According to local media sources, this act of criticism was perceived as an affront to President Yoweri Museveni.
At least eight members of a Ugandan music band have been reportedly arrested after voicing their discontent over the president’s lengthy speech during an event over the weekend.
According to local media sources, this act of criticism was perceived as an affront to President Yoweri Museveni.
The incident unfolded during the 50th wedding anniversary celebration of former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi and his wife Jacqueline Mbabazi on Saturday night.
BBC reports that the Crane Performers band members, conversing in the local Runyankole language, allegedly expressed their fatigue with the prolonged address delivered by the president, as reported by Uganda Radio Network news website, citing security sources.
Their exact words, “Rutabandana Waturusya Rugahamuzindaro,” loosely translating to “over speaker, we are tired, leave the microphone,” are said to have drawn the ire of authorities.
Presently, the detained musicians are being held at the Kampala Central Police Station. Court documents obtained by local media indicate that they have been charged with insulting the president.
As of now, neither the band nor the police have issued any official statements regarding the incident.
The matter remains under scrutiny as observers ponder the implications of such actions in Uganda’s political landscape.