Ugandan comedy group takes bold jabs at political leadership in satirical performance: Video
A four-member Ugandan comedy troupe, Bizonto, has been gaining attention with their fearless satire on the nation's political landscape.
Known for pushing boundaries, the group's latest performance in Kampala aims at Uganda's long-standing leadership, drawing both laughter and reflection from the audience.
Their recent show centres around a fictional village called Buyongono, ruled by an elderly leader. The village faces severe issues like a lack of basic services and crushing taxes, a thinly veiled critique of Uganda's current political climate under 80-year-old President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power for nearly four decades.
"Buyongono has a chairman, very old, leading young boys and girls. Buyongono has leaders that are not feeling sympathy or leaders who do not have a single penny of love towards the people they lead. Buyongono has expensive things, a lot of taxes, nothing is done out of those taxes," Julius Sserwanja, a 41-year-old comedian and Bizonto member told AFP.
"The chairman of Buyongono has now got tired of leading. He's getting the stamp. He gave it to his son. The son can complete anything he wants if at all you come when the chairman is not around, the son of the chairman can finish anything. So, that’s all about Buyongono," he added.
In March, President Museveni appointed his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to be head of the Ugandan Military. Analysts have suggested that this political move puts Museveni’s son in line to be president if Museveni is unable to continue as president.
Despite their popularity, the group's bold political satire has put them at odds with the Ugandan authorities. The name Bizonto, meaning "mentally unstable," was chosen as a way to add humour and protect themselves from possible government backlash. Despite this, the group has been jailed in the past for their daring shows.
"Specifically, we wanted to talk about the government. We wanted to criticise the government. And, by the way, we thought that when we use the name Bizonto, they would not arrest us at any single moment because they would think that we are not normal," Sserwanja said.
In July, frustrated with the country's leadership, Ugandan youth launched the 'March2Parliament' protest, demanding change.
In response, President Museveni banned the march, warning in a televised address that those participating would be "playing with fire."
Unlike similar movements in neighbouring Kenya, the protest had little impact, as Ugandan police swiftly suppressed the demonstration.
