Mawokota North MP, Hillary Kiyaga alias Dr. Hilderman has reminded the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF) to get ready to account for the Shs5 billion received from government.
This year, the government disbursed Shs5bn out of the Shs13bn allocated to the UNMF to promote the welfare of artists across the country.
The money, directed under the Microfinance Support Centre, was received by the federation led by singer Eddy Kenzo.
However, the money has caused divisions among artists, with some accusing the top members of the federation of 'unfairly' rewarding themselves hundreds of millions while others received peanuts or nothing.
Unconfirmed reports claim that the federation president Kenzo and his deputy Sheeba Karungi received Shs200 million each, while other top members such as Ykee Benda, Hanison Baliruno, David Lutalo got Shs100 million each.
The disgruntled artists allegedly received just about Shs10 million while others are reported to have not received any penny off the Shs5bn.
Speaking to journalists, Hilderman, who is also NUP shadow minister for arts, reminded members that received the funds to be be prepared to take responsibility.
He warned that anyone who might have been involved in the misappropriation of the funds as alleged, should be ready to be held accountable.
"I am not in the federation but just an artist. It's a responsibility for those that receive money to be use the funds for the intenteded purposes. As the Shadow Minister for Arts, it's my responsibility to demand accountability. If they misused the money, I'm waiting for them because accountability is very important," Hilderman said.
The Mawokota North MP was among the legislators who pushed hard for the allocation and disbursement of the money aimed at helping artists develop themselves.
Hilderman, said that much as he helped the federation get the funds, he will make sure that they are accountable for every penny they received.
"Much as I supported them to secure the investment, incase they misused that money, they will be held accountable. That's what I'm waiting for as an MP and minister. It's the government that gave them that money. The president is also watching because they have to fulfill what they promised,"
Recently, Kenzo denied misappropriation claims, suggesting that the funds were given out as loans and not grants.
"No single musician received free money; they will pay it back. Whoever was given money applied for it, and there is evidence,” Kenzo stated