“Ugandans Were Inspired By Violent Kenyans Who Burnt Their Parliament, I Can’t Join Such Violence” Eddy Kenzo Reveals Why He Didn’t Join The March To Parliament Demos

Ugandan music icon and National Musicians Federation president Eddy Kenzo has sparked controversy by refusing to support anti-government protests, despite mounting pressure from fellow musicians and youth activists.

While Kampala has become a hotbed of protests against corruption and abuse of power in parliament, Kenzo has taken a contrarian stance.

In an interview with Kookie Promotions YouTube channel, Kenzo criticized musicians who support the protests, suggesting they lack the experience to understand the full implications of their 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.

He emphasized that while he condemns corruption, he cannot in good conscience incite people to protest, citing his responsibility to serve 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.

Kenzo also expressed concerns about drawing inspiration from protests in neighboring Kenya, where demonstrators resorted to violence and destruction. He argued that Ugandans should find their own solutions to their problems, rather than emulating others.

“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.

Kenzo’s comments have highlighted a significant divide within the Ugandan artistic community regarding the role of musicians in political activism. While some musicians have joined the protests, others, like Kenzo, have chosen to remain neutral.

The debate has been further fueled by President Yoweri Museveni’s statement addressing the nation in response to the protests. Museveni claimed that the demonstrations were influenced by foreign entities and driven by ill intentions.

Kenzo’s stance has sparked a heated discussion about the responsibility of public figures in times of political unrest. While some have praised his commitment to serving all Ugandans, others have criticized his refusal to take a stand against corruption.

As the debate continues, Kenzo remains firm in his belief that his responsibility extends to all Ugandans, regardless of their stance on the protests. His comments have added a new layer of complexity to the discussion about the role of musicians in political activism.