Billions of shillings meant for Uganda’s musicians are gathering dust as an ugly standoff brews behind closed doors.
Sources inside the music industry tell Kelele UG that the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development released a multi-billion package—reportedly around Shs33 billion—to support artists through the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF). But weeks later, most musicians haven’t seen a coin.
The reason? Insiders allege that a network of gatekeepers tried to skim “facilitation fees,” locally known as kintu kidogo, before releasing the money. UNMF boss Eddy Kenzo is said to have flatly refused, arguing that caving in would create a paper trail of corruption that could haunt them in future audits.
Promoters are furious. Several have publicly declared Kenzo persona non grata at their events, accusing him of sidelining them and hoarding funds for his allies. Videos of protests in Gulu show promoters vowing not to return to Kampala until their grievances are addressed.
Comedians and other creatives are also crying foul. Teacher Mpamire has openly accused Kenzo of hijacking a Shs5 billion creatives’ package, saying only musicians registered under UNMF are accessing funds.
Kenzo himself has kept tight-lipped, insisting only that the federation received money but declining to share figures. “I’m not comfortable revealing details,” he reportedly told one outlet.
Behind the scenes, the fight has exposed deep fractures in Uganda’s entertainment industry:
– Government money was disbursed, but transparency remains murky.
– Promoters and other creatives feel excluded.
– UNMF’s tough stance could either mark a stand for accountability—or fuel accusations of selfishness.
For now, the billions remain untouched, and Uganda’s music industry is buzzing with tension.
Kelele UG will continue to follow the money trail.
