Renowned Ugandan musician Mark Bugembe, popularly known as Buchaman, has expressed regret over his involvement with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), accusing certain party members of hijacking and misusing his ideas for personal gain.
Buchaman, who was once a close ally of National Unity Platform (NUP) president , Robert Kyagulanyi a.k.a Bobi Wine and also served as the Vice President of the Firebase Crew, was later appointed Presidential Advisor on Ghetto Affairs by President Yoweri Museveni about five years ago.
During a recent interview with a local television station, the self-styled Ghetto President revealed that he has spent much of his time in the Acholi sub-region, where he has been implementing projects aimed at empowering women and youth through agriculture and vocational skills training.
“I have been upcountry in Acholi, working on projects to empower women and youths through agriculture and other initiatives,” Buchaman explained.
However, the singer lamented that many of his projects have failed to take off fully due to interference from individuals pursuing personal interests.
“Most of my plans are hijacked by people who only think about their own gains,” he said.
Buchaman further claimed credit for initiating the ghetto structures and Boda Boda SACCOs in Kampala’s informal settlements, programs that President Museveni has recently funded to strengthen NRM’s presence in urban centers traditionally dominated by the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP).
“Those ghetto SACCOs you see being funded today were my ideas. I started them with Gen. Salim Saleh in Gulu before some people went behind my back and labeled me a drug addict,” he revealed.
He said this smear campaign caused the President to distance himself from him and his work.
Buchaman accused some individuals within the NRM of greed and sabotage, saying their selfish actions have undermined efforts to win over urban youth.
“NRM is full of greedy people who frustrate genuine efforts. I’m the one who helped youths in ghettos start wearing NRM T-shirts proudly,” he asserted.
In conclusion, Buchaman stated that he has decided to take a step back from NRM activities, saying his creativity and efforts have been continuously exploited.
“I’m no longer pushing hard for the party. My ideas are always stolen and misused,” he said.
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