Veteran musician Daniel Kazibwe, popularly known as Ragga Dee, has spoken out about the growing number of artists entering Uganda’s Parliament, expressing concern over their performance and intentions.
Speaking during an appearance on NTV this past Friday, Ragga Dee assessed the impact of artist-Members of Parliament (MPs) currently serving in the 11th Parliament and warned against an increase in similar candidates ahead of the 12th Parliament.
“What we need is not more artist MPs, but people who genuinely care about their entire constituencies,” he said.
Ragga Dee, who once released a song inspired by Uganda’s Parliament, emphasized that being a good legislator requires the ability to address a broad spectrum of national issues from politics and economics to arts and culture.
“MPs should support their industries, yes, but their priority must be the wider interests of the people they represent,” he added.
He also suggested that many creatives have been drawn to politics not out of a desire to serve, but because of its financial appeal.
“Artists realized Parliament is a place to make money,” he remarked.
Several musicians have successfully transitioned into political roles in recent years. Among them are Geoffrey Lutaaya, MP for Kakuuto County; Hilary Innocent Kiyaga, known as Dr. Hilderman; and Afrigo Band singer Racheal Magoola, all of whom currently serve in the 11th Parliament.
Despite their success at the polls, Ragga Dee believes that politics demands a different skill set one that many artist-turned-politicians lack.
“Politics isn’t just about popularity. It requires preparation, knowledge, and the ability to understand and analyze complex issues.An effective MP must be a good reader, know how to interpret numbers, and clearly articulate their constituents’ problems.”,he said.
In his view, many creatives in Parliament have not met these standards, raising questions about their readiness to lead and legislate effectively.
