Karamoja Artists Boycott Balaam Youth Rally

What was meant to be a powerful youth empowerment forum turned sour on Friday, as a large group of artists under the Karamoja Artists Umbrella boycotted the highly publicized Karamoja Youth Wake-Up Rally, accusing organizers of exploitation, exclusion, and disrespect.

The rally, hosted at Moroto Boma Grounds on May 16 2025 and fronted by Minister Esther Anyakun and Balaam Barugahara, was intended to discuss government programs such as the Emyooga Fund, Youth Livelihood Projects, and the Parish Development Model (PDM). But even before the first speech could be delivered, the venue was already echoing with protest—this time not from opposition politicians, but from the region’s own entertainers.

Holding placards with messages such as “Balaam, We Are Tired” and “We Are Not Performing for 200K!” the artists staged a peaceful demonstration outside the venue, accusing Balaam and his team of underpaying and sidelining local talent.

“The last time Balaam brought a show here, we were robbed in broad daylight," said Gwills, a local singer. “He invited over 200 artists and gave us peanuts. What can 10 million shillings do when split among all of us?"

Enzhed, another artist, said the boycott had full support across the entertainment chain. “The dancers, the MCs, the DJs, and even promoters—we’re all in this together. Karamoja deserves better.”

The fallout extended beyond just the artists. Shongs, a performer who initially showed interest in the event, said the venue was “empty by 6PM” despite being advertised as an all-day rally.

“That shows how discontented the people are. They feel ignored,” he added.

Prominent Karamoja promoter Jemo blasted the organizers for importing music equipment and staging from outside Karamoja. “We have sound systems and stage gear right here. Why spend money elsewhere when you claim to be uplifting local youth?”

Boniface Angura, a popular MC, also weighed in, saying Karamoja continues to be left behind in Uganda’s creative industry.

“Where is Eddy Kenzo, the president of the Uganda National Musicians Federation? He should take this up. We need representation, not tokenism.”

Raphael Nyanga, one of the protest leaders, accused Balaam of creating a large event budget only to “give artists crumbs."

In response, Hon. Balaam Barugahara dismissed the outcry, insisting the rally was a success and went as planned. When pressed on the complaints, he said his mission in Karamoja was clear: “To make it yellow and uproot isolated NUP (National Unity Platform) cases.

The rally was the second major event hosted at Moroto Boma Grounds in under a month, following MP Francis Lorika Adome’s widely praised Easter Thanksgiving Festival that attracted massive crowds and was hailed for including local artists prominently.