Eddy Kenzo, a name synonymous with Uganda’s vibrant music scene, has long captivated audiences with his infectious beats and soulful lyrics.
But recently, the BET award-winning artist has taken on a new role that transcends the stage and microphone.
In a surprising yet significant move, President Yoweri Museveni appointed Kenzo as a senior presidential adviser on creative industries, a position that carries both honour and responsibility.
This appointment marks a new chapter in Kenzo’s career, building on his previous role as the representative for musicians at the National Secretariat for Patriotism Clubs.
In April 2024, during the launch of the National Patriotism Environmental Protection Campaign, President Museveni publicly acknowledged Kenzo’s contributions to the Secretariat, highlighting his growing influence beyond music.
Now, with his new position under the President’s Office, Kenzo joins an exclusive circle of over 160 advisers, yet his mandate is unique and sharply defined.
However, unlike many other advisers who aren’t given clear duties, Kenzo has a specific job. He is responsible for ensuring that musicians use their talents to support and promote the government’s messages.
The President wants musicians to use their songs to spread the message of wealth creation promoted by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to the people of Uganda.
The President believes that by doing this, musicians can help the government in its efforts to reduce poverty and improve people’s lives.
Kenzo, along with his partner Phiona Nyamutoro, who is the Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development, has already started working on this.
The couple has been inviting musicians to their home and to hotels, where they are hosted by the Minister. Many musicians see this as a special opportunity.
Recently, they hosted Alien Skin, a musician known for criticising Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, who is also a musician and the leader of the main opposition party.
Just a few days after his appointment, Kenzo led a group of over 100 musicians to meet with President Museveni at the State House in Entebbe.
As the President of the Uganda Music Federation, Kenzo found it easy to organize this gathering.
Hellen Seku, the Commissioner of Patriotism in the President’s Office, arranged the meeting.
During the meeting, President Museveni warned the musicians not to engage in divisive politics based on tribe and religion, as this could lead to underdevelopment and hatred among people.
He urged them to focus on politics prioritising the country’s best interests, which is key to its success.
In response, Kenzo told the President that musicians lack protection for their creative works and asked him to speed up the process of passing a copyright law to safeguard their work.
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