The participation of Ugandan music stars from the central region in West Nile has sparked social media debates and concerns among fans and local entertainers over their influence on political rallies in the upcountry. 

This follows the launch of the 2026–2031 presidential campaigns by candidate Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at Bar Omach Primary School Playground in Pakwach District, the first of its kind in the region. 

While renowned artists from Kampala, including Lil Pazo and Catherine Kusasira, struggled to engage the crowd (NRM supporters), Eddy Kenzo and Minister Phiona Nyamutoro managed to excite the audience. 

Local artists, however, expressed disappointment over what they called unfair treatment during the event. 

Setto Management, the treasurer of the Jonam Music Association, said that most local performers received little pay and limited stage time compared to other artists who came from afar, emphasizing the need to prioritize local artists. 

“Our artists were disappointed because performers were brought from outside the region, leaving the locals frustrated, which was the main issue. And we were given some money that we artists used for transport refunds and small tokens,” he said. 

According to Setto, the facilitation fund was channeled through the Greater Nebbi Music Association (GRAMA), under the Uganda National Musicians Federation led by Eddy Kenzo. He revealed that Arua-based artists, including JM Kennedy and One Man Pato, delivered about 2.6 million shillings for distribution among West Nile performers. 

“The remaining balance was shared among roughly 30 artists as transport refunds, depending on their distances,” Setto added, though he declined to disclose detailed figures. 

Rasta Longe, a Parombo-based artist, also confirmed that approximately 3.6 million shillings was allocated for artists in each district within Greater Nebbi, with a portion set aside for coordinators. He says the number of artists from Pakwach was overwhelming for the limited funds. 

“The money was small, and the number of artists was overwhelming, so everyone got very little,” he noted. 

Rasta Longe further advised local artists to focus on performing rather than waiting to sing before the president, saying such expectations disrupt the program. 

"Most of the artists were shy to sing, waiting to sing before the president, and Red Python got his mic and sang." 

In response, JM Kennedy, known for his hit Amitungo, commended the huge turnout of Pakwach residents and participating artists. 

“The attendance was tremendous and the president was happy with the turnout. We’ve learned that next time, we should limit the number of performers so that the available resources can be better shared,” he said. 

He, however, declined to publicize specific financial figures related to artist facilitation. 

"Some of the financial figures should be confidential." He told this website.