Ronald Mayinja overwhelmed by Museveni recognition

______________

Singer Ronald Mayinja is still over the moon days after President Museveni recognized him as one of the artistes who have contributed to the development of the country.

The president made the comments last Friday at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds during a ceremony to mark his legacy.

“I am so happy that the President publicly acknowledged me during his address, recognizing me out of many who have contributed to his government. He chose me among so many who were present and even those who are not in the country. He chose me, I am fortunate,” an elated-sounding Mayinja said during a phone interview.

He added that the recognition is very significant in his life.

Referring to the Bible, he said it was God’s way of lifting him, as a needy person, from the ash heap to sit with princes.

“To be one of the people whose name can be mentioned by the country's leader, I see that God's word has come true in my life. It is not of my own making, it is God's grace,” he added.

Without mentioning names, he advised artistes who choose not to perform for the president to stop criticizing those who do.

He also explained that as a businessman, he is well paid by the Government for performances. “I expressed my thoughts and ideas in the song (Mzee) I composed for the President, and he found them intriguing, which has benefited me,” he explained.

Mayinja is one of the founding members of the now-defunct Eagles Production Band who first showed allegiance to the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) before shifting to the NRM party. The other artiste commended by the president was Jose Chameleone.