Singer Grenade Official has spoken out amidst the ongoing debate surrounding the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF), led by Eddy Kenzo, particularly regarding the distribution of government financial aid to artists.
In an interview on Radio4, Grenade responded to claims from some musicians who say they did not receive any of the stimulus funds distributed through the Federation.
He disputed those claims, stating that he, along with many others, did in fact benefit from the initiative.
“I’m a member of the Federation, and I received the money. No one told me it was a loan. Honestly, everyone in the Federation benefited many just won’t admit it.”,he said .
Grenade stressed that the financial aid was not meant for the personal use of the Federation’s leadership but was part of an organized system designed to support musicians during challenging times.
The funds were distributed through a SACCO (Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization) model, aiming to promote financial stability and long-term sustainability within the creative industry.
While some artists, including Ziza Bafana and Nina Roz, have denied receiving any money, Grenade’s remarks suggest that the aid reached more recipients than publicly acknowledged.
Beyond the distribution of stimulus funds, the Federation is also engaged in broader efforts, such as advocating for reforms to Uganda’s Copyright Law. These reforms are intended to strengthen protections for artists’ intellectual property and secure their rights.
According to the Federation, the stimulus initiative was just one part of a larger plan to economically empower musicians while pushing for meaningful policy change across the industry.
