Bebe Cool, Lillian Mbabazi Sworn In as UNCC Trustees

Summary:

• Renowned artists, including Bebe Cool and Hannington Bugingo, were sworn in as members of the Uganda National Cultural Centre board, marking a new chapter for the country’s cultural sector. The ceremony, officiated by Minister Betty Among, emphasized the importance of artist representation in national planning. Absent from the event was Jose Chameleone.

In a landmark ceremony held today at the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development headquarters in Kampala, a new chapter unfolded for Uganda’s cultural landscape. Artists Moses Ssali, known as Bebe Cool, Hannington Bugingo, Lillian Mbabazi, and Phina Mugerwa were officially sworn in as members of the Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC) board of trustees.

The proceedings were presided over by none other than the esteemed Minister Betty Among and Peter Ojede, the Executive Director of UNCC. Among the newly appointed trustees were Dr. Richard Komakech and Prof. Dokotum Ojaka Opio.

Of significant note, Prof. Dokotum Ojaka Opio ascended to the esteemed position of board chairperson, with Phina Mugerwa assuming the role of vice-chairperson. The remaining members, including Bebe Cool, Hannington Bugingo, and Lillian Mbabazi, were sworn in as integral contributors to the board. However, notable absence marked the ceremony as Joseph Mayanja, also known as Jose Chameleone, was conspicuously missing.

This new board ushers in a promising era with a three-year tenure, signaling a fresh approach to cultural stewardship. Unlike its predecessors, this board boasts extensive representation from the artists themselves, reflecting a pivotal shift towards sectoral inclusivity. Such a move is hailed as a significant stride forward, recognizing that artists possess unparalleled insight into their craft and industry.

Reflecting on the occasion, Bugingo expressed optimism, stating, “The revolution of getting art as an industry/sector onto the national planning strategy of the national plan and budget has commenced.” His sentiments underscore the importance of integrating art and culture into the fabric of national development.

The ceremony also saw the presence of prominent artiste leaders, Eddy Kenzo and Cindy Sanyu, presidents of Uganda National Musicians Federation and Uganda Musicians Association, respectively. Their camaraderie, captured in shared moments post-ceremony, dispelled rumors of a recent rift, symbolizing unity within the artistic community.

With inputs from New Vision