Music promoters Andrew Mukasa alias Bajjo and Abbey Musinguzi alias Abtex have challenged the government to relax the restrictions on the music industry.
The Uganda government slapped regulations on the 'Bivulu' music concerts at the onset of the coronavirus outbreak in march.
The directive to scale down operations to a halt was in line with the Ministry of Health guidelines to stop overcrowding in a bid to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus in the country.
The banning of festivals and music concerts left the promoters just like any other businesses with no source of income.
The musical promoters summoned the press at Pope Paul in Ndeeba, Lubaga Division yesterday and said they are facing financial distress.
They demanded that the government should come to their rescue with a lasting solution to their problem as they have been following to all the set guidelines.
“We don’t want government cashouts. We are looking forward to doing our business. So we demand an end to the lockdown,” Abtex told the press.
Abtex expressed dismay that many of the promoters have lost property to money lenders while others can no longer afford basic necessities and health care services.
“We feel that continued lockdown is an injustice to the art Industry. Enough is enough, we use our talent to feed; people are being squeezed and that is why we artists have decided to enter politics.” Aloysius Matovu, a stage performer said.
Promoters and artists alike say they are aware of the prevalence of the Covid-19 pandemic globally but this does should bring life to a halt.
Matovu pledged that once they are given the green light to operate, they will adhere to the Ministry of Health Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in all their entertainment endeavours.
“Once they allow us we will ensure handwashing, social distancing and sanitizing,” he said.
Promoter Abitex said the five months of lockdown have shattered the entire entertainment industry and businesses like bars and beer companies that feed on it.
“We believe the President will listen to our plea. If he doesn’t, we will protest in front of the State House,” he said.
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