Can Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni ever accept to be criticized? Museveni and his government have many a times come up with rules and regulations meant to cow Ugandan Citizens and make them submit to his dictatorial regime that has seen anybody opposed to him come face to face with the full wrath of the law.
Just a day after imposing a ban on betting, a move that drew mixed reactions, Museveni’s government is now after Ugandan musicians.
In latest proposals, the Ugandan Government is proposing regulations including vetting new songs in a move critics say is aimed at discouraging negative comments about the authorities who are rattled by the popularity of pop star Bobi Wine.
The 36-year-old singer turned opposition politician, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, has amassed a large following among the country’s disillusioned youths for the biting criticism of the government contained in his lyrics.
In power since 1986, President Yoweri Museveni, 74, is widely expected to seek re-election at the next polls in 2021.
Peace Mutuuzo, junior minister for gender, labor and social development, told Reuters in an interview the new regulations to govern the music and entertainment industry were already drafted and expected to be passed by cabinet by March.
Among the regulations are a range of restrictions including requiring artists to submit lyrics for songs and scripts for film and stage performances to authorities to be vetted.
Content deemed to contain offensive language, to be lewd or to copy someone else’s work, will be censured, the minister said. Musicians will also have to seek government permission to perform outside Uganda.
“We cannot continue condoning as a country abusive language. This is one thing we know has been happening within the creative industry. People compose songs to abuse others,” Mutuuzo said.
Musicians and other artists will also have to register with the government and obtain a practicing license which can be revoked for a range of violations.
Do you welcome Museveni’s latest move with Ugandan Musicians?