Ugandan music star Eddy Kenzo, the president of the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF), has openly spoken about his political fallout with Bobi Wine, citing the opposition leader’s failure to support fellow artists.
For the past few years, Kenzo and Bobi Wine (real name Robert Kyagulanyi) have been on opposing sides politically. While Bobi Wine leads the National Unity Platform (NUP), Kenzo has increasingly aligned himself with President Museveni and the ruling government.
In a recent video, Kenzo claimed that Bobi Wine intentionally distanced himself from fellow creatives and denied artists like Jose Chameleone, Ronald Mayinja, and Patrick Mujuuka the NUP ticket to contest in political positions. Kenzo further criticized Bobi Wine for portraying fellow musicians as beggars, which he believes contradicts the leadership qualities of a true mobilizer.
Kenzo also recalled how he privately shared his frustrations in an audio message to Bobi Wine, only for it to be leaked, causing him public embarrassment. He noted that Bobi Wine’s leadership had not only alienated artists but also disrespected influential figures like Buganda Prime Minister (Katikiro) Charles Peter Mayiga, making it difficult for him to work with creatives.
Defending his decision to support President Museveni, Kenzo revealed that the government played a crucial role in repatriating him from West Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic, preventing him from financial ruin.