Okot Mark, the dynamic Ugandan artist widely recognized as Rey Macc, is starting 2026 on a high note with two powerful new Afrobeat singles that highlight his growth as a singer, songwriter, and self-taught producer. Released under his real name, “Remember” dropped on January 23, 2026, followed closely by “Games” on January 30, 2026. Both tracks are distributed by Trend Setters Digital, the label arm tied to his co-founded initiative Trend Setters Uganda. These releases build on a strong 2025 run where Okot Mark consistently delivered fresh music. Fans enjoyed romantic and confident cuts like “Select You” (a soulful highlight under Okot Mark & Rey Macc), “Better Than You”, “Aisha”, “An Amari”, “I Think You Want To Be Alone Tonight”, “Low Key”, “Come Over”, “Transition”, “Love On Me”, “What A Girl”, and others that blended Afrobeat rhythms with R&B influences, Afro-dancehall vibes, and party energy.

Now, with these January 2026 drops, Okot Mark shows even more range: one deeply emotional and patient, the other fiercely protective and direct. “Remember”: The Heartfelt Long-Distance Love Letter. “Remember” is a tender Afrobeat ballad that pours out the raw feelings of loving someone across distance. Written entirely by Okot Mark, it captures the everyday ache of separation, the sacrifices required for love, and the unwavering commitment to wait.From the opening:

Trendsetters
Mans like Rey
I will be honest
I can’t imagine
Waking up to an empty bed
Cause you ain’t with me
I don’t like it
But sacrifices
For the ones you love

The chorus turns into a vulnerable, repeated plea:

I want you to promise me
That you’ll remember me
Cause I will remember you
And I will wait for you
My love

He gets even more personal, sharing dreams put on hold:

My baby baby
I’ll be honest
I thought this was the perfect time to start a family
I love children
And I want them with you
Even though I hate the timing
I will wait for you

The smooth, melodic production lets the emotions shine through warm Afrobeat grooves. If you’ve vibed with his softer, love-focused tracks like “Love On Me”, “Aisha”, or “Low Key” from last year, “Remember” feels like a natural, deeper extension; perfect for dedicated playlists or quiet moments missing someone special. Stream or download “Remember” today: https://ffm.to/okotmarkremember

“Games”: No More Playing Around – Boundaries Set. Just seven days later, “Games” brings the energy shift. This assertive Afrobeat track is all about self-respect, spotting manipulation early, and refusing to let anyone get the upper hand. The infectious hook and chants lock you in right away:

Do
Do do do do do
Do do do
I know what you’re doing
Don’t play those games on me
Don’t play those games on me
Yeah yeah yeah yeah

He issues clear warnings:

Be careful
Be careful with me
Am not that guy
But I can turn the switch on

The verses cut straight:

Who are you to tell me what’s good for me
Looking at you, you’re just a nobody
Putting your feet where it doesn’t belong

And that standout vocal moment from the Ugandan Ex-MP Hon. Segona drives home confidence and qualification:

Look around
look at other people
Look at me
look at my CV
Why do you have to deceive yourself?
Scoring
Is there somebody
vying for this position
As qualified as myself
I have presented my CV
I have presented my ideas
And everybody would agree

With bouncy rhythms, catchy “Do do do” elements, and an unapologetic attitude, “Games” echoes the bolder side of his catalog—like “Better Than You” or confident flexes in other 2025 releases. It’s empowering music for anyone done tolerating nonsense. Stream or download “Games” today: https://ffm.to/okotmarkgames

Why These Releases Matter in Okot Mark’s Journey: Dropping two strong singles back-to-back shows Okot Mark’s versatility and work ethic. From heartfelt dedications to boundary-setting anthems, he’s telling real stories rooted in personal experience while keeping the Afrobeat production fresh and danceable. As a multi-genre creator (blending Afrobeat, R&B, Afro-dancehall, and more), founder of Trend Setters, and active voice in digital spaces, he’s carving out space in East Africa’s music landscape. 2026 is young, but these tracks already signal momentum. Whether you’re into the emotional pull of “Remember” or the no-games energy of “Games,” add them to your rotation, share with friends, and support independent Ugandan talent. Head to the links, stream on repeat, and keep an eye on Okot Mark, he’s got more rhythm and realness coming. What’s hitting hardest for you right now?

In the lead-up to and aftermath of Uganda’s January 15, 2026, general elections, social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, TikTok, and others turned into battlegrounds of intense negativity. Phrases such as “Protect the gains,” “Uganda is Bleeding,” “New Uganda,” and dire warnings of impending collapse dominated feeds. Videos showed opposition leaders like Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) confronting police, claims of uncontrollable bloodshed, election malpractices, and predictions that the country stood on the brink unless specific leaders took power. Allegedly paid activists, bots, and fervent supporters from both opposition and ruling party sides amplified these narratives, pushing endless streams of alarming content. Scrolling through it all became addictive; each refresh delivered more outrage, fear, or confirmation of bias leaving many Ugandans angry, exhausted, and emotionally drained.

