Bobi Wine Warns Artistes Against Relying on Government Handouts
By Muhamadi Matovu
National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, has reiterated his warnings to Ugandan artistes about their increasing dependency on government handouts, describing the practice as degrading.
Speaking to the media at his residence on Monday, Kyagulanyi accused the government of systematically reducing artistes to beggars and criticized musicians for failing to heed his earlier warnings.
“I warned you that these people will make you beggars, and you will end up being despised by those who genuinely support you. For them, they are oppressors, exploiting local Ugandans who have supported you as artists because your songs resonate with their struggles,” Kyagulanyi said.
He accused some artists of betraying their fans and the public by aligning themselves with individuals and systems that oppress ordinary Ugandans.
According to him, accepting government financial handouts has compromised the independence, respect, and value of artistes.
Kyagulanyi singled out General Salim Saleh, the coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation and President Yoweri Museveni’s brother, accusing him of manipulating the music industry despite lacking expertise.
“The man (General Saleh) sits there and disrespects artistes. A guy who cannot even sing one musical note is now the one who controls the music industry because he is the brother of President Museveni and has money to give handouts,” Kyagulanyi said.
He urged artistes to advocate for systemic reforms rather than accepting temporary financial relief.
Kyagulanyi also criticized musicians for failing to support legislative efforts aimed at protecting their rights.
“I told Dr. Hilderman to go to Parliament and present this matter, and he represented the Bill. But most of the artistes have shown little interest,” he said.
Kyagulanyi’s remarks follow comments made by General Saleh during a recent public event in Gulu, where he rejected Emmanuel Suuna, also known as Omulangira Suuna’s song aimed at promoting wealth creation initiatives.
“Musicians, I am tired of you. That one I have to repeat on camera. You have taken a lot of time. I have not even had time to meet the National Resistance Movement people, can you imagine? Because when it is morning, I am meeting Bucha Man; in the afternoon, I am meeting Ragga Dee; in the evening, I am meeting Odongo,” Saleh lamented.
General Saleh has reportedly been overwhelmed by requests for financial support from musicians and comedians visiting his residence in Gulu City.
In a handwritten letter dated November 17, Saleh directed Eddy Kenzo, the President of the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF), to address the situation.
Kyagulanyi emphasized that systemic changes, rather than handouts, are essential to safeguarding the dignity and professionalism of artistes.
He called on musicians to stand together in advocating for reforms that will benefit the entire creative industry.
“This is about protecting the dignity and professionalism of artistes. The government must stop exploiting them for political and personal gain,” he said.
