Uganda: Musicians' union names patron

Mike Mukula, a leading political and business figure in Uganda, was on Wednesday appointed patron by UMA chairperson Julius Kyazze at a meeting in Kampala. 

“Under the guidance of captain Mike Mukula, we are certain that UMA will meet members’ needs,” Kyazze said. “This signals a new wave of change and the future of Ugandan musicians.” 

Ykee Benda told Music In Africa that the new umbrella body was expected to provide more accountability compared to the former association, the Uganda Performers Rights Society (UPRS), which was disbanded in October for depriving musicians of their royalties on baseless grounds.

“Mukula will be our guide and he will facilitate negotiations with the government,” Ykee Benda said. “As much as the organisation will be run by musicians, we still need the government’s support and facilities to monitor and promote our music on different platforms.”

Ykee Benda said the government was yet to understand its role in the development of the music industry despite UMA's affiliation with the National Union of Creative Performing Artists and Allied Workers (NUCPAAW), a body that is registered under the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.

“The only way UMA is going to benefit the artists is if we are able to convince the government that there is a lot of money in this industry,” he said.”

"Artists are awarded a lot of money as royalties and caller tunes but this money never reaches the musician’s pocket. But once the government realises how much the industry is worth then I believe they will be more supportive.”

Ykee Benda says UMA is funded by its members but the body plans to foster more business collaborations by partnering with the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) in order to enjoy investor benefits.

“Our members are vocalists, instrumentalists, producers and artist managers who pay a one-time registration fee of 20 000 Ugandan shillings ($5.50),” Ykee Benda said.