''Upcoming artist' Museveni donates to music cause

By Pascal Kwesiga

PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has contributed sh400m towards the construction of an office block for an association of Ugandan artists. 

The President released his first song Mpenkoni barely five years ago. His latest release ‘Yengoma’ has received massive hits (views) on video-sharing site YouTube. 'Yengoma' released last week, had hit over 6,100 views and 7,500 downloads by Thursday.  

The President announced his contribution after local music and art performers begged him to find them land where they can set up their headquarters and make financial contribution towards its construction.

PHOTOGRAPHY/Eddie Ssejjoba

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"I don't know how much your office block will cost. My initial contribution is sh400m," Museveni said. However, the President didn't respond to their request for land. 

The artists made the request at a music and art performance dubbed, Ekyeppukulu, at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole in Wakiso on Sunday.

Museveni, who arrived at the event attended by thousands of revellers shortly before 11pm, received a barrage of requests from the artists before he addressed the exuberant partygoers.

Geoffrey Lutaaya, a local artist, who spoke on behalf of musicians, thanked the President for the peaceful environment ushered in by his Government which allows them to travel and stage musical shows across the country.

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"We request you to engage us whenever there is need to educate the people about any Government programs," he added.

Andrew Kibuuka, the president of performing artists of Uganda, assured the President that they are prepared to traverse the country to market Government projects.

Kibuuka claimed that Ugandans 'love' artists a lot, and that they take their messages as 'gospel truth.'

He implored Museveni to throw his weight behind the entertainment industry since he became ‘their very own.’       

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Mpenkoni was used to drum up support for the President during the previous campaigns. Addressing party goers, the President said his Government supports artists because they play a role in entertaining and educating the society.

"I am happy to know that many of you are involved in the industry. I am also very happy that you are organized," he added, "Since you are organized, it is easy to support you. I will discuss with your leaders to find out how we can support you."

The Government, he said, enacted the Copyrights Law to protect the artists' work, but the enforcement of the legislation is ineffective probably because of the police's limited understanding of the industry.

Museveni who left the event at 11:30pm cautioned the revellers against reckless behaviour which may expose them to HIV/AIDS.

Various local artists – Bebe Cool, Jose Chameleon, Pallaso and David Lutalo performed.