Fred Mbidde, the Deputy President of Uganda’s Democratic Party (DP), has cautioned musicians eyeing political careers against using their music as a campaign tool. Speaking during an interview on Sanyuka Television, Mbidde warned that while artists are free to join politics, they must understand that leadership requires more than musical fame—and mixing the two could backfire.

The warning comes as more Ugandan musicians express interest in running for political office, particularly parliamentary seats, inspired by the success of artist-turned-politicians like Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine. However, Mbidde stressed that politics is not an extension of entertainment but a serious responsibility that demands public service, not personal gain.

“Artists are welcome to join politics, but they should not turn their music into a political weapon,” Mbidde said. “Songs are often written for them, and musical talent does not automatically translate into political leadership.” He emphasized that while he wishes them success, they must recognize that politics is about serving people, not making money.

Mbidde also warned that political ambitions could harm an artist’s career if not handled carefully. He pointed out that aligning with a particular party might alienate fans who support rival factions, shrinking their audience. “If you campaign under a party that some of your fans oppose, you risk losing their support,” he explained. “Politics can divide your fanbase, and once that happens, rebuilding it is tough.”

Another critical piece of advice from the DP deputy president was against artists selling off their properties to fund political campaigns. He cautioned that electoral losses could leave them financially ruined with little chance of recovery. “Do not liquidate your assets for politics,” he said. “If you lose the election, you may never regain what you spent.”

The trend of musicians entering politics gained momentum after Bobi Wine won the Kyadondo East parliamentary seat in 2017. His success inspired other artists, including Mathias Walukaga and Geoffrey Lutaya, who leveraged their musical popularity to win seats in the last general elections. With another election approaching, more musicians are now declaring their political ambitions, hoping to follow in their footsteps.

However, Mbidde’s remarks highlight the risks involved in this transition. While fame may help artists gain initial recognition, politics requires different skills—governance, policy understanding, and the ability to serve constituents beyond entertainment. He stressed that artists must be prepared for the realities of leadership, which include accountability, hard work, and sometimes, tough criticism.

The DP leader’s comments also reflect a broader debate on whether celebrity status should be a shortcut to political office. While some argue that artists have a strong connection with the people, others believe that political leadership demands experience and a clear vision beyond popularity. Mbidde’s warning serves as a reminder that politics is not just about fame but about delivering real change.

As more artists consider joining politics, the question remains: Can they successfully transition from entertainers to effective leaders? Or will their political ambitions cost them their careers and finances? Mbidde’s advice suggests that those who venture into politics must do so with caution, understanding that the game is far different from the stage.

For now, the growing list of musicians-turned-politicians continues to reshape Uganda’s political landscape. Whether this trend will lead to better representation or merely celebrity-driven campaigns remains to be seen. But one thing is clear—artists entering politics must be ready to leave their microphones behind and pick up the tools of real leadership.

As the next election draws closer, the public will be watching to see which artists take Mbidde’s advice—and which ones learn the hard way that politics is not just another performance.