Money and campaign songs

Initially, independent candidate Amama Mbabazi showed the best dance strokes and most vigour as a dancer. But as the campaign has run on, he has shown signs of wear. Besigye’s shaking of his head and flashing of the V-sign now appears more pronounced. Museveni, on the other hand, rarely dances to his campaign’s `Tubonga naawe’ anthem. The few times he dances happen when traditonal music entertainers, like the kadodi, the bwola, and the ekizino of western Uganda feature.

Feeling the power

Already, the influential power of music is being felt. In Mitooma district located in Western Uganda, music is said to have determined the outcome of a highly contested race. It all started when a local musician, one Bonde released a song which to some analysts played a part in the outright victory of Rtd Capt. Donozio Kahonda in the NRM MP Flag bearer elections for Ruhinda County – Mitooma district. Kahonda, who was for the duration of the campaign in prison, was contesting against Kahinda Otafiire, the powerful Justice Minister and NRM historical.

Musician Bondo composed a song about the apparent injustice in detaining Kahonda. It had a very emotional chorus.

Mzee Yoweri Otuyambe,

Mzee Yoweri Otuhwere Ruhinda

Tugambire amazima gonna,

Kahonda bakomere Owenki?

Mzee Museveni help us,

Mzee Yoweri come and rescue Ruhinda,

Tell us the real truth

Why was Kahonda imprisoned?

In the end, Kahonda got 21,467 votes against Otafiire’s 12, 949. The minnow had slain the shark.

Dr. Lwanga, who is also a composer, pianist and choral conductor, says it is not unusual for music to emerge as a powerful mobilisation tool.

“Even in far developed countries like USA, music has been used in the civil rights movement and it’s really been significant in influencing society and articulating social issues,” he says.

Dr. Lwanga says the phenomenon was seen in the music of iconic folk musician Pete Seeger who created the version of the traditional gospel song “We Shall Overcome” that was used to boost moral during civil rights protests in the 1960s.

There is also Fela Kuti, the Nigerian Afro-beat musician and human rights activist who is reported to have influenced the Black Power movement, which he discovered during a brief stay in Los Angeles, USA. Using music on the campaign trail is nothing new in Uganda. Andrew Benon Kibuuka, the President of the Federation of Performing Artistes in Uganda (FEPAU) says the strategy was used in Uganda even before the NRM government took over power.

He says in previous governments of Milton Obote and Idi Amin, the musicians used were majorly politicians, campaign managers, or supporters of the government rather than the hired artistes of today.

He recalls popular tunes like `The Congress of the people’ of UPC, and `Egumire’ of the Democratic Party that were used during campaigns.

But political music was not composed for campaigns only, Kibuuka says. He recalls that even after Obote was overthrown, music was composed to celebrate his departure and describe his rule which the composers considered to have been terrible.

Renowned folksinger Dan Mugula, who is considered the grandee of Ugandan music, composed `Bamugamba nga anyooma’ (He was warned but couldn’t listen) in apparent reference to Obote’s alleged arrogance.

Today however, Kibuuka says, campaign season is a time for musicians and artistes to mint some money.

“Musicians compose songs that fit within the times,” he explains. In other words, if politicians seek office to make money, there is no reason why musicians should not compose songs that make them money.