The interplay between music and politics in Uganda: a case of by-elections in Bugiri, Jinja East and Kyadondo East constituencies

Abstract

This study set out to understand the interplay between music and politics in Uganda, particularly focusing on by- elections of three places. For this case of by- elections in Bugiri, Jinja East, and Kyadondo East, the study specifically, sought to establish the different types of popular music that have been used in by- elections, determine how popular music and politics influence each other and identify challenges facing the interplay of popular music and politics in Uganda. A mainly qualitative research design was utilized to find out answers to the major problems. While both qualitative and quantitative research tools were employed in the data collection process, the research was mainly situated in the qualitative domain since the nature of the subject called for a critical, and analytical interpretation of the data collected from the field, consequently influencing the reporting of the findings. The study established that music and politics have always existed side by side playing a complimentary role. The study therefore concluded that music and politics exhibits an unlimited relationship, ranging from social, economic, political and academic which has existed for long in a hidden inactive mode that deserved study.