Musician Mark Bugembe, widely known by his stage name Buchaman, has appealed to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s government to recognize and appreciate his contributions toward transforming Uganda’s ghetto communities through various development initiatives.
Buchaman expressed disappointment over what he termed as a lack of acknowledgment for his efforts in improving the lives of ghetto youths. He noted that through his 7 Hills project, many young people found employment with KCCA as road cleaners, helping them turn away from crime and start earning an honest living.
> “The government should reward me because I initiated most of the projects running in the ghettos. Those who used to steal are now working as road sweepers in Kampala under the 7 Hills project,” he stated.
The singer also decried the disbandment of his ‘Security by Knuckle’ team—a group he formed to combat theft at events and concerts—saying it was unfairly criticized and dissolved. He believes his previous close association with opposition leader Bobi Wine has contributed to his strained relations with the current regime.
> “I started Security by Knuckle, but it was spoken against and later disbanded. They resent me because of Bobi Wine. When the time comes, I will step down and notify the President before pursuing my own ventures,” Buchaman explained.
He went on to accuse the government of sidelining ghetto innovators by transferring their projects to top security officials. Buchaman cited his Ghetto Structure project as an example, claiming it was taken over by Afande Damuliira despite his original leadership.
> “Visionaries like me don’t benefit under this regime. I began the Ghetto Structure project, but it was handed over to Afande Damuliira. Even when I raised the issue with Gen. Salim Saleh, nothing was done,” he lamented.
