Musicians charged, detained for insulting Uganda's Museveni

FILE PHOTO: Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni speaks during a Reuters interview at his farm in Kisozi settlement of Gomba district, in the Central Region of Uganda, January 16, 2022. Picture taken January 16, 2022. REUTERS/Abubaker Lubowa/File Photo

Source: X07299

Eight members of Crane Performers band have been arrested for insulting Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni.

A member of the Ugandan music band, according to The Star, complained that the president’s speech during the 50^th wedding anniversary of former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi and his wife Jacqueline Mbabazi was too long.

Security sources assert that members of the Crane Performers band made the statement in the local Runyankole language and was seen as an insult to the head of state.

Privately owned Uganda Radio Network news website alleges that the statement made by the member of the group was "Rutabandana Waturusya Rugahamuzindaro," to wit “over speaker, we are tired, leave the microphone.”

Court documents seen by The Star confirm the charge levelled against the musicians.

The entertainers are allegedly being held at the Kampala Central Police Station following their arrest.

Both members of the Crane Performers and the Police are yet to comment on the development.

Wonder Hagan