📸 As it was at Museveni's in another rap, again

KAMPALA - President Yoweri Museveni surprised fans once again by unveiling a new rap song during the launch of the Yoweri Album, an event his supporters hailed as a musical “banger.” 

“This is a memorable song. We shall use it at all his campaign rallies,” said one of the organisers at the album launch, held on Saturday (September 27) evening at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala. 

The President, accompanied by First Lady Janet Museveni, thrilled a star-studded audience that included some of Uganda’s leading musicians. 

President Museveni surprised fans once again by unveiling a new rap song during the launch of the Yoweri Album, an event his supporters hailed as a musical “banger.” (All Photos by Eddie Ssejjoba)

The President, accompanied by First Lady Janet Museveni, thrilled a star-studded audience that included some of Uganda’s leading musicians. 

He announced that he would be presenting a new rap track, inspired by folklore. 

He was introduced as a “world-winning rapper” before premiering his latest song, Oruyongoyongo Orwakabaare, which features a sample from his 2020 Yengoma album.

Oruyongoyongo refers to the Grey Heron — a tall, predatory bird found in Uganda and across Africa, known for its skill in hunting fish in shallow waters. 

Museveni praised the musicians for “experimenting” and producing unique genres like Kadongo Kamu. 

The First Lady, and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataha Museveni accompanied the president.

In addition to the song, the President recited a traditional Runyankole poem titled Natem’akati karara karara nikaz’igara. Both the song and the poem, according to organisers, will be added to the 13-track Yoweri Album.

Goldmine 

The album launch was organised by the Uganda National Musicians Federation, led by musician Eddy Kenzo and supported by his wife, Phiona Nyamutoro, the energy state minister. 

Museveni congratulated the duo and the entire music fraternity for organising themselves under one federation. “This was never really the Government’s problem,” he said. 

Kenzo (right) with Nyamutoro

“When we started, the country was in such a poor state. We had to begin with the basics; peace, roads, health and education. We had not yet focused on entertainment and sports.” 

He pointed out that, aside from the renovation of Namboole Stadium, the sports sector remains underdeveloped. 

Museveni recalled an earlier effort to assist musician Bebe Cool, who was trying to set up a recording studio, though the project didn’t take off. “But when Kenzo came along, we had no problem helping the musicians get a common facility,” he said.

Confirming this publicly with Kenzo, Museveni stated that the Government had already provided sh5b in support. “We may not be able to do everything at once, but we can do something,” he added. 

Cultural pride, potential 

The President expressed his excitement about the album’s diverse, indigenous rhythms from Ankole, Buganda, Bugisu, to the Adungo of Alur, Acholi and Langi.

Museveni praised the musicians for “experimenting” and producing unique genres like Kadongo Kamu. 

He encouraged them to collaborate with creatives like Stephen Rwangyezi of the Ndere Troupe, who has successfully blended traditional sounds with modern instruments. “This industry is a goldmine,” he declared. 

“And I am happy with Kenzo’s honesty — he used the Government money appropriately.” 

He further praised Kenzo, whom he called “a son of Safari, a former soldier”, and promised more government support in the near future. 

“After the elections, we are going to do much more. Even if you asked for sh20b or sh30b, we shall give it,” he said, adding that this would help establish proper start-ups for musicians.

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Museveni praised the musicians for “experimenting” and producing unique genres like Kadongo Kamu. Here is a picture highlight as captured by New Vision's Eddie Ssejjoba;