The Ugandan government has issued a strong warning to foreign artistes planning to perform in the country, advising them to avoid what they classify as “vulgar music.”
William Nyombi Thembo, the head of the Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) the nation’s media regulatory body, stated that any foreign artiste who chooses to perform such music will face deportation.
Additionally, local broadcasters and artists associated with this type of content will have their licenses cancelled on top of other repercussions.
“The foreigners shall be put back on the plane and cancel their concerts. Vulgarity goes beyond broadcasting and extends to public entertainment,” he noted.
He stressed that they have come across video clips of live performance in public space that left the country embarrassed.
“Many of us might have at one point come across clips of live performances in public spaces that left us embarrassed before our own children and baffled at the audacity of the organisers and performers of such shows. This growing trend of both local and international artists engaging in provocative and offensive live performances is a threat to social order and can no longer be tolerated let alone ignored,” he noted.
Section 4(1) of the Stage Plays and Public Entertainment Act Cap 49 mandates that organizers and promoters of public entertainment events are required to obtain authorization from the Uganda Communication Commission.
Thembo noted that all organizers of different concerts must secure the necessary permits as stipulated by law.
“Therefore, the commission has embarked on enforcement as this is the only language that some actors might understand. Henceforth, broadcasters of offensive content or organisers and promoters of indecent shows shall attract regulatory sanctions, including possible prosecution. We will work hand in hand with other key stakeholders to ensure that going forward, all concerts and public entertainment events will only take place after the necessary permits have been obtained as required by law,” he said
He explained that UCC is obligated to regulate communications services in the country and this includes content on broadcasting platforms, stage plays and public entertainment.
“There is a public outcry about vulgar, offensive, obscene, indecent and distressing material in the form of the music audios, and videos across various media platforms, including television, radio, and online channels,” he noted.
He stressed that it has come to UCC’s notice that a number of media outlets have refused to heed to calls not to play vulgar music or promote immorality, which they cannot allow to continue.
“Immorality is not good for society. As media houses, you were given license to ensure social economic transformation of the country but not to promote immorality. From today onwards, if you don’t run away from this, we shall come after you. We shall take away your transmitters,” he added.
