Ugandan singer and National Musicians Federation president Eddy Kenzo has revealed why he will not support anti-government protests, despite growing calls from fellow musicians and youth activists.
For weeks, Kampala has been a hotspot for the ‘March 2 Parliament’ protests aimed at combating corruption and the misuse of office within the Ugandan parliament.
Several Ugandan musicians have joined these protests, urging their peers to take a stand against government corruption.
However, Eddy Kenzo, who is also married to Uganda’s Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development Phiona Nyamutoro, has taken a different stance.
In a candid interview with Kookie Promotions YouTube channel, Kenzo criticized the musicians supporting the protests, suggesting they lack the necessary experience to understand the full implications of such actions.
“When you grow older, you speak less because you have enough experience. It’s good that Azawi is passing through where we have been. There is a lot we know that she has yet to experience because we have been here for a while,” Kenzo remarked.
Kenzo emphasized that while he condemns corruption, he cannot in good conscience incite people to protest. He pointed out that as a public figure, he serves a diverse audience, including those who oppose the protests.
“Do I look like someone who enjoys corruption? I don’t, and I condemn corruption. But some of these people are just using this period as an avenue to express their other personal issues,” he explained.
Kenya’s protests
Kenzo also condemned the practice of drawing inspiration from protests in neighbouring Kenya, where he observed that demonstrators torched the parliament and destroyed businesses.
“In Uganda, I cannot incite violence or support demonstrations because some people are just rioting because they were inspired by Kenya.
“How can you be inspired by Kenyans who torched the parliament and people’s businesses? If she (referring to pro-protest musician Azawi) wants to demonstrate, she doesn’t have to ask me to tell her first. Let her go.
“So if Anitah (Parliament Speaker – Ugandan protesters have been calling for her resignation) retires, what next? I am not stupid. I know that some want to demonstrate but some do not want it, and I serve both groups. I cannot come out and ask people to protest, I cannot promote that,” Eddy Kenzo said.
Museveni
Kenzo’s comments come on the heels of a strong statement from President Yoweri Museveni, issued on July 25, 2024, addressing the nation in response to the protests.
The protests, which first took place on July 23, 2024, have been a topic of significant concern and debate.
Museveni claimed that the demonstrations, led by Gen Z on July 23, 2024, were influenced by foreign entities and were driven by ill intentions.
Eddy Kenzo’s stance highlights a significant divide within the Ugandan artistic community regarding the role of musicians in political activism.
As the debate continues, Kenzo remains firm in his belief that his responsibility extends to all Ugandans, regardless of their stance on the protests.