Ugandan singer and activist Nina Roz has urged artists across the country to step beyond the stage and engage actively in political affairs. Speaking passionately, the celebrated performer emphasized the important role musicians can play in driving social and political change.

Known for her vibrant hits like Billboard Kipande, Nina Roz believes that artists have a powerful platform that should be used to elevate the voices of the common people. In her view, musicians hold a rare position of influence, able to spark conversations and inspire movements that address real societal challenges.

“If you are a musician who is just singing and doing nothing else, you are lost,” she stated firmly during a recent address. “You need to reach a point where you speak to and for the people and stand for those who have put you where you are.”

Musicians and the Power to Shape Society

The Sirubala singer elaborated on the unique responsibilities artists carry. According to her, musicians are not merely entertainers but are part of a “special breed of people” who command public attention. Nina Roz argued that the same energy and talent that captivates audiences through songs should be channeled toward advocating for important societal causes.

“Artists have the ability to gather people, to make them listen, to make them feel,” she explained. “Imagine using that same power to highlight issues affecting our communities. Imagine how much change we could influence if we raised our voices together.”

In her appeal, Nina Roz called on her colleagues in the entertainment industry to view activism as part of their duty to their audiences. She believes fans would be proud to see their favorite stars stepping into the political struggle, not just to criticize but to actively participate in shaping a better future.

“I genuinely think that all fans would want to see their favourite musicians joining the political struggle,” she said. “It is a way of giving back to the fans — by showing that we are standing with them in their struggles. If we keep quiet, it’s selfish. It’s like saying everything in the country is okay when it’s not.”

Preparing for a Political Career

Nina Roz is not content to simply speak from the sidelines. In fact, she has set her sights on a direct political role. In 2023, she publicly confirmed her intention to contest for a parliamentary seat in Uganda’s 2026 general elections.

She plans to represent Sembabule district, the place she calls home, under the banner of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP). Her decision to run was fueled by what she describes as a lifelong yearning for meaningful change in her country.

“I joined the struggle to seek change because, in all the years I have lived, I have never seen change in my country,” she said. “Enough is enough. It’s time for young voices to rise.”

Identifying strongly with the politically conscious generation led by figures like Bobi Wine, Nina Roz sees her candidacy as an opportunity to serve the very people who have stood by her throughout her musical journey. To her, political engagement is a natural extension of her commitment to representing her fans and fighting for a more just society.

“I want to be the voice of the voiceless,” she declared. “I want to fight for the rights of ordinary Ugandans and make a meaningful impact in my community.”

The Road to Sembabule

Sembabule district, located in Uganda’s central region, holds five parliamentary constituencies. It is currently a politically mixed area, with representatives from both the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the opposition. Nina Roz sees this political diversity as a sign that change is possible, and she is determined to be part of that movement.

Her campaign, she says, will focus on issues close to the heart of her community — access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for the youth and marginalized groups. She also plans to advocate for greater freedom of expression and participation in decision-making processes, especially for the younger generation.

“This is not just about winning an election,” she said. “It’s about building a future where people are heard, where leaders are accountable, and where change is more than just a slogan.”

A Call to Artists Everywhere

Nina Roz’s message is not just for Ugandan musicians, but for artists across the globe. She believes that creativity and activism are deeply connected and that artists must recognize their ability to influence society beyond entertainment.

She emphasized that taking part in politics does not necessarily mean abandoning music or art, but rather enriching it by adding layers of meaning and purpose. “Music itself is political,” she said. “Every song, every message carries power. We just need to be intentional about how we use it.”

As Uganda moves closer to the 2026 elections, the presence of figures like Nina Roz signals a broader shift: a generation of young people, artists included, who are no longer content to sit on the sidelines. They are ready to step up, to lead, and to demand a better tomorrow.

In Nina Roz’s eyes, political participation is not just a right — it’s a duty. And she is inviting her fellow musicians to rise to that challenge, to lend their voices not just to melodies, but to the movements that shape nations.