TAKEAWAYS

• Lydia Jazmine says politics has negatively affected Uganda’s entertainment industry and musicians’ careers.
• She revealed that although she still gets bookings, they are fewer than they were last year.
• The singer believes the broader economic slowdown is also reducing spending on entertainment and live performances.

Songstress Lydia Jazmine has opened up about the impact politics is having on Uganda’s entertainment industry, saying the effects are increasingly being felt by musicians and other sectors of the economy.

According to the Kapeesa singer, politics inevitably influences the music business, affecting audience engagement, bookings and the overall financial performance of artists.

Jazmine observed that musicians who become actively involved in politics may find that even their biggest songs fail to achieve the impact they would have under normal circumstances.

“Politics affects entertainment in one way or another. An artist can release a very good song, but because of the political environment, it may not have the impact it deserves,” Lydia Jazmine said.

The singer also revealed that 2026 has not been as financially rewarding as previous years for many artists. Although she continues to receive performance bookings, she noted that the number has significantly reduced compared to last year.

Jazmine further explained that she is selective about the events she performs at, saying her brand has reached a level where she cannot accept every booking simply for financial gain.

“It’s not about pride or ego. It’s about knowing my value. Some artists perform anywhere because they need the money, only to end up not being paid or getting into conflicts with promoters,” she added.

Beyond the music industry, Jazmine believes the political climate has affected the wider economy, noting that even traders in Kampala’s downtown business district are experiencing slower business than they did last year.

She argued that as people’s spending power declines, sectors such as entertainment naturally feel the impact through reduced event attendance and fewer bookings for performers.

Politics has remained a significant topic within Uganda’s entertainment industry, particularly since Bobi Wine transitioned from music into active politics and contested for the presidency in 2021.