Minister Amongi Warns Against Immoral Performances During Festive Season

By Muhamadi Matovu

The Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Betty Amongi Ongom, has issued a warning to musicians engaging in vulgar and obscene performances, urging them to act responsibly during the festive season to avoid being banned from the industry.

In a statement delivered at the Uganda Media Centre, Amongi condemned the recent surge in immoral acts by entertainers, citing specific complaints lodged against artistes like Liz Pazo, Gravity Omutujju, and Jamaican performer Dexta Daps.

These incidents, she noted, have sparked public outrage and raised concerns about the moral integrity of public performances.

“We are experiencing unprecedented obscene, vulgar, and immoral performances by musicians of late: complaints have been lodged to our ministry requesting to ban such performances, regulate, and withdraw licenses of event organisers and promoters who promote such acts,” Amongi stated.

“We strongly warn all entertainers performing this Christmas period to do so responsibly to avoid being banned from the industry,” she added.

Amongi highlighted a controversial performance by Dexta Daps at the Lugogo Cricket Oval on December 14, 2024, where the artist featured a bed on stage and engaged in explicit acts.

“We are working closely with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to handle this matter,” she added.

Historical Context of Controversial Musicians

Liz Pazo, whose real name is Yasin Mukasa, is known for provocative lyrical content that often veers into explicit territory, with songs like “Enkudi” and “Ensuju” sparking criticism for vulgarity.

Similarly, Gravity Omutujju (Gerson Wabuyi) has a history of pushing the boundaries with tracks such as “Dooze” and “Omunio,” which were cited in a multi-stakeholder dialogue by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) for promoting content deemed immoral and obscene.

The UCC has been particularly vocal in recent weeks, issuing directives to broadcasters and event organisers to cease promoting such content.

“The subject songs are prohibited content, and it is an offence for any broadcaster or show presenter to broadcast prohibited content,” said UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo.

Amongi acknowledged the challenges posed by such performances but also commended the growth of Uganda’s creative industry, noting the significant progress in organization and support.

“The Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF) is now more structured and supported by the government. They have opened offices across all subregions, which is a step in the right direction for professionalizing the creative sector,” she said.

Despite the challenges, Amongi emphasized the need for a balanced approach to cultural expression while safeguarding public morals.

“We recognize the value of creativity and expression, but it must align with our national values and culture,” she said.