‘We Perform For Museveni Year After Year, Why Ignore Us?’ | Neglected Rukungiri–Kanungu Artists Cry Out!

By Frank Kamuntu

Rukungiri: Musicians from Rukungiri and Kanungu districts are voicing frustration over what they call President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s continued neglect of their pleas, despite their active role in promoting culture and entertaining the nation at major national functions.

Joweria Judith, chairperson of the Rukungiri–Kanungu Musicians (RKM) association which has 32 artists and a celebrated gospel artist, says repeated attempts to seek the president’s attention have gone unanswered.

“We have written several letters to the President himself, but we have never received a reply. It feels as though we do not matter to him, yet we play a big role in uplifting his generation and performing at events where he is the guest of honor,” Judith said.

She expressed disappointment that while musicians from Kampala, Mbarara, Bushenyi, and other regions are often recognized and supported by State House, those from Rukungiri and Kanungu continue to be overlooked.

Judith, widely known for gospel hits such as Gamba Nanye, A Holy God, and Bitware, which are popular on TV, radio, and YouTube, also directs Spirit Band, a group known for its uplifting worship music.

“As musicians from Rukungiri and Kanungu, we are not asking for much. We simply want the President to meet us as a team, listen to our needs, and give us the same recognition he gives other artists,” she appealed.

Musicians in the region argue that their art is more than entertainment — it is a tool for community mobilization, education, and inspiration. They say being ignored has demoralized many young and upcoming artists who look up to the president as a patron of the arts.

Local leaders have echoed these calls, warning that sidelining regional musicians risks stifling cultural expression and discouraging youth participation in the creative industry.

Judith and the RKM musicians are now calling on the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development to intervene and facilitate a dialogue with the President, insisting that their voices deserve to be heard.