Eddy Kenzo, the current president of the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF), has entered into a conflict with veteran artist and politician Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine. The UNMF was established about a month and a half ago with the aim of promoting unity among Ugandan musicians and enhancing their bargaining power to secure better compensation for their creative works.
On Thursday, June 15, Eddy Kenzo took to his social media platforms to accuse Bobi Wine of undermining the efforts of the federation. Kenzo alleged that during Bobi Wine's passionate speech at the funeral of the late artist Kato Lubwama, which took place the day before, Bobi Wine referred to Ugandan artists as "beggars."
In his address at the funeral, Bobi Wine cautioned artists against accepting financial handouts from the government. He warned them that such handouts were intended to distract them from demanding improved legislation and policies that would benefit their cause, specifically mentioning the delayed passage of the Copyright law.
Bobi Wine stated, "As artists, you don't need handouts; what you need is the government's political will... These secretive meetings they invite you to, where they give you 2 million shillings each, are designed to confuse you. The government is not interested in seeing you wealthy because when you are wealthy, you won't have to bow down before Muhoozi or Museveni."
However, Kenzo found these remarks disingenuous and ironic, considering that Bobi Wine's opposition party is receiving funding from the same government. Kenzo questioned why they accepted the money without donating it.
"Those who label us as beggars are themselves included in the national budget every year. They receive a monthly salary, and they have never donated it... You receive your salaries from the government that you claim to be fighting against," Kenzo stated in his response. The internet predictably buzzed with reactions to the exchange.
Bobi Wine's party leadership was the first to come to his defense. David Robongoya, the Secretary General of the National Unity Platform (NUP), tweeted, "Someone is telling them that with the empowerment of good laws and policies, they won't have to bow down to anyone anymore. The arts industry can become a multimillion-dollar venture, as it is in Nigeria, Ghana, and other places. Of course, a few of them feel threatened by this message because once many eyes are opened, it will hinder their deal. It's crazy how they never learn!"
As the clash unfolded, it quickly took on a personal dimension, with musicians, politicians, and other commentators taking sides. Singer Allan Toniks Ampaire, for example, called out Eddy Mutwe, Bobi Wine's Head of Security, and advised him to stick to his own area of expertise.
Sheila Gashumba joined the conversation, expressing her frustration with the excessive involvement of politics at funerals. However, her comments were swiftly criticized by the renowned actor and playwright, John Segawa, who replied via Twitter, "Just focus on promoting your bars and building your brand. Avoid commenting on matters that are beyond your comprehension."
Not wanting to miss out on the discussion, socialite Bad Black addressed Kenzo directly and commended his former partner, Rema, for leaving him. She questioned how Kenzo could claim to fight for Uganda's music when he had failed to fight for his own relationship.
Singer Sizza Man also took a dig at Kenzo's education, and his comments were amplified by Bobi Wine himself, adding to the ongoing exchange of opinions and criticisms.