The Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Nyombi Thembo, has Thursday met musician Arafat Kasule alias Dynaso Wegoso following the regulator’s decision to suspend his controversial song “Mukube Paver".
In a statement shared on social media on Thursday, Mr Thembo said the meeting was constructive and focused on aligning creative expression with public safety concerns.
“I also met with artist Dynaso Wegoso following the Commission’s decision to suspend the song ‘Mukube Paver,’” Mr Thembo said.
He stressed that while the Commission supports the growth of Uganda’s creative industry, it remains duty-bound to shield the public, particularly young people, from harmful content.
“While UCC is committed to fostering a thriving creative industry, our primary mandate remains the protection of the public, especially our youth, from content that glorifies violence or incites harmful behaviour,” he said.
Mr Thembo cautioned artists about the long-term impact of controversial content in the digital age.
“During our discussion, I emphasised that digital footprints are permanent. In the age of social media, a single controversial track can jeopardise a lifetime of corporate endorsements and professional growth,” he noted.
He added that both parties had agreed on a way forward, with the Commission pledging support to help the artist adjust his work to acceptable standards.
“I am pleased to share that we have reached a constructive path forward. UCC is not here to frustrate talent but to ensure ‘sanity’ within our airwaves,” Mr Thembo said.
“To that end, we have committed to supporting Dynaso in refining his creative output to align with community standards. Let us use our talents to build, not to break.”
The engagement comes days after the UCC suspended “Mukube Paver” by Dynaso Wegoso after receiving numerous public complaints over its content.
In a statement dated April 7, the Commission said a review of the song’s lyrics and audio-visuals found that it “explicitly and implicitly promotes, incites, and glorifies violence and aggressive conduct.”
UCC further raised concern over a “growing trend of harmful ‘challenge’ activities” on platforms such as TikTok, where especially young people were reportedly imitating violent behaviour depicted in the song.
Following the directive, broadcasters, online platforms and the public were barred from airing, sharing or promoting the song or any related material.
