Ugandan musician Roden Y Kabako, popularly known as Kabako, has questioned calls to establish a formal presidential position for musicians, arguing that veteran singer Meshach Semakula commands enough respect without holding an official title.
Speaking during an appearance on Galaxy TV’s Jikonkone programme, Kabako said Semakula’s reputation and contribution to the music industry should speak for themselves rather than depend on being appointed or elected artists’ president.
His remarks come after singers Aziz Azion and Ykee Benda endorsed Semakula as a potential leader of Ugandan musicians, citing his humility, experience and ability to unite artistes across different generations.
The endorsements emerged ahead of Semakula’s 50 Years of Greatness concert, scheduled for November 13, 2026, at Kingdom Kampala.
Kabako also raised concerns about the financial fortunes of Ugandan musicians, comparing the local entertainment industry with Kenya’s.
He argued that Kenyan musicians have achieved greater material success, with some reportedly owning private jets and multiple Toyota vehicles, while their Ugandan counterparts continue to struggle with limited opportunities, theft and an unfavourable industry environment.
His comments highlight a longstanding concern among Ugandan musicians: the gap between public popularity and financial prosperity.
The debate over Semakula’s possible leadership comes amid broader discussions about musicians’ representation, welfare and collective bargaining, particularly through structures such as the Uganda National Musicians Federation.
Semakula, who has spent five decades in the music industry, built much of his reputation through Uganda’s band-music scene and remains one of the country’s respected veteran performers.
While supporters of his proposed leadership believe his experience and personality could help unite musicians, Kabako appears to suggest that Semakula’s legacy is already firmly established.
For him, the veteran singer does not need a presidential title to command respect.
