Top Bunyoro Artist Figo West Blasts Museveni, PM Nabbanja for Neglecting Banyoro

Speaking to The Telegraph in an interview earlier this week, Bunyoro top artist Batumbaya Denis known as Figo West expressed sharp criticism of President Museveni, Ugandan Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and the Ugandan government for their lack of practical support for the youth and people of Bunyoro.

West also pointed out the government’s support for artists in central and other regions, while Bunyoro’s youth still struggle with financial resources. Reliable sources say that even when the government and its agencies visit Bunyoro, they bring artists from the central to perform at their events. “Recently, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja held a mobilization campaign to seek votes for then-candidate Uthuman Mubarak. Shockingly, instead of considering Bunyoro artists, she brought artists like Gravity Omutujju to perform his song ‘Okwepicha’ during the rally,” West said, criticizing the choice of songs that “have no meaning” for all generations in the region.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, herself a Munyoro, has found herself at the center of controversy for consistently hiring artists from central Uganda, neglecting local talent. Critics argue that even when Bunyoro artists are given a chance to perform; they are underpaid compared to artists from other regions like the central who perform songs that do not resonate with the local community.

“I find it shocking that while the government secures loans based on our oil resources, the residents in the oil-rich regions continue to face hardship and suffering. People are being driven-out from their lands,” he said.

Artistes in Bunyoro voicing their concerns are questioning the government how long it takes for it to sign copyright law “Museveni is so disrectiful” they said

Many hold the misconception that the Banyoro are reaping the benefits of government support, but the reality is starkly different. Residing in an oil-rich region, “we have yet to see any substantial benefits trickle down to us” they said

“I know when you stand for the truth, you stand alone” Figo West said.  “the only hope is in Bobi Wine” he adds

“Additionally, Earlier, the kingdom was protected by what were referred to as Abarusura, but today, the army is the primary security for the kingdoms,” he said in a Saturday interview.

“The kingdom no longer serves the people’s interests; it serves the interests of President Museveni and his regime,” West added. He highlighted the risks faced by those who speak out against the government, including arrests, torture, abductions, and killings. Bunyoro’s youth, he noted, feel neglected and unsupported in their efforts to improve their lives. “In our years as youth, we feel we have done totally nothing for ourselves,” West added.

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