By Aggrey Baba A fresh misunderstanding has erupted between musicians and the NRM after the party’s Electoral Commission banned performances at ongoing campaign rallies.
The decision, announced last week by the commission’s chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, stops all performances during NRM primary elections. He said the move is to stop confusion and bring discipline back to political rallies, which have started looking more like music concerts than campaign meetings.
Odoi said some candidates have been using artists to pull crowds, which creates unfair competition, especially for those who can’t afford big-name performers. He added that such tactics are against the party’s plan to hold peaceful, organised and issue-based campaigns.
But the decision has not been welcomed by some musicians who feel pushed out after years of helping politicians draw crowds. Many say the party is now turning its back on them, yet they played big roles in previous elections.
The ban has also exposed internal contradictions in the NRM. In previous elections, many artists like Bebe Cool, Full Figure, Catherin Kusasira, Gravity Omutujju, among other, were seen performing on NRM stages. Some even received recognition and support from the president (Museveni). But now, the same artists are being told to step back.
There are also complaints from within the party about mixed signals. For example, during Museveni’s past campaigns, musicians performed freely and were never blocked. Now, with the 2026 elections around the corner, they are being told they’re not needed.
Some say this is a way for the NRM to control its image and avoid another surprise like what happened in Mawokota where singer Hilderman defeated former minister Amelia Kyambadde, having become too popular.
With rural campaigns set to start soon, it remains to be seen whether this music ban will really hold. For now, many artists feel abandoned by the very party they once helped cheer to victory, and the silence from top NRM leaders on the matter is making the tension worse. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
