Outspoken cleric Father Deogratius Kiibi Kateregga of St. Joseph’s Parish, Mpigi, has sparked debate after sharply criticising Ugandan musicians who appeared at President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s recent campaign rally, accusing them of trading talent for handouts.

Speaking in an interview with Spark TV, Father Kateregga questioned the dignity and long term survival of artists who, in his view, have abandoned their craft in favour of political favour and short term gains. He argued that musicians should earn a living from their creativity, not by lingering around political events in hopes of financial reward.

“When an artist stops working and instead positions themselves at rallies waiting for money, that is not art. That is begging,” he said, adding that such conduct points to a deeper problem of complacency and lost ambition within the creative industry.

The cleric did not mince words, describing some of the performers as failed artists who, rather than investing in their careers, have chosen what he called the easier path of dependency. According to him, genuine talent should be self sustaining and not tied to the goodwill or presence of politicians.

“What happens when the person you are begging from is no longer there?” he asked. “Talent should feed you for a lifetime, not just during an election season.”

In a characteristically sarcastic jab, Father Kateregga blamed what he described as widespread laziness, joking that some people “sleep as though they are competing with the dead.” He further quipped that if begging has become a profession, perhaps the government should consider introducing a “begging course” at university.

‘Sekajja yasinga Amir ensumika.’

Father Kiibi abyaatudde. #DailySoup pic.twitter.com/CZFfJHVP2w

— SPARK TV (@sparktvuganda) December 22, 2025