Ugandan singer and award-winning artist Eddy Kenzo has announced his intention to step down as the President of the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF), a position he has held since its inception.
Speaking during a recent media briefing, Kenzo revealed that his decision to leave the role stems from his desire to allow fresh leadership and new ideas to guide the federation forward. He emphasized that his mission to unite Ugandan musicians and push for better structures in the industry has largely been achieved.
“I believe it’s time to give others a chance to lead. My goal was to set the foundation and show that unity among artists is possible. Now that we’ve achieved that, I feel comfortable stepping aside,” Kenzo said.
Since taking on the presidency, Kenzo has been at the forefront of promoting musicians’ welfare, advocating for copyright protection, and strengthening collaboration between artists and government institutions. His leadership has seen the UNMF grow into a more recognized body within Uganda’s entertainment landscape.
However, his tenure has not been without controversy. The federation has faced internal disagreements and criticism from some artists who felt left out of its decisions. Kenzo acknowledged these challenges but maintained that such obstacles are part of any growing organization.
“We’ve had our ups and downs, but I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished. The next leader will find a solid foundation to build on,” he added.
The UNMF is expected to hold elections soon to choose Kenzo’s successor. Many industry observers have praised Kenzo for his visionary leadership and commitment to elevating Uganda’s music industry on both local and international stages.