By Guest Writers
For years, Uganda’s creative industry has battled for recognition, funding, and respect. At a time when artists needed structure, solidarity, and support, a few individuals answered the call notably, Gen. Salim Saleh, who, despite his military background, stepped into the entertainment space with a heart full of hope and hands ready to help.
But instead of unity, he encountered a dangerous breed: promoters masquerading as saviours, yet acting as parasites. Their actions haven’t just derailed progress; they’ve embarrassed the sector, exploited goodwill, and in some cases, left the industry more broken than before
A Legacy Exploited
What began as Gen. Saleh’s genuine efforts to uplift artists soon became a feeding ground for greedy promoters. Offered financial backing and logistical support, these individuals saw not an opportunity to build a better industry, but a chance to milk the system.
They used his name for unauthorized shows. They submitted falsified loss reports, staged crowd violence to pressure the state for money, and even went so far as to hire impersonators of top artists deceiving fans, tarnishing reputations, and risking public safety.
It wasn’t just unethical. It was pathetic.
From Entertainment to Exploitation
Promoters were expected to play a key role in professionalising the music scene. Instead, they turned it into a con game:
- Fake line-ups: Advertising artists who were never booked.
- Riots and chaos: Orchestrating crowd disturbances when events flopped, just to extract more money from the government.
- Bribes and backdoor deals: Paying off local officials to dodge accountability.
- Blackmail tactics: Painting Gen. Saleh as the problem, even while stuffing their pockets with support funds.
It’s a level of disrespect that goes beyond the man; it attacks the integrity of Uganda’s cultural sector.
Crying Wolf While Cashing Out
Let’s be clear: Nobody owes a promoter a bailout when their greed sabotages their own event. Yet, some of these individuals now walk around claiming victimhood, blaming everyone but themselves for failed shows, audience backlash, and crumbling credibility.
They brand themselves as “pillars of the industry,” yet cannot organize a concert without drama, manipulation, or deceit. They seek to silence reformers and discredit those who demand transparency.
It’s not just selfish. It’s cowardly
Time’s Up for the Chaos Merchants
Uganda’s creative sector stands at a crossroads. Artists are beginning to see their power. Structures are forming. The government is watching. And the public? They’re tired of the noise.
To those promoters still hiding behind false promises and fake lineups: Your time is up.
The industry is moving on with or without you.
What Needs to Happen:
- Blacklist fraudulent promoters with a history of impersonation, mismanagement, or violence.
- Make artist consent mandatory for all event advertising.
- Enforce criminal penalties for impersonators and those who endanger public safety.
- Create a licensing board for all promoters, subject to monthly performance reviews.
- Set up a SACCO, not handouts and hold members accountable for every shilling.
Conclusion: Enough is Enough
Uganda’s music and entertainment industry has the talent. It has the audience. And it now has leaders willing to help, like Gen. Salim Saleh.
What it no longer needs are opportunists posing as promoters, who insult the intelligence of fans, damage artist careers, and shame the very industry they claim to represent. Let them be exposed. Let the truth be loud. And let the real builders take the stage. This opinion piece was jointly authored by Dr. Gerald Werikhe Wanzala & Ronald Nabimanya. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
