The government in Uganda is initiating regulations to guide artists-particularly musicians and filmmakers. This requires that going forward, any new songs or scripts will be reviewed by the authorities before it can be released. There are speculations that this is in a bid to stop derogatory comments about the government who is disturbed by the popularity of 36-year-old opposition politician, Bobi Wine.
Robert Kyagulanyi popularly known as Bobi Wine is an Ugandan musician and politician who served as a member of the parliament in 2017. He has gained a large number of supporters, particularly the youth who follow his songs that criticise the president of Uganda for his tight control of Ugandan politics.
President Yoweri Museveni has been in power since 1984 and would likely seek re-election in 2021. Bobi Wine poses a threat to President Museveni’s administration and his future aspiration to contest again. He has also organized campaigns and rallies against the president, fighting for the marginalised youth in Uganda.
During an interview with Reuters, the junior minister for gender, labour and social development, Peace Mutuuzo said the new regulations to guide the music and entertainment industry has been drafted and is likely to be passed to the cabinet by March.
Among the regulations is a wide range of limitations for the entertainment industry in Uganda. Some of these limitations include that songs and scripts for films and stage performances of artists would be examined by the authorities first. This is then followed by artists requesting permission from the government to perform outside the borders of Uganda. They would also require a practising license which can be withdrawn for non-compliance of the rules.
The entertainment industry in Uganda is slowly progressing and developing. 22 year old Ugandan, Colleb Mwine believes that promoting Uganda as a top film destination is good enough to attract more filmmakers to the country and help grow their economy. However, with the latest clamp down on artists, it would be nearly impossible for the sector to grow at a consistent rate. Not only will it affect the number of emerging artists, but it may also scare off investors from the industry.
In countries like Nigeria, music has become quite successful culturally and economically. Its entertainment and music industry has a 12.1 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR), (this has been strongly influenced by a surge in the spending on mobile Internet access), and will be the world’s fastest-growing Entertainment and Music market in the next five years.
Perhaps Uganda should review these regulations and focus on other ways to explore the full potential of its entertainment industry. In reinforcing its commitment to the advancement of music talents in the country, more revenue and investments in music will be added to the economy.
