Well-known entertainment reporter Ibrah K Mukasa has come down heavily on Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa and asked him to use his position in Parliament to advocate for the welfare of the entire arts industry , rather than calling for more useless musical struggles.
The Spark TV presenter posted a statement on his Facebook page on Monday asking the Ruhinda North County Assembly Member for Mituma District to use his powers in August House of Representatives to enact good laws to revitalize Uganda of the music industry, as his fight is driving disunity between musicians and fans for a just cause.
“First of all, the powers of the Ugandan Speaker are vast, such as the ability to impeach the president or initiate constitutional amendments. However, it is necessary to consider whether organizing a music battle falls within the Speaker’s remit. The answer is, maybe not. Although Uganda’s arts industry is full of energy, but the Speaker may not be required to be directly involved in organizing such events. Instead, the Speaker can play a key role in advocating for reforms and initiatives that can significantly benefit the arts sector,” he said.
Mukasa went on to tell Tayebwa that if he had the arts industry at heart, he could defend the law; for example copyright law is one of the most pressing issues for the Ugandan arts industry and calls for tax exemptions on art equipment.
He also asked him to advocate for fair and equitable treatment of all musicians. This includes ensuring that artists like Bobi Wine can perform without restrictions.
Prior to Mukasa’s letter, the Deputy Speaker took to Twitter on Sunday to call for a music battle between Jose Chameleon and Bebe Cool.
“I’m enjoying the live show battle between these two giants of the Ugandan music industry. Whoever can organize it has my full support,” his tweet read.
However, his tweet sparked a backlash from the public, who wondered why of all the problems facing Ugandans, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament would choose to advocate for more music wars.
In the meantime, here’s Ibrah K Mukasa’s full letter
Dear Rt. Dear. Dear Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa,
I hope this letter finds you well. I recently saw your tweet about your idea of organizing a musical battle between singers Jose Chameleon and Bebe Cool.While it is interesting to see public figures taking an interest in the arts industry, I would like to provide some perspective on the role of a speaker and how it can positively impact the arts in Ugandas Scenes.
First, the Ugandan Speaker has considerable powers, such as the ability to impeach the president or initiate constitutional amendments. However, it is necessary to consider whether organizing a musical battle falls within the Speaker’s remit. The answer is, probably not. Uganda’s arts industry, while vibrant, may not require the Speaker’s direct involvement in organizing such events.
Instead, the Speaker can play a key role in advocating for reforms and initiatives that can significantly benefit the arts sector:
1.**Copyright Law:** One of the most pressing issues in the arts is copyright protection. The Speaker can advocate for the implementation and revision of copyright laws to ensure artists are paid fairly for their work.
2.**Infrastructure:** Advocating for the construction of theaters and venues suitable for hosting performances can create more opportunities for artists to showcase their talents and attract more audiences.
- **Government Investment:** Emphasizing the importance of the income generated by the arts industry and promoting a greater proportion of it to be reinvested in the industry can enhance its growth and development.
- **Equal Opportunity:** It is vital to advocate for fair and equitable treatment of all musicians. This includes ensuring artists like Bobi Wine can perform without restrictions.
- **Tax Exemption:** Proposed tax exemptions for art equipment could ease the financial burden on artists and promote creativity.
In conclusion, while the idea of a music battle is interesting, it may not be the most effective use of the deputy speakership. Instead, using your influence to improve the arts industry through legislative change and advocacy can have a lasting and positive impact. Let us strive to make Uganda a thriving center for the arts rather than inadvertently repeating the challenges faced by other countries.
for god and my country
Allah is above all
Sincerely,
Ibrahim. K. Mukasa
Have a story or opinion from your community to share with us: please email editorial@watchdoguganda.com
