Uganda Music Association elects new leaders

The new association comes into play after Ugandan artists detached themselves from the Uganda Performers Rights Society (UPRS) last year due to unsatisfactory results from the body, which had promised to help generate revenue from their music and help them monetise their craft.

Other musicians elected on various posts include Phina Mugerwa (secretary), Renah Nalumansi (treasurer), Swahab Kasumba (religious representative), Victor Kamenyo (hip hop representative), Grace Ssekamate (band representative), King Michael (reggae dancehall representative),Justin Buss Kilaka (media representative), Barlon and Kiyingi (mobilisers) and Jamie Culture (as chief whip).

The swearing in ceremony was held at the newly-acquired UMA offices inside the National Theatre on 29 May and welcomed a variety of stakeholders, including top artists such as Roden Y and B2C, among others.

“We have moved hills together but we have mountains ahead of us and we cannot climb them when we are not together. I ask us to be united and I can assure you that we shall make it,” Gombya said.

Incoming vice president Benda commented: “We need to unite and have strong bargaining power. Individualism will only destroy us one by one. Our industry is so talented but lacks the solidarity to push for reforms”.

The union patron Mike Mukula, for his part, pledged his total support for the new leadership and called on them to move the union forward.

“This association is going to grow from strength to strength and this is just the beginning,” he said. “What we would like to appeal is that UMA continues with the unity and strength they have been able to demonstrate and they will beat the Nigerians and South Africans, because Ugandans are talented”.

To join the organisation, one has to be a manager, vocalist, producer, instrumentalist or musician. However, key players who do not fall under these categories will be given honorary membership after a vetting process from the executive body.