• Eddy Kenzo plans to resign as UNMF president, citing frustration with the government and Ministry of Finance.
  • Claims UGX 5 billion SACCO funds for artists are being delayed and mismanaged.
  • Says government’s move to bypass the Federation is meant to weaken musicians’ unity.

Musician and UNMF (Uganda National Musicians Federation) president Eddy Kenzo has revealed plans to resign from his leadership role, citing continued frustrations from the government and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.

Eddy Kenzo

In an audio recording accessed by this website, Kenzo informed UNMF members through their WhatsApp group that the government had failed to align with his ideas and was delaying the release of the remaining UGX 5 billion meant for the artists’ SACCO.

Kenzo explained that he had reached out to Gen. Salim Saleh, the Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), who approved the release of the funds. However, after the Ministry of Finance was notified, Kenzo said they began to create barriers and excuses, claiming the Federation had not done enough to qualify for the funds.

“They told us to go back and rebuild the structures. They invited us to a meeting which we refused to attend, but those who went told me it was good that we didn’t go because there were arguments and disagreements,” Kenzo said in the audio.

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The artist further revealed that the Ministry now plans to send the money directly to associations, bypassing the Federation — a move he says undermines UNMF’s mandate.

“We had agreed that each association would get UGX 100 million. But if the Ministry sends the money directly to associations, it means the Federation has no job to do. We even replaced some people in those associations because of mismanagement. It’s unfair to claim that we can’t handle the distribution,” he added.

Kenzo described the decision as a plot to weaken and divide the Federation, warning that such actions could destroy the unity that musicians have built over the past two years.

“The moment we are divided, it’s easy to manipulate us. We had organized ourselves well as we waited for the remaining stimulus package, the Copyright Law Amendment, and regional studios. But now, our collective voice is being silenced,” he stated.

Kenzo admitted there is growing tension between his leadership and the Ministry, saying he can no longer tolerate the constant disorganization and internal fights.

“There’s a lot of pressure between us and the Ministry, but they are the bigger body. Out of respect, I can’t continue with such confusion. When I come back from Acholi, I’ll officially resign from music leadership. I hope you can find another person to continue with this because I can’t manage anymore,” he declared.

If Kenzo steps down, it would mark the end of his two-year leadership at the UNMF — a tenure that has seen both major milestones and ongoing struggles to unify Uganda’s music industry.