MERCY NZILU

Created on :Apr 09, 2024

Eight Artists Arrested For Insulting Museveni At A Wedding Anniversary

At least eight members of the Ugandan group Crane Performers found themselves in hot water on Saturday after allegedly insulting President Yoweri Museveni during an event celebrating Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi's wedding anniversary at a hotel in Kampala.

Reports indicate that the artists, who were attending the same event as Museveni, were overheard expressing discontent with the length of the president's speech, suggesting that he should conclude it. Their remarks were reportedly captured by the hotel's sound system, reaching the majority of attendees.

Following the incident, senior security officials at the event swiftly apprehended the eight performers. They were subsequently taken to a police station in Kampala for interrogation and were held in custody.

The artists are expected to face charges of insulting the president, a serious offense in Uganda's legal framework.

The timing of the incident is noteworthy as Museveni was present at the celebration of former Ugandan Minister Amama Mbabazi and his wife Jacquiline Mbabazi's 50th marriage anniversary. The Crane Performers had been invited to provide entertainment for the guests.

The arrest of the artists highlights the sensitive nature of political speech and the strict enforcement of laws against criticism of high-ranking officials in Uganda. It also underscores the risks associated with public expression of dissent, even in seemingly benign contexts such as entertainment events.

The incident may also raise questions about freedom of speech and artistic expression in Uganda, particularly in light of the government's crackdown on perceived dissent in recent years.