Despite his well-known friendship with Eddy Kenzo, Latinum insists he has never personally benefited from the Uganda National Musicians Federation> (UNMF).
And now? He’s calling for major changes within the organization.
🎙️ “I’ve Never Benefited From UNMF”
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Speaking during a YouTube podcast interview on RedNuts KingKampala TV, Latinum directly addressed growing whispers that his close relationship with Kenzo has earned him preferential treatment inside the Federation.
His response?
Not true.
According to Latinum, while the UNMF has supported many artists in Uganda’s music industry, he is not one of the beneficiaries.
He emphasized that his friendship with Kenzo has never translated into special favors, financial backing, or behind-the-scenes privileges from the musicians’ umbrella body.
“I don’t have any issue with my president Eddy Kenzo. He has tried his level best and he’s human too. Sometimes he makes mistakes and other times he does right.”
That statement alone sent social media into discussion mode — because while Latinum defended Kenzo personally, he didn’t hold back on criticizing the system.
🤝 Friendship Without Favoritism
Latinum made it clear: his bond with Kenzo is personal, not transactional.
In Uganda’s tight-knit entertainment circles, affiliations often spark speculation. When Kenzo was elected president of UNMF, fans and critics alike assumed artists close to him would automatically benefit.
Latinum says that assumption is wrong.
He stressed that he has never used his relationship with the award-winning star to influence decisions within the Federation.
And he seemed determined to protect Kenzo’s integrity — even while proposing reforms.
🏛️ The Registration Fee Controversy
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While praising Kenzo’s leadership efforts, Latinum expressed dissatisfaction with the current registration structure of the Uganda National Musicians Federation.
His main concern?
Money.
According to Latinum, the mandatory membership fees — along with additional SACCO-related charges — create barriers that discourage artists, especially upcoming talents, from joining.
“I’m requesting my president to remove the registration fee of the Federation and make it easy for any musician to register without anything attached to it.”
He suggested that fees should only apply when an artist opts into financial benefits like loans through the SACCO.
In other words:
- Joining the Federation? Free.
- Accessing loans or financial services? Pay applicable fees.
Simple — at least in his view.
💰 “Too Many Charges” – Latinum Speaks Out
Latinum didn’t stop there.
He argued that the layered structure of payments feels excessive:
- Fee to join the Federation
- Fee to subscribe to the SACCO
- Fee to access loans
To him, that structure creates unnecessary obstacles.
“They ask for money to join the federation, ask for money to join the SACCO and also ask for money to get the loan. Uncle Eddy, let’s change that.”
The use of “Uncle Eddy” softened the blow — but the message was direct.
He believes being a musician should automatically qualify someone for membership, without mandatory payments attached.
🎶 Why This Matters for Ugandan Musicians
The Uganda National Musicians Federation was formed to unify artists, protect their rights, and strengthen the music industry.
For many, it represents:
- Advocacy and representation
- Access to financial empowerment programs
- Industry organization and structure
- Collective bargaining power
But Latinum’s comments highlight a recurring debate within creative industries globally:
Should membership in artists’ bodies be free to encourage inclusivity? Or fee-based to sustain operations?
For struggling musicians, even small registration fees can feel like a heavy burden — especially in an industry where income can be unpredictable.
Latinum positioned himself as speaking on behalf of those artists.
📲 Social Media Reacts
Clips from the interview quickly made rounds on TikTok and YouTube, sparking conversations among fans and fellow artists.
Some applauded Latinum for:
- Speaking honestly despite his friendship with Kenzo
- Advocating for younger musicians
- Encouraging transparency within the Federation
Others argued:
- Organizations need funding to operate
- Removing fees may not be financially realistic
- Criticism should be addressed internally, not publicly
The debate continues.
👑 Eddy Kenzo’s Leadership Under the Spotlight
As president of UNMF, Eddy Kenzo carries significant responsibility.
A globally recognized artist and BET Award winner, Kenzo has long advocated for unity within Uganda’s music industry.
Latinum acknowledged Kenzo’s effort and humanity:
“He has tried his level best and he’s human too.”
That statement suggests the criticism isn’t personal — it’s structural.
Still, public pressure can influence policy discussions, especially when coming from respected artists within the industry.
Whether UNMF will reconsider its registration model remains to be seen.
🔍 Bigger Industry Conversation
This moment speaks to broader issues in African entertainment industries:
- Accessibility for emerging artists
- Transparency in organizational governance
- Balancing sustainability with inclusivity
- Financial literacy and cooperative structures
Many musician federations globally operate through tiered membership systems — free basic access with optional paid services.
Latinum’s proposal aligns with that hybrid model.
The question is whether Uganda’s Federation is prepared to shift.
🚨 What Happens Next?
As of now, neither Eddy Kenzo nor the Uganda National Musicians Federation has issued an official response to Latinum’s proposal.
But the conversation is active.
And in today’s digital age, public discourse can quickly influence policy direction.
If enough artists echo Latinum’s concerns, changes could follow.
If not, the current structure may remain intact.
Either way, the spotlight is firmly on UNMF’s registration framework.
Final Take
Latinum Lati has drawn a clear line:
- He hasn’t benefited from UNMF.
- His friendship with Eddy Kenzo hasn’t earned him favors.
- And he believes Federation membership should be more accessible.
His comments weren’t explosive — but they were strategic.
Support the president.
Critique the system.
Advocate for artists.
Now the ball is in UNMF’s court.
What do you think — should the Uganda National Musicians Federation remove registration fees, or are they necessary to sustain the organization?
Drop your thoughts below and stay tuned for more exclusive updates on Uganda’s entertainment industry.
