KAMPALA. President Museveni has commended local artistes and members of the entertainment industry and encouraged them to be more creative and use their works to promote the African culture.
Speaking to musicians, actors and comedians at Speke Resort Munyonyo on Friday night, Mr Museveni said his government has created an enabling environment for their talents to thrive.
“When Muhoozi (Kainerugaba) was young, he used to watch a cartoon called Superman and he [superman] was always a white man. It is good that we can now have a black Superman. I was worried that the black children think that it is only a whiteman that can do that [what Superman does],” Mr Museveni said.
The President said this after watching a cartoon known as Katoto in which actors are black. It was produced by Mr Richard Musinguzi.
“This helps to liberate the black children because they know that they can also do it because it is a potential problem not to have their own cartoons,” Mr Museveni said.
He was presiding over the launch of a music video in which 12 local musicians sung a song Tubonga Naawe, to show their support for him in the coming presidential elections.
Some of the musicians featuring on the song include Jose Chameleone, Juliana, Kanyomozi, Bebe Cool, Radio, Weasel and Irene Namubiru, among others.
Speaking on behalf of the artistes, Ms Kanyomozi said: “We did this song, Tubonga Naawe, as an expression used by young people to express our feelings and thoughts. We love you.”
The musicians pledged support for President Museveni in the 2016 elections, saying their careers have thrived under his guidance as President.
The song video shows musicians flashing the NRM party symbol as they sing about some achievements of Mr Museveni’s government like women emancipation and peace.
Mr Museveni also advised the artistes to create a fund through which the government will support the music industry. He pledged Shs400m to open the fund.
atumwine@ug.nationmedia.com