West Nile Musicians Association denies corruption claims over Shs110 million fund
“All financial records are clear, fully transparent, and properly accounted for,” he said.
West Nile: The leadership of the West Nile Musicians Association (WNMA) has dismissed allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement following claims circulating on social media that officials misused funds meant to support artists in the region.
The association, which operates as a regional affiliate of the Uganda National Musicians Association (UNMA), came under scrutiny after bloggers alleged that WNMA leaders had failed to account for UGX 110 million disbursed by the parent body to support musicians in West Nile.
The reports further claimed that an audit had uncovered misuse of the funds by some association leaders for personal benefit. However, no details have been provided regarding who conducted the alleged audit or when it took place.
Speaking to this publication, WNMA Chairperson Jawotho James, popularly known as Jay Jagz, described the allegations as false and unfounded.
“Out of the UGX 110 million received in April 2026, UGX 43 million has already been distributed to 26 individual beneficiaries,” Jawotho said.
He added that all financial records relating to the funds are properly documented and transparent.
“All financial records are clear, fully transparent, and properly accounted for,” he said.
Jawotho also criticized the spread of misinformation on social media, urging bloggers and members of the public to verify information through official association channels before publishing allegations.
He further announced that he will step down as Vice Chairperson of the Greater Alur Musicians Association (GAMA) to concentrate on leading the West Nile Musicians Association.
Association leaders said plans are underway to register more artists to benefit from future government funding as they await additional disbursements.
The leadership also called on musicians across West Nile to remain united and take advantage of government revolving funds aimed at supporting the creative industry.
Artists in the region continue to face numerous challenges, including inadequate funding, fragmented industry networks, weak personal and professional branding, and limited access to national markets—factors that continue to affect their growth and financial sustainability.
The West Nile Musicians Association serves as an umbrella body representing several regional artists’ associations, including the Greater Alur Musicians Association (GAMA), Greater Lugbara, and Greater Madi musicians’ associations.
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