Kenzo, Bebe Cool Have Let the Industry Down on Copyright – Kalifa Aganaga

Musician and politician Kalifa Aganaga has openly criticised Eddy Kenzo and Bebe Cool, accusing them of failing the music industry on the long-awaited copyright law amendment.

Speaking during an interview with a local television station, Aganaga expressed disappointment with the two senior musicians, saying they frequently meet President Yoweri Museveni but choose to discuss personal matters instead of advocating for issues that would benefit the entire creative sector.

According to Aganaga, Kenzo and Bebe Cool, who are widely known for their close ties to the ruling NRM government, have lost interest in fighting for collective industry interests and are now focused on individual gains.

“I am disappointed in the NRM-leaning musicians, particularly Eddy Kenzo and Bebe Cool. They have let us down. They meet the President and choose to discuss their private life instead of copyright law,” Aganaga said.

He questioned how artistes who enjoy frequent access to the President have failed to push for reforms that would protect musicians’ intellectual property and ensure sustainable income through royalties.

“How do you fail to convince the President on the good side of copyright yet you meet him so often?” he wondered.

Aganaga also criticised the government’s approach of giving handouts to musicians, arguing that the funds would be better invested in long-term capacity building within the industry.

He proposed that instead of cash handouts, government should sponsor creatives—especially producers and sound engineers—to pursue professional training.

“The President should give scholarships to producers to study sound mastering and engineering for the good of the industry, instead of offering handouts,” he added.

The remarks add to the growing frustration among Ugandan artistes who feel betrayed by industry leaders they once trusted to champion copyright reform, an issue that has remained unresolved despite years of promises and engagements with government.