At least eight members of a Ugandan music band, known as the Crane Performers, have been arrested for criticising the length of President Yoweri Museveni’s speech at a high-profile event.
President Museveni, who has held the presidency since 1986, is often characterised as presiding over an autocratic government.
The incident unfolded during the 50th wedding anniversary celebration of former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi and his wife Jacqueline Mbabazi on Saturday night.
Speaking in the local Runyankole language, the band members allegedly expressed their exhaustion with the prolonged address by stating,
“Rutabandana Waturusya Rugahamuzindaro,” loosely translating to “over speaker, we are tired, leave the microphone.”
According to local media sources and BBC reports, the critique was perceived as a direct affront to President Museveni.
Subsequently, the musicians were detained at the Kampala Central Police Station. They were facing charges of insulting the president, as outlined in court documents obtained by the media. Neither the band nor the police have issued official statements regarding the incident. The arrest has, however, sparked a debate over freedom of expression in Uganda.
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