WestNile, Uganda – As debates rage over the lack of unity in the WestNile music industry, concerned voices are stepping forward to clarify the real issue. Contrary to popular belief, the root cause of division isn’t language diversity—it’s the self-serving actions of a few individuals who are prioritizing personal gain over collective progress.
Recently, the Ugandan government, through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development and the Uganda National Musicians Federation, disbursed UGX 10 million to each region to help Artists form unified structures. These structures were meant to streamline coordination, create representation, and empower local artists across Uganda.
In the Acholi subregion, the funds were effectively used. Artists convened, formed the Greater Acholi Musicians Association, elected leaders—with Laxzy Mover serving as president and established a central office in Gulu with representation from all corners of the region.
However, the situation in WestNile paints a different picture.
According to multiple sources, a small group of artists in Arua unilaterally formed an association, appointed themselves to key leadership positions, and named Jm Kennedy as the president. No consultations were held with Artists from the Madi or Alur subregions, who remain unaware and unrepresented in the association. There is no known official office, and over 99% of executive members reportedly hail from Arua alone.
This has raised pressing questions among industry stakeholders as the ten million Uganda Shillings (10,000,000 UGX ) was miss managed according to the reports.
Wise Dg Agameli a reknown artist in Madi Sub region similarly complains " I haven't received any share of the money, my ID & signature was requested by JM Kennedy & yet i didn't know the purpose of my signature". However, Wise Dg's manager Shidastic confirmed that the management team of Wise Dg has never received any token from the said association as he promised to do follow up on why Wise Dg signature was taken.
Furthermore, Dayan Amandu a legendary artist based in Arua expressed his disappointment & blamed Jm Kennedy, the leader of the association over dishonest, fraudulent & biasness.
"Jm Kennedy is a Father of WestNile Musicians, so as a father, what platform has he offered for Madi artists to excel in Arua?, you can't claim an office printer of 150,000 UGX as 1,500,000 UGX on accountability form" Said Dayan.