Ugandan singer-turned-politician Sir Mathias Walukagga has called on voters to give artists an opportunity to take up political roles in the upcoming general elections. Walukagga, who currently serves as the Kyengera Town Council Mayor, has long been an outspoken critic of Uganda’s governance and believes that artists who have used their platforms to address issues like poor leadership and governance should be given the chance to prove themselves in politics.
Artists as Political Leaders: A Call for Change
During a recent address, Walukagga urged Ugandans to be open to the idea of artists running for political office, particularly those who have spent years using their music to raise awareness about important national issues. He emphasized that artists who have been vocal about the need for better leadership and social change should not be dismissed when they decide to enter politics.
“I urge voters, when artists come to contest for political offices, especially those who have been singing and raising sensible matters, please give them the chance to prove their worth,” Walukagga stated.
A 20-Year Critique of Poor Governance
For over two decades, Sir Mathias Walukagga has been vocal in his music, consistently criticizing the Ugandan government’s failures, particularly in areas such as governance and the lack of effective leadership. He explained that his transition into politics came after realizing that the issues he addressed through his music were being ignored by the government.
“For the last twenty years, I have been composing and singing songs that criticize this regime’s poor governance,” he said. “I started with songs like Uganda Essana Kuviira, Parliament, and Bakoowu, among others. When we saw that what we were telling them to implement was not being done, we decided to come in and fix it ourselves.”
The Need for Artists in Active Politics
Walukagga also shared his belief that artists entering politics isn’t just about ambition but a direct response to the challenges facing the country. He pointed out that many artists are motivated by the desire to see real change in Uganda, changes that have been absent despite their years of advocacy through music.
“Artists joined active politics because the issues we have been addressing in our songs were not being addressed by the government,” he explained. “We decided to take matters into our own hands and get into politics to make the changes we have been calling for.”
Copyright Law: A Politically Motivated Move?
Addressing the newly passed Copyright Management System, Walukagga expressed skepticism about the timing of the law’s approval. He suggested that the law was passed due to political pressure as the 2026 elections draw near.
“The Copyright Management System was approved because they are hunting for votes as the election period approaches,” Walukagga remarked. “However, people are sharp, and they know that the copyright law isn’t the biggest challenge affecting the nation. There are far more pressing issues such as unemployment, lack of medicine in hospitals, and high taxes.”
Achievements as Kyengera Town Mayor
As the Mayor of Kyengera, Sir Mathias Walukagga also took pride in his accomplishments, despite the criticisms directed at the government. He highlighted his efforts to address local issues, including fighting land-grabbing cases, purchasing vehicles for the town council, and lobbying for free public Wi-Fi.
“I’ve been working hard as the Mayor of Kyengera. I’ve fought land-grabbing cases, helped the town acquire vehicles, and even pushed for free Wi-Fi for the public,” he said.
Walukagga’s focus on local governance shows his commitment to making tangible changes in his community, even as he continues to advocate for broader national reforms.
Challenges Facing Uganda: A Call for Action
While Walukagga celebrated his successes, he did not shy away from the many challenges that Uganda faces. He highlighted unemployment, the lack of essential medicine in hospitals, and unfair tax policies as some of the key issues that need urgent attention.
For Walukagga, these issues represent the real challenges that politicians must address, rather than focusing on policies like the Copyright Management System, which he believes is more about gaining political favor than addressing the country’s true needs.
