In a recent parliamentary session, Hon. Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda openly questioned the appointment and salary increment of singer Catherine Kusasira in her role as a Senior Presidential Assistant. The Kira Municipality MP sparked laughter among fellow legislators as he scrutinized the qualifications of various musicians who have been recruited as presidential advisors in recent years.
Ssemujju expressed concerns about what he termed as “misuse of public funds,” pointing out that Kusasira’s salary had nearly tripled within a short period. According to official records, Kusasira’s monthly salary surged from UGX 2.5 million to UGX 6 million, despite unclear job responsibilities and qualifications for such a prestigious role in the government.
The Rise of Musicians in State House
Over the past few years, several Ugandan musicians have found themselves occupying government advisory positions. The likes of Eddy Kenzo, Buchaman, and Catherine Kusasira have been appointed as presidential advisors on different matters, a trend that has stirred mixed reactions among the public and politicians alike.
Ssemujju criticized the allocation of taxpayers’ money to musicians and other entertainers without clear justification for their roles. “Musicians, bum exhibitors, and entertainers have all been placed on the payroll of State House and the President’s Office. These appointments raise serious concerns about the government’s expenditure priorities,” he stated.
Kusasira’s Controversial Appointment
Originally recruited as an NRM campaign agent, Kusasira was later appointed Special Presidential Assistant for Political Affairs. Within a short span, her title changed to Senior Presidential Assistant for Underprivileged Youth, and with it came a significant salary increase. Ssemujju emphasized that such a rapid salary hike was highly irregular, especially given the economic challenges facing the country.
“If you look at the payroll last year, she was earning UGX 2.5 million. She got an accelerated increment and now earns UGX 6 million. Parliament should take note of the abuse of both the State House and President’s Office. Ask yourself, what is presidential about Catherine Kusasira?” he questioned.
Public Reactions and the Bigger Picture
Ssemujju’s remarks have reignited public debate on the merit of appointing musicians and entertainers to high-level government positions. While some supporters argue that celebrities have a strong influence on the youth and can be instrumental in mobilization efforts, critics believe such appointments are politically motivated and do little to address the country’s pressing issues.
This is not the first time President Museveni has appointed entertainers to government roles. In 2019, former Firebase Crew member Buchaman was named a Presidential Advisor on Ghetto Affairs, a move that sparked widespread debate. Similarly, BET award-winning artist Eddy Kenzo was also given a role in government discussions, though his exact responsibilities remain unclear.
A Call for Accountability
As Uganda grapples with economic hardships, MPs like Ssemujju are calling for more accountability in government appointments and salary allocations. Many argue that taxpayer money should be directed toward essential services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure rather than funding positions with questionable impact.
While Catherine Kusasira has yet to respond to Ssemujju’s criticisms, the debate over celebrity appointments in government is likely to persist. With increasing scrutiny on public spending, the government may soon have to justify these decisions to the public and Parliament.
Final Thoughts
The issue of musicians in government remains a hot topic, highlighting broader concerns about governance, transparency, and financial accountability. As political temperatures rise, Ugandans will be watching closely to see if these appointments translate into tangible benefits for society—or if they are merely political maneuvers.
Stay tuned for more updates on Uganda’s political and entertainment landscape.