who do not even know how politics work. Who will represent such a person? That means we have to create a common ground that will favor all of us, and we can’t do that without bargaining,” Kenzo explained during a recent meeting.
The artist further responded to criticisms from Bobi Wine, who had urged artists to stop meeting with the president, accusing him of turning them into beggars. Kenzo countered this by stating that the government, being the policymaker, is the only entity capable of addressing their issues.
“People are talking, but there is no one we can reach out to for help if it’s not the government because they are the ones that run this country. They are the people we can sit and discuss the situation with because they are the ones that make policies,” Kenzo remarked.
In a show of support for President Museveni, Kenzo expressed gratitude for the assistance he has received, asserting his right to support whoever he chooses.
“If I wake up one morning and start supporting Museveni, it is not bad. You are also allowed to support whoever you want. Going by the way things are looking, I have every right to support him. Now that he has brought the poor like me closer and listened to my issues, I love him the most. But that is just me, you have your own choices,” Kenzo concluded.
As Eddy Kenzo continues to navigate his role in the music industry, his focus remains on uniting artists and advocating for the betterment of the creative sector, while firmly distancing himself from political ambitions.