If you found yourself wrapped up in this cycle, reacting impulsively with heated comments, staying up late to “stay informed,” or feeling constant tension regardless of your political side, you were likely doomscrolling. This behavior, far from harmless, exhibits the traits of a compulsive disorder and should be recognized as a form of mental illness.

Doomscrolling is the compulsive habit of endlessly scrolling through feeds saturated with crises, disasters, political outrage, violence, and apocalyptic predictions. What starts as a genuine effort to follow important events spirals into hours of consumption that heightens anxiety, hopelessness, and fatigue. In Uganda’s recent electoral context, the algorithmic push toward emotionally charged content like videos of confrontations, inflammatory claims, and polarized debates made it especially potent. Platforms reward high-engagement negativity, so feeds flooded with stories of “bloodshed,” rigged processes, or national collapse kept users hooked.

The compulsion is evident in the loss of control many experience. People know the content is harmful yet promise themselves “just one more post” before continuing far longer. This mirrors addiction patterns: each alarming update triggers a dopamine hit from novelty or perceived threat awareness, an ancient survival instinct distorted by infinite digital feeds. Tolerance develops quickly, more extreme content is needed for the same “informed” feeling while stopping brings restlessness or fear of missing critical updates.

Psychological research from recent years, including studies in journals like Computers in Human Behavior, links doomscrolling to serious mental health impacts stating that “Media and media content overload can serve as a conduit for mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression”. “The media facilitates accessibility to specific thoughts and triggers relevant reactions. For example, exposure to violent media has been shown to implant aggressive thoughts and increase antagonism”.

It heightens psychological distress through poor emotional regulation and problematic social media use. In adults and youth alike, prolonged exposure predicts rises in anxiety, depression, chronic stress, and existential despair; feelings of meaninglessness, deep distrust in others (including fellow citizens), and a bleak worldview. During Uganda’s election period, this manifested as constant anger, sleep disruption from late-night scrolling, elevated cortisol levels, and physical effects like fatigue or high blood pressure. For those with preexisting vulnerabilities, the habit created vicious cycles: negative posts reinforced biased perceptions, fueling more scrolling and deeper emotional lows.

Experts increasingly frame doomscrolling in addiction-like terms, driven by platform designs such as infinite scrolling, notifications, and algorithms that amplify outrage for engagement. It shares mechanisms with conditions like the compulsive Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD-11) noted in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and broader problematic social media use. While not yet a standalone diagnosis in manuals like the DSM-5 or ICD-11, severity scales now quantify it as a rigid, harmful behavioral cluster. In politically charged environments like Uganda’s 2026 polls marked by internet blackouts, arrests of unruly opposition radicals, and polarized discourse; the risks intensify, turning information-seeking into a self-perpetuating source of suffering.

The argument for classifying it as mental illness is clear: when a behavior is compulsive, dopamine-driven, resistant to simple willpower, and consistently linked to psychiatric worsening including exacerbated depression, generalized anxiety, insomnia, reduced life satisfaction, and even physical health decline, it enters pathological territory. Dismissing it as “just keeping up with politics” ignores the toll on millions, especially in high-stakes contexts where social media becomes the primary source of news amid restrictions.

Formal recognition would enable better responses. Mental health professionals could screen for doomscrolling in clients showing anxiety, low mood, or sleep issues, using cognitive-behavioral techniques to break reward loops, build uncertainty tolerance, and foster healthier habits. Public campaigns in Uganda and beyond could highlight it alongside other compulsions, urging balanced consumption. Platforms might add tools like scroll limits or negativity filters which is very highly unlikely, though history shows governments sometimes restrict access instead. Individually, enforce device curfews, designate no-news periods, curate positive or neutral follows, and practice mindfulness to sit with uncertainty rather than chase endless updates.

Doomscrolling during Uganda’s 2026 elections was not mere curiosity, it was a digital trap eroding mental well-being amid real political tensions. Viewing it as a form of mental illness is not alarmist; it is a vital acknowledgment that helps us reclaim agency in an era engineered to keep us scrolling through the shadows. By naming the problem, we take the first step toward healthier engagement with our shared reality.

In an era of deepening global interconnectedness, nations like Uganda can draw critical insights from the political turmoil unfolding in the United States. The U.S., once hailed as a beacon of democracy, is now gripped by extreme partisan division that threatens its social fabric and governance. This division manifests in a vicious cycle: one party loses power, incites unrest, implements polarizing policies upon regaining it, and repeats the process. As Ugandans, we must heed these warnings to avoid similar pitfalls, particularly the role of biased media in fueling conflict. By examining the U.S. experience, we can prioritize national unity over unchecked individualism, ensuring media accountability and responsible discourse for the greater good.

