The Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Thembo Nyombi, has warned musicians and event organizers against using concert stages to settle personal scores, saying the practice violates Uganda’s entertainment laws and threatens public safety.
Nyombi said performance stages are meant for artistic expression, economic activity, and community celebration, not personal attacks or public humiliation.
“When fans purchase tickets to see their favourite artists, they expect to be entertained and inspired,” Nyombi said. “Transforming a concert into a platform for personal disputes is unacceptable and undermines professional standards.”
The UCC chief noted that public entertainment events are regulated under the Stage Plays and Public Entertainment Act, with permits issued on the understanding that performances will respect consumer rights and comply with the law.
Nyombi expressed concern about incidents involving public attacks on individuals, disruptions to performances, and the appearance of weapons on stage, saying such actions pose safety risks to audiences and create operational challenges for event promoters.
The warning comes in the wake of controversy surrounding a recent concert by veteran musician Kazibwe Kapo, where a guest was allegedly publicly humiliated during the event.
Nyombi revealed that he had met Kazibwe Kapo to discuss the incident and indicated that regulatory action would follow.
“Regulatory intervention is crucial when public dignity is compromised,” he said, adding that summonses would be issued to performers involved in such incidents to ensure accountability.
UCC also announced plans to tighten oversight of live entertainment events across the country. The commission said future measures will focus on ensuring performances are properly scripted and comply with Ugandan laws governing public decency and the protection of minors.
According to Nyombi, maintaining professionalism in the creative industry is essential to preserving public confidence in live entertainment.
He warned that failure by performers to uphold acceptable standards could alienate audiences and damage the growth of Uganda’s entertainment sector.
“By safeguarding our stages for true artistic expression, we ensure the safety of our citizens and the future of our musicians,” Nyombi said.
The commission’s planned interventions are expected to spark debate within the entertainment industry over the balance between artistic freedom and regulatory oversight.