By John V Sserwaniko
Legendary playwright Alex Mukulu used his protégé Charles James Senkubuge’s (Ddaala ku Ddaala ofuuke oweddaala) book launch to challenge artistes who are still active to scale down on love songs and invest more time in doing political songs. This was on Sunday at Hotel Africana where Senkubuge’s friends gathered to witness Mike Mukula and Ps Aloysius Bugingo launch and raise money for his book. Directly referring to Ronald Mayinja, Mesach Semakula and Mariam Ndagire (who are some of the big name artistes in attendance), Mukulu said something has fundamentally gone wrong in this country and artistes are partly to blame. He said they have a big voice and influence which they haven’t sufficiently used to help the cause of change this country badly needs. Referring to his Ganda tribe, Mukulu said many of the political problems Uganda has suffered since independence are because different tribes especially Baganda haven’t defined something they are ready to die for. “Baganda we are [politically] weak because we aren’t ready to die for anything. And most people in Uganda don’t have anything to die for…Okay I’m here as Alex Mukulu but what I’m I ready to die for? Is there that thing for which you can put me at gun point and kill me? If someone came with a gun saying who is a Muganda here, how many of us are going to stand to stay I’m here?” wondered Mukulu in a submission through which he delivered many veiled political messages. “Let each one of us have something to die for. The Eagles [band] guys are busy singing about love instead of using music to politically mobilize for change.
We want to see songs which question the status quo and ask these people when are you leaving power.” Speaking in a mixture of both English and Luganda, Mukulu went on: “I have seen Mariam Ndagire here. Where is she? I hope she has become uncomfortable with this type of talk and fled this place. We want to see such films [arousing citizens’ political consciousness]. I hate to hear simple songs. We need strong songs which are heavy to denounce these people [the bad politicians] who have messed up this place.” Mukulu said the conventional political way (of leaving things to political parties) isn’t going to work and political change will result from everybody’s concerted efforts. Saying there was a clear vacuum requiring artistes to step forward and give alternative leadership, Mukulu said: “All these people; Bobi Wine, Gen Mugisha Muntu, the Kizza Besigyes and other person I won’t mention [implying Museveni] aren’t going to lead us to the promised land. They have no promised land anywhere to lead us to. They are just lamenting and complaining too much.” Mukulu referred to himself (in comparison to preceding generations of artistes like Christopher Mukiibi and subsequent ones of the Senkubuges and the Ronald Mayinjas generations) and said in his younger years, he used his clout as an artiste and did what he could to politically make this country better. “There was Twagala Lule [riots of 1979] and I was there myself. We went with Paul Kavuma and I was there when they shot him in the legs at City Square [venue for the political protestors that demanded Lule’s reinstatement as President under UNLF]…Since that time Baganda have politically been just lamenting not realizing their power.” As usual Mukulu spoke in parables and not many got the heavily political message embedded in his submission. Among those who got him, many expected NRM Vice Chairman Mike Mukula to respond in his subsequent speech as guest of honor but he didn’t. Financially-cracked Mukula, who had already been subdued by generous contributions less prolific guests had made towards the new book, only announced his Shs1.5m contribution and then meandered into joking about many other things. He never talked politics yet as Mukulu made his veiled criticisms of the ruling system, some whispered “its good Mike Mukula is in the house he will respond to you.” Some were clearly disappointed with the contempt with which Mukulu commented about Mr. Wine putting him in the same category with other politicians.
CALLS FOR TRIBAL PARLIAMENT;
Mukulu added that “love songs are really escapist and we want films which show heroism of say Baganda; if there is a problem in Acholi and then saviors come from say Buganda.” He said there is a lot artistes can do using music and film to accomplish what conventional politicians have failed and in the end bring change to this country. He said for instance it’s his conviction that there is nothing wrong with tribalism and this is one of the many politically sensitive things artistes can demystify through their works. “We all have tribes and let’s be proud of them because we each belong to one. In fact we need to have a tribal Parliament where representation is based on tribes because all these other things haven’t worked. Why should an Acholi be marginalized because he wants to be part of a united Uganda? Okay Great Britain means something but what does Uganda mean?” he concluded. For comments, call, text or whatsapp us on 0703164755.
