Musician Mark Bugembe, better known as Bucha Man, is calling for recognition and financial compensation from the National Unity Platform (NUP), led by Bobi Wine. As a key figure in the original Firebase Crew, which played a significant role in Bobi Wine's rise to fame, Bucha Man believes he and other former crew members deserve to be appreciated by the political establishment.
"We, as Firebase, are the people who made Bobi Wine. That's why we, the 'old soldiers,' need to be on a salary," Bucha Man expressed. He compared his demand to how NUP compensates its current administrators, such as Rubongoya and Joel Ssenyonyi, stating that they too should be paid.
When asked who should cover the costs, Bucha Man pointed to Bobi Wine himself, saying, "The principal should be the one paying us directly. If others are receiving salaries, we should too." Despite Bobi Wine being restricted by the government from holding concerts, Bucha Man insisted, "That man is known to be one of the wealthiest in the country. He needs no more prayers."
Bucha Man, who once served as Vice President of Firebase Crew, has since aligned himself with President Yoweri Museveni as an advisor on ghetto affairs. Although he hasn’t spoken to Bobi Wine in years, he remains open to reconciliation, should the opposition leader reach out.