Several prominent members of the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF), overseen by Eddy Kenzo, find themselves embroiled in a significant controversy. Allegations have surfaced suggesting that they misused over Shs5 billion received from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as a stimulus fund aimed at bolstering the arts and creative industries.
President Museveni recently emphasized during the 2024/25 budget reading that corruption remains a substantial obstacle to Uganda’s socio-economic progress. He reaffirmed his commitment to combating graft vigorously, stating, “We are determined to eradicate corruption. Those involved seem to forget our capability and authority, which we will employ if necessary. Such corrupt acts insult our national heroes.”
The misuse of funds appears widespread not only within governmental circles but also within Uganda’s creative industry. It’s alleged that instead of utilizing the funds to launch projects that would benefit a broader spectrum of artists, a select group of established musicians within the UNMF allegedly diverted the money for personal gain.
Names like Eddy Kenzo, Shebah Karungi, Pallaso Mayanja, Juliana Kanyomozi, and Hanson Baliruno have been prominently linked to the scandal. Reports suggest that the Shs5 billion, originally intended to support struggling musicians through the UNMF SACCO, was unfairly distributed among the federation’s top brass, who allegedly channeled significant portions into personal ventures rather than communal projects.
The matter has attracted the attention of investigative bodies including the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and the Inspector General of Government (IGG). They are currently probing the allegations of financial mismanagement within UNMF, focusing on accountability and the transparency of the fund’s allocation.
Sources close to the investigation reveal that certain influential artists purportedly received substantial sums, with some allegedly receiving as much as Shs200 million each. This stark disparity in distribution has fueled accusations of favoritism and misappropriation within the federation’s leadership.
Moreover, concerns have been raised over the lack of documented agreements regarding the funds. Despite assertions by some artists that the money was disbursed as loans rather than grants, many recipients reportedly did not sign any loan agreements. This discrepancy raises serious questions about the accountability mechanisms employed by UNMF under Kenzo’s leadership.
The fallout from these revelations has exacerbated existing divisions within Uganda’s music community. Some musicians have voiced their dissatisfaction, prompting calls for thorough investigations into UNMF’s operations and leadership.
Looking ahead, the Office of the IGG plans to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into UNMF’s internal structures, focusing on how funds were allocated and who bears responsibility for their mismanagement. This investigation aims to shed light on the extent of the alleged corruption and hold those accountable who may have exploited their positions for personal gain.
As the investigation unfolds, stakeholders within Uganda’s music industry await further developments, hoping for clarity and justice amidst the cloud of allegations that has tarnished the reputation of the UNMF and its affiliated artists.
