On August 21, 2024, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni met with over 100 Ugandan musicians at State House, Entebbe. The event, organized by Hellen Seku, the Commissioner of Patriotism in the President’s Office, aimed to discuss the music industry’s role in national development. Leading the musicians was Eddy Kenzo, president of the Uganda Musicians Federation, with notable attendees like Bebe Cool and Jose Chameleone.

Museveni reaffirmed the government’s support for the music industry and encouraged artists to use their platforms to promote the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) message of wealth creation, which aligns with efforts to reduce poverty. He urged them to compose patriotic, constructive music that supports Uganda’s development. The president also directed Commissioner Seku to organize patriotism and ideological training for musicians by the end of the year.

Further, Museveni cautioned against identity-based politics, stressing that musicians should focus on promoting unity and national interests. Eddy Kenzo raised concerns about the lack of protection for artists’ intellectual property, requesting faster action on the copyright law.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Hon. Betty Amongi, and Minister of State for Gender and Culture, Hon. Peace Mutuuzo. The musicians expressed their appreciation for the president’s support and pledged to back government programs aimed at socio-economic transformation.