Uganda: DJ Erycom to run for Parliament

DJ Erycom, whose real name is Erycom Mutebi, told Music In Africa that he was planningt to free himself from all artistic commitments by January 2020 so he could run ahead of the general elections in 2021.

“I had initially announced plans to retire from my deejaying career in 2022, but after intensive consultations I was convinced that my next venture should be to serve my people," Mutebi, who will be seeking a parliamentary seat through the Mityana South constituency, said.

“I believe there is a way to minimise extreme poverty, lack of proper education and health facilities, and youth unemployment in Uganda. This is mainly because the political class has failed to put young people at the front of change and development.”

In July this year, a Ugandan court upheld a constitutional amendment scrapping the presidential age limit of 75. The amendment was made in December 2017 and allows President Yoweri Museveni, 74, to run for president in the general elections in 2021. This spurred nationwide protests and triggered the formation of the People Power movement, which is led by a group of young Ugandan politicians and activists including musician Bobi Wine.

Mutebi, who has been openly critical of Museveni's leadership style, says he will run as an independent under the People Power banner.

“Ugandans are suffering at the expense of a few individuals loyal to the current regime,” he said. “But if the controversial People Power movement has taught as anything, it is that if we want absolute freedom, we should be ready to accept personal responsibility, which is to go out in numbers and vote for change.”

Mutebi says he has already assembled a team with which he will conduct door-to-door campaigns. “I am a popular name but that alone is not enough. The people still need convincing, especially the elderly ones,” he said.