Uganda: Sophie Gombya resigns as musicians' union president

Gombya officially leaves her post on 31 July to facilitate a smooth transition and has nominated singer YKee Benda, who is currently the vice-president of the union, as her replacement.

"Regretfully, I must submit my resignation from the position of president of the Uganda Musicians Association for career reasons, with a notice of one month from today," her statement reads.

"The association's constitution doesn't permit us to practice politics, and I have decided to run for councillorship. I'm proud of the work we've done under my leadership, especially breaking all the chains between the Kampala and upcountry musicians.

"I will be handing over office to the vice-president of the association, Ykee Benda, to his satisfaction, as required in the policy guidelines of the association. I'm happy to help in the transition process and assist in training my replacement via video conferencing. Please accept my sincere apologies and help in the transition."

Gombya advised fellow artists to steer clear of endorsing political candidates in the upcoming general elections and challenged UMA's executive to engage industry organisations and the government to support musicians in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The association should forge a way forward for the entire music fraternity, especially during this COVID-19 crisis, which has put all music events on hold. The association should also look for funds to support the work and activities or operations of the association."

Gombya was sworn in as UMA president in May 2019 after Ugandan artists detached themselves from the Uganda Performers Rights Society (UPRS) in 2018. The musicians were unsatisfied with the work of the UPRS, which had promised to monetise their work.

Her achievements at UMA include successfully lobbying the government to instate a commission of inquiry into UPRS' operations, uniting musicians in Kampala, registering new members with the union, and creating of a welfare fund for musicians.