Uncle Chumi Not Sold on Loan-Based UNMF SACCO Support

Uncle Chumi has left many in stitches after boldly declaring that loans from the musicians SACCO are simply not for her, even as government pumps billions into the sector.

The comical singer was reacting to the recent Shs5 billion boost to the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF) SACCO, money meant to help musicians borrow and grow their businesses.

But Chumi? She is already waving the white flag.

Speaking on Sanyuka Uncut, she openly admitted that borrowing money scares her and she is not ready for the pressure that comes with paying it back.

I want to tell the federation this: you said the money is for musicians to borrow and start businesses or ventures that can improve their financial situations. But as for me, I cannot borrow. And if you give me the money, I will not be able to pay it back. I also do not have guarantors.

Earlier this month, UNMF received an additional Shs5 billion, following the Shs5 billion it got in 2024 as part of a wider Shs13 billion allocation.

The money falls under the Shs28 billion Creative Uganda Revolving Fund (CURF), a national initiative designed to help artistes and cultural businesses access affordable financing and better business support.

The fund aims to tackle long standing challenges in the creative industry, including limited access to capital, weak business structures, and poor management of intellectual property.

Out of the Shs28 billion, Shs5 billion is going to musician SACCOs under UNMF.

Another Shs5 billion is meant to strengthen copyright management systems, while Shs18 billion will support SACCOs in nine other creative fields.

Still, as leaders preach structure and sustainability, Chumi is clearly unhappy that the support comes in the form of loans.

And if repayment comes with handcuffs, she says she already knows her fate.

I do not know whether, if you borrow money from the SACCO and fail to pay it back, they arrest you. But if that is the case, then I am ready to be arrested.

Lwasa and I know each other well, and acting that way with him was meant to teach Nash Glow a lesson. – Uncle Chumi#SanyukaUnCut #SanyukaUpdates #FfeBannoDdala pic.twitter.com/fuVLbON6p5

— Sanyuka TV (@sanyukatv) January 27, 2026