The President of the Uganda Musicians Association (UMA), Cinderella Sanyu, also known as Cindy, has urged artists to regroup under UMA and move away from dependence on external influences, particularly the Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho, alias Salim Saleh.
Sanyu emphasised that the responsibility of developing the entertainment industry lies with the artists themselves and not with outside parties.
“Gen. Salim Saleh is not the one who runs the entertainment industry. We, as artists, run the industry,” Sanyu stated.
She called on artists, particularly those involved in programs in Gulu, to return to UMA and follow its structures to ensure sustainable growth of the industry.
“There are ministries which are concerned with the music industry, not Gen. Saleh. That is why, as leaders in the Uganda Musicians Association, we stopped going to Gen. Saleh’s home a long time ago,” Sanyu said.
She further stressed the importance of unity and professionalism among artists, emphasising that UMA remains committed to advocating for their interests through organized and formalized channels.
Recently, Gen. Saleh publicly rejected a song by renowned artist Emmanuel Suuna, alias Omulangira Suuna, which was intended to promote wealth creation initiatives.
The song drew criticism from Gen. Saleh during a public event in Gulu.
“Musicians, I am tired of you. That one I have to repeat on camera. You have taken a lot of time . I have not even had time to meet the NRM people, can you imagine? Because when it is morning, I am meeting Bucha Man, the afternoon, I am meeting Ragga Dee, in the evening I am meeting Odongo,” he lamented.
In a handwritten letter dated November 17, Gen. Saleh addressed Eddy Kenzo, President of the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF) and Senior Presidential Advisor on Creatives, urging him to manage the influx of musicians to Gulu, especially during the festive season.
Reports suggest many musicians and comedians have visited Gen. Saleh's residence in Gulu City, seeking financial support. While it remains unclear if this influx triggered Gen. Saleh’s criticism, some speculate it contributed to his frustration.
For years, Gen. Saleh has worked with stakeholders in Gulu, including artists, under Operation Wealth Creation programs aimed at reducing poverty and promoting economic development. However, his recent remarks highlight growing tensions over the role of the entertainment sector in OWC initiatives.