Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho alias Salim Saleh, the Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), publicly criticized a song by renowned artist Omulangira Suuna, which was composed to promote the government’s wealth creation initiatives.
Operation Wealth Creation is a government program aimed at poverty eradication through agricultural and economic support, often using music to help spread its message. However, Omulangira Suuna’s song did not receive the expected support from Gen. Saleh at a recent event in Gulu.
The artist took the stage to perform his song, introducing it by addressing the audience, saying, “General, I love you so much. This song I am going to sing is about wealth creation. It’s one of the songs I have written on this subject.”
While Gen. Saleh initially appeared attentive, his displeasure became apparent as the performance continued. After the song ended, he took the microphone and expressed his dissatisfaction.
“Musicians have failed to make good music. The truth is, you’ve sung nothing. Don’t you have musicians who understand wealth creation? If you want to leave, then leave,” he remarked bluntly.
Suuna, clearly stunned and disappointed by the public reprimand, walked off the stage shortly after, choosing to sit near the DJ booth and avoid further interaction.
Gen. Saleh’s frustration extended beyond just Suuna’s performance, as he criticized the entire music industry.
“I am tired of you musicians. You’ve wasted too much of my time. I haven’t even had a chance to meet with NRM supporters because in the morning, I’m meeting Bucha Man, in the afternoon Ragga Dee, and in the evening, I’m meeting others,” he lamented.
This criticism followed earlier complaints from Gen. Saleh about the influx of musicians into Gulu during the festive season. In a letter dated November 17, Gen. Saleh wrote to Eddy Kenzo, President of the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF) and Senior Presidential Advisor on Creatives, urging him to manage the influx of artists coming to Gulu for Christmas shows, claiming they were hindering his work in the region.
The OWC leadership also weighed in, calling on the UNMF and Uganda Musicians Association (UMA) to ensure that the activities of musicians align with national development goals.
In the wake of these developments, rumors have circulated that many artists and comedians have been visiting Gen. Saleh’s residence in Gulu City, possibly seeking financial support, though it remains unclear whether this is the root cause of his frustration.
For years, Gen. Saleh has engaged with the entertainment industry in Gulu as part of his broader efforts with Operation Wealth Creation, but tensions with the music sector appear to be on the rise.
