Ugandan singer Roden Y Kabako, popularly known as Kabako, has challenged calls for veteran musician Meshach Semakula to become president of Ugandan artists, arguing that the music industry does not need leaders whose influence is defined by official titles.
Speaking on Galaxy TV’s Jikonkone programme, Kabako suggested that Semakula’s reputation and contribution to Ugandan music already place him above the need for a presidential position.
His remarks come after singers Aziz Azion and Ykee Benda publicly backed Semakula as a potential leader of musicians, praising his experience, humility and ability to bring artists together.
The endorsements emerged ahead of Semakula’s 50 Years of Greatness concert, scheduled for November 13, 2026, at Kingdom Kampala.
While some musicians believe Semakula would be an ideal figure to unite the industry, Kabako questioned the importance of creating another leadership title.
He argued that a person’s achievements and reputation should carry more weight than an official position, suggesting that Semakula’s established name is already powerful enough to command respect among musicians.
Beyond the leadership debate, Kabako turned his attention to the economic conditions of Uganda’s music industry, comparing local musicians with their counterparts in Kenya.
He expressed frustration over what he sees as limited opportunities for Ugandan entertainers, arguing that Kenyan musicians enjoy greater financial rewards and material success.
To illustrate the difference, he referenced private jets and multiple Toyota vehicles, which he said demonstrate the level of success some Kenyan artists have achieved.
His comparison reflects longstanding concerns among Ugandan musicians about the commercial value of their work, access to resources and the ability to turn musical success into sustainable wealth.
The discussion also comes amid wider debates about musicians’ representation, including the Uganda National Musicians Federation and its role in addressing industry challenges.
Semakula, one of Uganda’s veteran band musicians, has built a career spanning five decades and remains a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
As preparations for his November concert continue, Kabako’s intervention has introduced a different dimension to the endorsements, shifting attention from who should lead musicians to whether the industry needs a president in the first place.
