More Ugandan artists show political interest

By Simon Peter Tumwine

Several Ugandan artists have shown political interest in Ugandan politics after some of the reknown musicians and comedians won different political seats in the Parliament of Uganda.

Yesterday at the People Power pressure group head offices in Kamwokya, some artists were seen returning their nomination forms for different parliamentary seats and other different posts in the government of Uganda.

Sadat Mukibi alias Khalifah Aganaga, Derrick Katongole commonly known as Victor Kamenyo, Muhammad Ssegirinya Kawempe North Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA) councilor and many others were witnessed as they returned their nomination forms with different political interest in the areas they reside in.

Umar Magara in charge of receiving the nomination forms at the People Power head offices said so far 396 people had been nominated for the different posts of the as Members of Parliament and more are still bringing in their nominations.

He further said the handing in of the nomination forms of the all the MPs will be on July 17.

"I have been having this idea of being a leader for a period of four and this was after seeing Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu the president of the People power Pressure a group becoming a revolutionist in Uganda," Mukiibi said.

He said, "I didn't want to just seat but I want to be a participant and I wanted to come out and also, be part of the key people that are going to change the country."

Mukiibi who has been nominated for the post of the Rubaga South Member of Parliament on the People Power card said most youths have been unemployed for so long and although you have the talent like in music, the law doesn't favor you because in Uganda copyright laws are not that obeyed.

The country's population is mostly made of the youth but they are the least employed but if we are looking at the country's budget you will release that mount invest in the army is much yet we are not at war with anyone.

"Uganda is a peaceful country, why do we invest all that money in the security instead of creating more employment and business sectors of the youth," He added.

Mukiibi added that he won't be giving up his musical profession.

Ssegirinya Kawempe North Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA) councilor who had also returned his nominations forms said that he could be scared of his competitors in the Kawempe North Member of Parliament seat.

However, on Tuesday police stormed and fired teargas among people power supporters and nominees that had returned their forms for various posts in the 2021/26 government.

Luke Owoyesigire Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson refuted the claims that police had fired teargas into the People Power Head Offices but further clarified that the main reason as to why the police fired teargas was to disperse the crowds that were going against the Ministry of Health of guidelines and the presidential directives.