Kira Municipality MP, Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, has openly criticized President Yoweri Museveni’s decision to appoint Eddy Kenzo as a presidential advisor.
Ssemujju argued that such appointments undermine the prestige and seriousness of the advisory role.
Ssemujju drew a stark contrast between Kenzo and the first generation of presidential advisors, which included highly respected figures such as Prof. George Kanyeihamba, Gen. David Sejusa, and Ephraim Kamuntu.
According to Ssemujju, these individuals were appointed based on their extensive knowledge, experience, and contribution to the nation, qualities that he believes Kenzo lacks in the context of offering advice to the President.
If you look at the quality of the first people to be appointed presidential advisors, the likes of Prof. George Kanyeihamba, Gen. David Sejusa, and Ephraim Kamuntu… it demeans that office when you begin appointing people, including those with no knowledge and experience, and elevate them to be your advisors.
While acknowledging Kenzo’s talent and success in the music industry, Ssemujju expressed skepticism about the artist’s ability to contribute meaningfully in an advisory capacity to the President. “I like Kenzo as a singer and he has value, but I don’t think his value is in advising the President,” he added.
In recent years, President Museveni has appointed a growing number of advisors from the arts and entertainment industry, possibly as a strategy to appeal to the younger voting demographic.
Alongside Eddy Kenzo, other prominent figures from the music scene, such as Catherine Kusasira, Mark Bugembe (known as Buchaman), and Jennifer Nakanguubi (known as Full Figure), have also been named as presidential advisors.