The U.S. political landscape operates in a repetitive loop driven by partisan animosity. When Democrats (often aligned with left-leaning ideologies) lose elections, they have historically mobilized protests and legal challenges that escalate into riots or widespread unrest. For instance, following Donald Trump’s 2016 victory, opposition framed as “resistance” included mass demonstrations and accusations of illegitimacy. When Republicans regain power; as with Trump’s return in 2024, they confront these tactics head-on, implementing reforms that provoke further backlash. Democrats then regain office, enact policies perceived as radical (such as expansive social programs or lax immigration enforcement), leading to public disillusionment and economic strain. Inflation surges, crime rates climb in certain areas, and cultural shifts alienate moderates, paving the way for Republican resurgence. This pattern has intensified over decades, eroding trust in institutions and fostering a zero-sum mentality where compromise is rare.

A key driver of this cycle is affective polarization, where Americans increasingly view the opposing party not just as wrong, but as morally corrupt or dangerous. Causes include generational shifts, with younger voters leaning left on social issues while older ones prioritize economic conservatism; geographic sorting, where liberals cluster in urban areas and conservatives in rural ones; and the rise of identity politics, amplifying divisions along racial, cultural, and class lines. The effects are profound: legislative gridlock, as seen in repeated government shutdowns; eroded democratic norms, with events like the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot highlighting how rhetoric can spill into violence; and a public health toll, including increased stress and social isolation.

Central to America’s division is the mainstream media, which wields immense influence but often prioritizes narrative over neutrality. Studies from UCLA indicate that a significant portion estimated at around 80-90% based on analyses of major outlets leans left, with 18 out of 20 prominent sources scoring liberal in bias assessments. Networks like CNN and MSNBC exemplify this, contributing to what many perceive as a coordinated assault on conservative figures, particularly Donald Trump. This bias didn’t emerge overnight; it stems from a historical shift where journalists increasingly identify as Democrats, leading to skewed coverage that demonizes opponents.

The origins trace back to Trump’s 2016 campaign, when his outsider status and blunt rhetoric clashed with media elites. Coverage of Trump has been overwhelmingly negative; about 92% in his first 100 days of the second term, according to media watchdogs like the Media Research Center focusing on scandals while downplaying achievements. Examples abound: Trump’s “Muslim ban” was labeled xenophobic, yet similar travel restrictions under prior administrations went unchallenged. This selective outrage extends to policy critiques, where media outlets amplify progressive voices while marginalizing conservative ones, creating echo chambers that radicalize audiences.

Immigration policy vividly illustrates media double standards. Previous presidents, including Bill Clinton (who deported over 12 million), George W. Bush (nearly 2 million formal removals), and Barack Obama (over 3 million, earning the moniker “Deporter-in-Chief”), enforced strict border measures without widespread media condemnation. CNN even embedded reporters in ICE raids under Obama, portraying them positively as necessary enforcement, with a 2016 segment granting “exclusive access” to operations in Chicago.

Contrast this with Trump: His deportation efforts, though fewer than Obama’s (around 2 million), were vilified as cruel and racist. Under Biden, policies like expanded parole programs and reduced interior enforcement led to a surge, with unauthorized immigrants reaching a record 14 million by 2023 and over 8 million encounters at the border. This influx strained resources, contributing to crime spikes in some cities and public backlash that helped Trump’s 2024 reelection on a deportation platform. Yet, media outlets and Democrats framed Trump’s plans as “mass deportations” inciting violence, stoking protests and state-level resistance (e.g., sanctuary cities refusing ICE cooperation). When confrontations occur such as arrests turning violent, the blame shifts to Republicans, fueling more unrest and electoral shifts.

This propaganda tactic follows a pattern: Lose elections, amplify outrage through media, incite resistance, blame opponents for fallout, regain power, implement unpopular policies (e.g., “woke” ideologies or unchecked migration), alienate the populace, and lose again. The result? Deepened division, with families fractured and communities polarized.

Uganda, with its own history of political transitions and media influence, must learn from America’s mistakes to foster sustainable development. Media is a vital communication tool but can become a society’s worst enemy when it peddles bias over facts. To prevent division, Uganda should enforce stricter regulations: Revoke licenses for outlets spreading negative propaganda, as unchecked narratives erode trust. Social media moderation is essential, holding users accountable for speech that incites violence or insurrection echoing global calls to curb misinformation without stifling debate.

For societal harmony, individual freedoms must sometimes yield to collective well-being. Criticizing government is healthy, but it should include constructive solutions, not mere provocation. By limiting divisive rhetoric and promoting balanced reporting, Uganda can avoid the U.S.’s fate, building a cohesive nation focused on progress rather than perpetual conflict.