Eddy Kenzo, the renowned Ugandan musician and husband of the country’s Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development, Phiona Nyamutoro, has publicly distanced himself from the wave of protests led by Gen Z activists in Uganda.
In a revealing interview with Kookie Promotions on YouTube, Kenzo expressed his concerns regarding the protests and the musicians supporting them, suggesting they lack the depth of experience to fully grasp the consequences of such movements.
“There’s a certain wisdom that comes with age and experience. As you grow older, you tend to speak less because you’ve witnessed more,” Kenzo stated.
He acknowledged young artists like Azawi, who are advocating for change, but emphasized that there are important lessons and experiences that they have not yet encountered.
While Kenzo made it clear that he condemns corruption in Uganda, he also stressed that he cannot, in good faith, incite the public to protest.
His unique position as a public figure requires him to represent a wide array of opinions, including those who may be against the protests.
“Am I someone who condones corruption? Absolutely not. But I believe some individuals are using this situation to voice their own grievances rather than genuinely advocating for change,” he explained.
Kenzo further condemned the tendency of some protestors to draw parallels with unrest in neighboring Kenya.
He criticized the violent outcomes of those protests, which included damaging property and setting fire to vital institutions.
“Inciting violence or supporting such demonstrations is not something I can stand behind,” he asserted.
Reflecting on the ramifications of protests, Kenzo questioned the effectiveness of such actions:
“If Anitah, our Parliament Speaker, steps down, what happens next? Protests come and go, but the issues will still be there. I understand people want to express their frustrations, but there are those who may not share the same desire.”
By voicing his opinion, Kenzo is not only taking a stand against the protests but also calling for a more nuanced approach to bringing about change in Uganda.
His statements highlight the complexities involved in activism and the responsibilities carried by public figures when navigating sociopolitical unrest.
As Uganda continues to grapple with pressing issues, the musician remains firm in his belief that constructive dialogue is essential over violent demonstrations.
Related: “You Think Running Govt Is Like Running A Kiosk?” KRG Takes Aim at Gen Z Protesters
