Eddy Kenzo, the President of the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF), has shared his views on the growing trend of musicians transitioning from the stage to politics, attributing this shift to the financial difficulties faced by many in the music industry. In an interview with Sanyuka TV, Kenzo explained that a lack of a structured and supportive framework for the music sector has left many artistes struggling to make a living from their craft.
According to Kenzo, the absence of strong government support for musicians has driven many to explore alternative avenues, including politics, in search of financial security. “If the government had worked closely with musicians to build the industry, many would not feel the need to enter politics,” he said, emphasizing that financial stability and industry growth should be the focus.
Kenzo highlighted the fact that music alone is no longer a reliable income source for many musicians. The increasing challenges they face in earning a living through their music have pushed them to look for other ways to survive. While some musicians are turning to politics, Kenzo pointed out that others are branching out into different sectors to secure their livelihoods.
Despite the challenges, Kenzo remains hopeful about the future, believing that efforts are being made to strengthen the music industry, including addressing the high taxation and licensing fees that significantly reduce musicians’ earnings. He argued that if artistes are empowered financially, they will be less likely to turn to politics for financial relief.