President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called upon Ugandan musicians to invest wisely for their retirement so as to live better and fulfilled lives in his speech at The Roots of Catherine Kusasira- “Old is Gold ” concert.
The speech which was delivered by the State Minister for Youth and Children’s Affairs, Balaam Ateenyi Barugahara, the President appealed to musicians to invest in different sectors of the economy.
“Musicians should invest wisely the money that they earn from the music in other sectors of the economy, like hospitality and the leisure industry, for example, restaurants and hotels, like Haruna Mubiru and Mesach Ssemakula, in addition to performances,“ President Museveni advised.
“This will ensure a lasting source of income even after you retire from the stage,” he urged, also calling on musicians to conduct themselves with discipline and patriotism.
He advised them to avoid risky behaviors, such as alcohol abuse and the use of harmful substances, which not only shorten their lifespan by increasing vulnerability to diseases and complications but also impair judgment and contribute to criminal behavior.
He urged them to remain sober and focus on cultivating their talent for the good of their families and society. The President further announced that the Cabinet had approved the copyright law, which will help musicians and other creatives earn and benefit from their hard work and talent.
“The musicians and other categories of people in creative arts are also wealth creators. Therefore, in order to facilitate the profitability of their activities, the cabinet has approved copyright law, the President assured.
The President added, saying, “The government has extended 5 billion shillings to Uganda Musicians Federation SACCO. This will enable the SACCO to lend money to musicians.“
The President said that the government has also acquired state-of-the-art equipment, stage, sound, lighting, and screens, which will enable artists to have their concerts at low/reduced costs.
“We will continue to support all the initiatives aimed at improving the industry, such as the construction of the state-of-the-art studio and arena, as well as a music center and an art village,” he added.
He congratulated Kusasira for organizing a successful concert and thanked Ugandans for supporting her music career and attending the concert in big numbers.
“I commend Kusasira for taking advantage of this space and stability ushered in by NRM to grow her talent,” the president said.
The Roots of Catherine Kusasira-Old is Gold concert took place on Friday, January 10, 2025, at Sheraton Hotel Gardens in Kampala.It was attended by various influential people like the Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjati Minsa Kabanda; Balaam Ateenyi Barugahara; Godrey Ssuubi Kiwanda; ONC’s Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo; Geoffrey Kirumira; and many others.
Several legendary artists graced the stage, showing solidarity to Kusasira, including Grace Nakalema, Carol Nantongo, Sophie Nantongo, Haruna Mubiru, the Afrigo band, Ronald Mayinja, Mesach Ssemakula, Maureen Nantume, Betty Mpologoma, Mariam Ndagire, Madrat, and Chiko.
