Musician-turned-politician Hajjati Faridah Stecia Mayanja has resigned as president of the National Peasants Party (NPP), ending days of public wrangling with the party’s leadership.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, Mayanja said she could not abandon her music career to concentrate on politics, describing her resignation as a personal choice rooted in respect for her artistry and livelihood.
“I am not ready to ditch my music career for politics,” she said. “I initially believed I was collaborating with professional and transparent individuals, but this no longer appears to be the case.”
The announcement comes after a back-and-forth exchange between Mayanja and the party’s secretary general, who had summoned her to explain why she performed at a National Resistance Movement (NRM) rally at Kololo Independence Grounds. NPP argued that her participation contravened party rules, while Mayanja’s lawyers insisted her performance was purely professional and not political.
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Mayanja accused the party of disrespect in its handling of the matter and defended her decision to perform for boda boda riders affiliated with NRM, saying she could not discriminate against fans because of their political choices.
“Joining politics can’t stop me from performing as an artist,” she said. “I am an artist who is supposed to appear in any sector. Like a shopkeeper, you don’t ask what party a customer supports. The same applies to me as a performer.”
While stepping down, Mayanja reaffirmed that as president she had always held the power to make final decisions within NPP, but added that she no longer wished to work in an environment where her authority was undermined.
Her resignation has sparked debate among supporters, with some criticizing her divided loyalty while others applauded her decision to prioritize her long-standing music career.
She promised to communicate her next political or professional move in due course.
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