RCC Burora lists promoters who turn musical concerts into political campaigns

Event’s organisers and promoters have been cautioned against violent concerts that have almost turned into battle grounds for people of different political affiliations.

This call was made by the Deputy Resident City Commissioner Rubaga Division Herbert Anderson Burora, during a media briefing on the state of concerts in Uganda where he also stated a few guidelines.

According to Burora for this to be possible, a group of promoters, musicians and comedians have been set aside for clearance of their different events a month before they happen, by the IGP.

“We sent him a List of Promoters who turn Musical Concerts into Political Campaigns to the extent that in one of the events, it almost sparked what could have been a deadly fight had security personnel delayed to respond,” he Said.

As per the other guidelines, children below the age of thirteen are to be restricted from concerts that are characterised by adult behaviour, like inappropriate dressing, smoking, drinking among others.

Burora noted that Children are widely visible but also, they don’t have the capacity to defend themselves in case of any stampede or emergency. He said they are only safe at cultural and religious events thus his call to parents to embrace such events instead.

“The recommendations, made above, have nothing to do with the belief and affiliations of the said persons. However, we request that the right thing is done, at the right time and the right place,”

Upon this, it should be noted that Prominent singer Ray G, also known as Reagan Muhairwe, faced a challenging situation on Sunday when revelers pelted him with bottles during his performance at Enkuuka.

Enkuuka is a significant event in the Buganda kingdom, taking place annually on December 31 at the Mengo palace.

According to nile post, December, 31, 2023 and January, 1, 2024, Uganda were thrilled with two music and entertainment festivals both Enkwacho festival and Enkuuka. At the backdrop of these events was a feud between Abtex promotions and Alien Skin.

Abtex promotions in his interviews alleges that intentions of organising nkwacho in the perimeters and proximities of enkuuka was to encounter and challenge this successful annual event; Proportionally; the hunger-over of these petty fights, incitement, prejudice happened at the duo events.

Subsequently at Nkuuka fest was a section of NUP Supporters holding calendars with Robert Kyagulanyi, an act that prompted the Katikiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayega to assure dignitaries and the entire audience in attendance that Kabaka is a father to all,regardless of political shades and faith that is to say DP,NRM,Protestants or Catholics or Muslims but upon mentioning NRM there was overwhelming booing indicating that majority of the audience could be NUP sympathisers given it’s political strength in the central region.

Without blinking,these were clear red flags that politics has deeply entrenched and polarised the music industry.

At nkwacho fest musicians namely Nakangubi Jennifer aka Full figure , Edrisa Musuza aka Eddy Kenzo, Moses Sali aka Bebe Cool made strong political statements and smear statements to the Abtex camp that is allegedly dealing with the NUP principal are looming allover social media.

Musician Patrick Mulwana aka Alien Skin openly asked the audience whether he should join politics or stay in music” without ignoring such sweeping strong statements under the carpet, he was directly answering his critiques purported to be NUP base.

Undisputedly, music is a unifying element that has created the strongest social fabric in history.

However such uncouth disguised events that happened at Nkuuka and Nkwakyo not only divide society along political shades and tribes but rather expose a polarised country.

Lately musicians have to publicly declare whether they belong to NRM or the opposition led by Kyagulanyi Robert ,some musicians like David Lutalo and Sheba Kalungi have tried to claim neutrality.