Apass Slams Eddy Kenzo for Calling Ugandan Protests Violent

Ugandan singer Apass, whose real name is Alex Bagonza, has criticized fellow artist Eddy Kenzo for characterizing Ugandan protests as violent.

Over the past weeks, a number of youths have attempted to march to Parliament in protest of rampant corruption. These protests have been met with brute force from security organs, resulting in the arrest of over 100 individuals. Similarly, across the border in Kenya, youths stormed the Kenyan Parliament due to dissatisfaction with tax policies.

While speaking to the press, the President of the Uganda National Musicians Federation, Kenzo, expressed his dissatisfaction with the protests, calling them violent. This came after he was challenged by fellow artist Azawi to join the Ugandan protestors.

“In Uganda, I cannot incite violence or support demonstrations. This is because some people are just rioting because they were inspired by Kenya. How can you be inspired by Kenyans who torched the parliament and people’s businesses? If she (Azawi) wants to demonstrate, she doesn’t have to ask me to tell her first. Let her go.” Kenzo said.

However, according to the outspoken Apass, Kenzo exposed his ignorance regarding the cultures in both countries. He said it beats his understanding that someone could compare the protest culture in Kenya to that in Uganda.

While appearing on Sanyuka Television, Apass emphasized that Ugandans are largely peaceful people. He cited examples of previous protests, such as traders and youths marching to Parliament. Traders in downtown Kampala have, over time, closed their shops in defiance of exorbitant tax rates.

Apass challenges Kenzo

“Did you see any violence in the march to Parliament? Have you seen any violence in the protest by Kampala traders? The police and army are the biggest perpetrators of violence in Uganda. It’s not the citizens; we are peaceful. They [police] hire mercenaries to join the protests and turn them violent.” Apass said.

Apass also challenged the Big Talent boss to seek knowledge about the March to Parliament protests. According to Apass, Kenzo is wrong to say that Ugandan youths were inspired by the Kenyans. He informed Kenzo that it is the living conditions, high taxes, and exorbitant corruption rates that pushed the youths to the streets.

Additionally, Apass encouraged Kenzo to separate issues affecting the youth from his disagreements with NUP Principal Bobi Wine.