A section of top Ugandan artistes have formed a new association, the Uganda National Musicians’ Federation (UNMF) announcing a breakaway from the Uganda Musicians Association (UMA).
The new body elected Edirisa Musuuza alias Eddy Kenzo as its President, with Sheebah Karungi, Pallaso, and Juliana Kanyomozi elected as Vice Presidents, while Moses Ssali aka Bebe Cool will be in charge of finance, plus other regional representatives.
The federation announced its new executive on Saturday, May 06, after meeting the Prime Minister of Uganda, Robinah Nabbanja at her office in Kampala.
The musicians pleaded to Nabbanja to support the newly formed federation saying their initiative aims to unite musicians and promote their interests in Uganda by bringing together all associations in the industry under one umbrella.
The new federation according to the artistes will focus on collaboration and growth, creating new opportunities for musicians and stakeholders in the Ugandan music industry.
PM Nabbanja in her response promised to fight for the rights of artistes and committed that the government will invest resources in the federation.
She encouraged musicians to lean on her for support, emphasising the government’s dedication to fostering the growth and success of the Ugandan music industry.
Upon being elected as the president of the federation, Kenzo told musicians and journalists that academic qualification was not among the criteria for one to become one of the leaders of the federation, but individual contribution in the industry.
“If we work together as the Uganda National Musicians Federation, we shall win. We should partner with the government to protect us so that we protect it as well,” he said, promising to fight for the rights of musicians and return what has been stolen from them.
Renowned events promoter Balaam Barugahara said that the new federation will help to promote Ugandan music beyond borders.
“With this organisation, the Music industry will shine & grow beyond borders. It’s a big win for the music industry. General Salim Saleh and Afri Aid headed by Madam Esther Akampumuza You will remain in Uganda’s history book as heroes to the sector. God bless you all,” Balam said.
The UNMF’s organisational structure consists of a general assembly of members, a leadership team, committees focusing on various aspects of the industry, regional representatives, a secretariat, and a board of trustees featuring representatives from Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) among others.
Below is the elected leadership team of the new UNMF body
- President: Eddy Kenzo
- 1st Vice President: Shebah Karungi
- 2nd Vice President: Pallaso (Pius Mayanja)
- 3rd Vice President: Juliana Kanyomozi
Committees:
- Finance Committee: Bebe Cool
- Research & Development: Daddy Andre
- PR & Communications: Phina Masanyalaze
- Special Interest groups: Moses Matovu
- Compliance & Regulation: Silver Kyagulanyi
- Disciplinary Committee: Nina Rose
- Chief Whip: Hanson Baliruno
Other Committees:
- Gospel: Pastor Bugembe/Levixone
- Kadongo Kamu: Fred Sebata
- And other regional representatives:
UNMF is a collaborative effort of musicians, industry stakeholders, and the Ugandan government, aimed at unifying the music industry in Uganda.
The association was formed after a series of meetings with Gen Salim Saleh, according to different sources.
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