By BigEyeUg Team
Ugandan artist Azawi has voiced her dissatisfaction with the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF) regarding the distribution of SACCO (Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization) funds.
Through a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Azawi highlighted her concerns about the unfair allocation of these funds, pointing out that already established artists received the largest shares without any obligation to repay.
“Federation SACCO money was given out, but it’s shocking that the already ‘established’ artists are the ones that got the fattest amounts and are not obliged to pay back,” Azawi stated.
Her frustration stems from the belief that the financial support intended to uplift struggling artists is instead being directed towards those who are already successful in the industry.
Azawi also raised critical questions about the potential consequences for less-established artists who fail to repay the government funds. She warned, “Do these struggling artists know the repercussions of failure to pay back government money? What if the government takes their entire music catalogue, are they ready for that?”
This concern highlights the precarious situation for up-and-coming musicians who might risk losing their creative work if they cannot meet the repayment terms.
Azawi is not alone in her discontent. MC Kats, another well-known figure in Uganda’s entertainment industry, has also expressed dissatisfaction with the Federation’s President, Eddy Kenzo, over the distribution of these funds.
MC Kats’s comments echo a growing sentiment among the creative community that the current leadership is failing to address the needs of less-established artists.
The controversy surrounding the SACCO money distribution sheds light on broader issues within the Uganda Musicians Federation.
It raises questions about transparency, equity, and the support structures available for emerging artists in Uganda’s music industry.
As more voices like Azawi’s and MC Kats’s join the conversation, it is clear that there is a call for change and accountability within the Federation.
The Federation’s handling of the SACCO funds and the backlash it has received could serve as a pivotal moment for reassessing how financial resources are allocated within the industry.
Ensuring that these funds reach those who need them most might be crucial for fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for all Ugandan artists.
We will keep you posted