Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has approached Eddy Kenzo, the President of the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF), seeking his influence and advocacy for the reinstatement of his music career.
Bobi Wine, the musician turned politician and National Unity Platform (NUP) Party President, was banned from performing commercial shows by the government five years ago, as these shows were allegedly being used as political rallies to undermine the current administration.
Sources familiar with the matter indicate that Bobi Wine believes Kenzo’s significant standing in the music industry and his proximity to influential government officials could potentially aid his return to the stage. As a result, Bobi Wine reached out to Kenzo, hoping that he would employ his voice and influence to negotiate with the government in order to lift the ban.
Insiders reveal that Bobi Wine dispatched his inner circle, led by NUP Secretary-General Lewis David Rubongoya, to request Kenzo’s support in approaching the government for the reinstatement. However, sources close to Kenzo report that he declined the plea, stating that he lacks the ability to sway the government’s decision. Kenzo allegedly underscored that Bobi Wine himself understands the reasons he was banned.
According to these sources, Kenzo further remarked that Bobi Wine’s intended return to the commercial stage seeks to exploit it as a platform for spreading hate speeches against the government and inciting violence among the populace.
“Bobi Wine has historically used the stage to undermine the government in power and propagate hate speech through his songs. Does he truly believe that the same government he aims to unseat will lift the ban and allow him to continue promoting hate speeches and propaganda?” the sources disclosed.
Confidants of Kenzo later shared his sentiments that even if he wanted to support Bobi Wine, he is unable to associate with him due to their differing beliefs, especially regarding the issue of homosexuality. Kenzo cited that his religious beliefs do not condone or support such practices, which Bobi Wine has been affiliated with.
Other sources suggest that the outcome of the meeting did not come as a surprise, as there has been an underlying friction between the two musicians for some time now. Their mutual animosity has been evident through public disputes and ongoing beef between them.
It is worth noting that Bobi Wine currently spends the majority of his time outside of Uganda, where he has been hosting his music shows, given the restrictions imposed on his performances within the country.
