Musician Mark Bugembe, popularly known as Buchaman, has accused the government of sidelining him and withholding funding for his community projects due to his past association with National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine. In an interview with Sanyuka TV, Buchaman expressed frustration over the obstacles his initiatives aimed at supporting ghetto youths have faced at the hands of influential government figures.
Buchaman revealed that despite launching several programs designed to uplift and transform the lives of young people in Uganda’s ghettos, government officials have consistently blocked his efforts. He claims that key figures close to President Yoweri Museveni and Gen. Salim Saleh are refusing to support his projects, fearing he still maintains connections with Bobi Wine, his former musical partner and now political rival.
“President Museveni and Gen. Saleh know what I can contribute to this country,” Buchaman stated. “But they refuse to support me because they think I’m still Bobi Wine’s ally. They fear that any funding I receive might indirectly benefit him. They’d rather wait until I’m out of the picture before acknowledging my work.”
Although he has pledged loyalty to the current government, Buchaman says he feels unappreciated and financially abandoned. “I have been faithful, yet I’ve been treated unfairly. Right now, I’m broke and struggling. I have initiatives aimed at helping ghetto youths leave crime, but I get no recognition or funding. They don’t support me simply because of my past friendship with Bobi Wine,” he lamented.
Buchaman and Bobi Wine were once close collaborators in the Firebase Crew before political differences drove them apart. While Buchaman now aligns himself with the ruling government, he continues to face suspicion due to his earlier ties with the opposition leader.
The musician’s statements highlight the challenges of navigating political loyalty in Uganda, where past associations can still affect opportunities, even after a public shift in allegiance.
