The Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC),Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho, also known as Salim Saleh, publicly rejected a song by renowned artist Emmanuel Suuna, alias Omulangira Suuna, composed to highlight wealth creation initiatives.
Operation Wealth Creation, a government program aimed at eradicating poverty through agricultural and other economic support, has often engaged artists to promote its objectives.
However, Omulangira Suuna’s contribution faced criticism from Gen. Saleh during a recent public event in Gulu.
Suuna was invited on stage to perform his song and began by addressing the audience.
"General, I love you so much. This song I am going to sing is about wealth creation. This is among the songs that I have on this matter," he said.
Gen. Saleh initially appeared attentive but displayed visible displeasure as Suuna performed.
Once the song ended, the General grabbed the microphone and expressed his frustration, making it clear that he was unimpressed.
"Musicians have failed to make music; they can't even make good music. The truth is, you have sung nothing. Don't you have our wealth creation musicians? If you want to leave, leave," he stated.
The unexpected reprimand left Suuna stranded and disappointed.
Moments later, he walked off the stage in distress and took a seat near the DJ table, avoiding further interaction.
Gen. Saleh further extended his criticism to the entire music industry, accusing musicians of disrupting his work in northern Uganda.
"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," he lamented.
Gen. Saleh has previously raised concerns over the influx of musicians into Gulu, particularly during the festive season.
In a handwritten letter dated November 17, he addressed singer Edrisa Musuuza, alias Eddy Kenzo, the President of the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF) and Senior Presidential Advisor on Creatives, urging him to address the matter.
"Presidential Advisor, creatives and President Uganda National Musicians Associations, please handle musicians who are flocking to Gulu for Christmas festivities shows," the letter stated. "They are interfering with my work in northern Uganda."
The OWC leadership also weighed in, urging stakeholders in the creative arts, particularly the UNMF and the Uganda Musicians Association (UMA), to ensure their activities align with national development priorities.
Rumors suggest that many musicians and comedians have recently been visiting Gen. Saleh's residence in Te-dam Cell, Bardege Parish, Layibi-Bardege Division in Gulu City, seeking financial support.
While it remains unclear whether this prompted Gen. Saleh’s strict stance, some speculate it could be a contributing factor.
For years, Gen. Saleh has engaged with stakeholders in Gulu, including those in the entertainment industry, under the Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) programs.