Ugandan Radio Hosts Sound Off on Music Industry Inequality

Kampala, Uganda – May 29, 2025. A recent discussion on 106.5 NRG Radio in Kampala highlighted a growing concern within the Ugandan music industry: the unequal treatment of local artists compared to their international counterparts. The radio hosts, engaging in a lively debate, pointed out a significant pay disparity, with Ugandan DJs receiving considerably less than their foreign peers. One host emphatically stated, "Ugandan DJs are being paid small money, while foreign DJs are paid in dollars." This sentiment underscores a broader issue of insufficient support for local musicians. The hosts also discussed the prevalence of foreign music on Ugandan airwaves, even while local artists struggle for recognition. The conversation serves as a call for greater support and appreciation of Ugandan music within the country. This disparity, the hosts suggest, is not merely an economic issue but also a matter of national pride and the promotion of local talent.