Minister Amongi to Lobby for Separate Budget for Music Promoters

By Arthur Bogere Kazibwe

Hon. Betty Amongi, the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, under which the art industry falls, has addressed the recent meeting held with music promoters at her office a week ago.

In that meeting, I was tasked to sit down with the promoters and listen to their concerns. The government had released some funds to musicians, but the promoters raised complaints that they were given too little. After our discussion, we concluded that I would present their concerns to President Museveni and lobby for a separate budget specifically for promoters.

She further emphasized that the government recognizes the role and importance of promoters.

If the government did not know who the promoters were, it would not have extended financial support to them during the COVID-19 period.

Minister Amongi also urged the promoters to remain calm and not to demonstrate, assuring them that their concerns are being addressed.

I spoke to them and asked for their patience as the government works on their issues.

In conclusion, she thanked Cindy Sanyu, President of the Uganda Musicians Association (UMA), and Phinnah Masanyalaze, the General Secretary, for agreeing to collaborate with the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF) led by Eddy Kenzo.