Conclusion
As a political instrument, “Federo” functioned as Buganda Kingdom’s unofficial anthem of constitutional resistance following the 1995 governmental rejection of federalism. The song served as a persistent public reminder of unfulfilled promises, transforming various performance spaces—from political gatherings to personal celebrations like weddings—into forums for expressing collective disappointment with President Museveni’s administration. By circulating across diverse social contexts for years after its 1996 creation, the composition maintained political pressure long after the constitutional debate in question had officially concluded. Beyond mere entertainment, the song operates as a form of documented protest, preserving Kiganda federalist aspirations in cultural memory when formal political channels seem to fail.
“Federalism” activates the philosophical imaginations of its listeners, spurring various interpretations regarding the national government’s policies. As mentioned earlier, numerous elements of the song make it interpretable in many different settings. These elements include its lyrical nonspecificity: although there is a precise political situation that Deziderio is referring to, he does not call out specific politicians. This allows the song to be applied to various themes, including spirituality, wildlife, justice, and authority, among other universal topics, with various interpretations. As such, the song’s political position and philosophical stance do more than provide fodder for theorists and music aficionados to discuss. “Federalism” reshapes listeners’ understanding of the world, aided by Deziderio’s unique use of language and storytelling.