Denis Mugagga, a member of the UK-based Ugandan music duo Ganda Boys, has expressed deep frustration over the lack of support from both the Ugandan government and corporate organizations.

The group, known for promoting Buganda’s culture and traditions on the global stage, feels sidelined despite their efforts to elevate Uganda’s cultural heritage.

Mugagga revealed that their mission to promote Buganda’s rich traditions has often been met with indifference, even from their own community.

This indifference, he lamented, contrasts sharply with the attention and resources given to contemporary Ugandan musicians like Gravity Omutujju and Lil Pazo, whose music, according to some, fails to align with Uganda’s cultural values.

We have been working hard to bring pride to Uganda and Buganda through our music, but the biggest challenge we face is from our own people. They simply don’t see the value in what we’re doing for our country and for Buganda.

He singled out a specific campaign in 2022, where the Ganda Boys sought to create the Ekitiibwa Kya Buganda choir to tour Europe and perform the Buganda Kingdom anthem.

However, the project failed due to a lack of financial backing.

We couldn’t send this choir to England to perform, yet that Enkudi singer has gone eight or nine times. This is where we are as a nation.