Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has defended the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF), which has been accused of financial impropriety and political bias.
The UNMF was formed in May 2023 by a group of top Ugandan musicians, including Eddy Kenzo, Sheebah Karungi, and Jose Chameleone. The federation's stated goal is to advocate for the rights of musicians and to promote the music industry in Uganda.
However, the UNMF has been criticized by some musicians and political analysts who allege that it is a front for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party. They point to the fact that the UNMF's leadership is largely made up of NRM supporters, and that the federation has not been critical of the government.
In recent weeks, several musicians have left the UNMF, including Spice Diana, Moses Matovu, and Phina Masanyalaze. These musicians have not publicly explained why they left the federation, but some have hinted that they were unhappy with the federation's political leanings.
Tayebwa, who is a member of the NRM, has dismissed the allegations of financial impropriety and political bias against the UNMF. He said that the federation is committed to its stated goals of advocating for the rights of musicians and promoting the music industry in Uganda.
"This federation is not about money or politics. It is about the musicians and the music industry," Tayebwa said. "We are here to help the musicians, and we will not be distracted by petty allegations."
Despite Tayebwa's defense, the UNMF remains a controversial organization. It is unclear whether the federation will be able to unite the music industry or whether it will continue to be divided by political and ideological differences.
