Rapper Victor Kamenyo has publicly distanced himself from the Uganda Musicians Association (UMA), accusing the organization’s leadership of failing to provide clear answers about its operations and finances.
Kamenyo, who serves on UMA’s executive board as the representative of hip-hop artists, says he no longer wants to be associated with activities he cannot explain to the musicians who elected him.
The rapper claims that despite holding a leadership position within the association, he has been left completely in the dark regarding key decisions and financial matters.
According to Kamenyo, UMA allegedly received more than UGX 100 million from the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF), but members have never been given a proper explanation of how the money was spent.
“I was elected to represent hip-hop artists on the UMA executive board, but I honestly do not know what is going on. There is no transparency, and questions about the money have not been answered,” Kamenyo said.
The outspoken rapper revealed that he personally sought clarification from UMA President Cindy Sanyu, Treasurer Ibrahim Mayanja alias Big Eye, and federation official Isaac Rucci, but says he never received satisfactory responses.
Kamenyo further claims that inquiries made at the Uganda National Musicians Federation confirmed that the funds had indeed been remitted to UMA, prompting him to demand accountability from the association’s top leadership.
“I am not asking for the money because I need it. I am financially stable. I am asking on behalf of the artists who entrusted me to represent them. I don’t want my name associated with anything that cannot be explained,” he added.
The rapper says the situation has forced him to stop attending UMA meetings and distance himself from the association’s activities as he seeks to protect his reputation.
His remarks have now sparked fresh debate within Uganda’s music industry, with some artists calling for greater transparency from leaders of musician bodies.
When contacted for comment, UMA Treasurer Big Eye reportedly maintained that some administrative matters cannot be discussed publicly and insisted that financial issues should be handled internally.
Kamenyo’s allegations are likely to pile more pressure on UMA leadership as questions continue to swirl around the association’s management and accountability.
