TAKEAWAYS

• Ziza Bafana says musicians are being promised SACCO loans that are allegedly unavailable.
• He claims his own savings are not reflecting in the SACCO accounts.
• The singer warns the issue could damage trust in Eddy Kenzo’s UNMF leadership.

Dancehall singer Ziza Bafana has publicly expressed frustration over the management of the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF) SACCO, accusing its leaders of misleading musicians about funds that are supposedly available for borrowing.

Bafana, one of the federation’s active members, claims that artists are being told there is money in the SACCO and are even given conditions to qualify for loans, yet the money is allegedly not accessible.

According to the Tuli Majje singer, his concern deepened after realizing that even the savings he personally contributed do not appear in the SACCO’s bank records.

“They keep telling musicians there is money to borrow, yet even our own savings are not reflecting. Let them come out clearly and tell members what is really happening,” Bafana said.

He further accused the federation leadership, headed by Eddy Kenzo, of frequently showcasing cheques in public while the intended beneficiaries reportedly never receive the money.

“Parading cheques in cameras means nothing if the actual musicians never receive the funds. This is why many artists are losing trust in the SACCO,” he added.

Bafana warned that the continued lack of transparency risks damaging both the SACCO and the wider federation, especially at a time when several artists have already begun questioning how government support funds meant for musicians are being handled.

He also urged Kenzo and the UNMF leadership to address the concerns openly, saying silence and confusion could further frustrate musicians who joined the initiative in good faith.

Bafana further added that they ae well aware of how musicians are well aware of the money disbursed to the SACO as per President Museveni’s recent comments. According to Bafana, this conduct is what has even turned the Kadongo Kamu artists against Kenzo