Singer FreeBoy Adams believes that the Ugandan music industry has lost direction and focus, citing its transformation into the ‘Central Ugandan music industry’.

He claims that artists from other parts of the country are denied opportunities, and the structures in the central region block them from accessing a share of the national cake.

The Ugandan music industry has lost direction and focus. There is no Ugandan music industry; we have a Central Ugandan music industry.

People refuse to support talent from places like Moyo, Gulu, and Adjumani. Artists from these areas are denied opportunities because the structure in the central region blocks them from accessing a share of the national cake.

He adds that since the central region is the major music hub, artists from different areas are marginalized and forced to go to the central region and sing in Luganda.

I come from West Nile, specifically Arua, and I’m not a “central artist.” I want to make it clear that I’m a Ugandan artist. The central region is a major music hub in Uganda, so we are forced to go there, but in West Nile, we are marginalized. That’s why we have to play the game to win, including singing in Luganda.

FreeBoy Adams spoke his mind as he weighed in on the entertainment gigs during public holidays.

Singer LP Shady also stated that artists from different regions are sidelined. During political seasons, the president uses central artists to push his agendas, yet Uganda is made up of many tribes and regions that deserve representation.

“Since Bobi Wine joined politics, music and politics have become more intertwined. It’s a positive shift in some ways because music can be a powerful political tool,” LP Shady stated.

“However, there’s still a big gap. In political seasons like now, the president mainly uses central artists to push his agenda, yet Uganda is made up of many tribes and regions that also deserve representation.”