Police has warned artistes against their leaked plan to take to the streets to protest against President Museveni’s decision to keep them locked up when “others” are working.
Artistes claim they’re going to die of hunger because they’re left with nothing to neither eat nor feed their families and performing was their only source of income.
“Taxis, boda bodas, arcades and many more crowded places are all working, why can’t you release us too?” the artists uniformly query, requesting for leniency and considerate treatment from the government.
Apparently, it’s been upto a full year now and the artistes haven’t officially been released to work yet, since the president declared a nationwide lockdown early last year in a bid to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus which was terrifyingly fresh.
Artistes have relentlessly pleaded with President Museveni to ease on the restrictions slapped on musicians and their music industry. “We can execute our duties while we observe the SOPs. Give us guidelines, we shall follow, but please let us work,” they always synonymously suggested.
Late last year, a combination of over 50 artistes including comedians, club DJs and VJs all ganged up against President Museveni, and released a direct message to him in form of a song demanding that he immediately frees business in the music industry or else, disaster strikes.
Seemingly, the plan was not so effective, and not they have decided to take it to the streets.
Police has however called upon the organisers of these demonstrations to opt for other lawful ways of passing on their grievances without disrupting the day to day running of business in Kampala City which the Police described as currently peaceful .
“We advise the organisers to desist in engaging in unlawful demonstrations.
The Police will deploy strategically in order to stop any unlawful act from taking place,” ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the Deputy PRO KMP said.
He said that Police noted with concern messages on social media and distributed leaflets urging the general public, especially promoters, artistes, comedians and musicians, to participate in demonstrations tomorrow (March 31) at the national theatre in Kampala City.
Police explained that although demonstrations are a human right , organisers must, and should follow as required of lawful processes before demonstrations.
“Currently, gatherings that are likely to lead to the spread of COVID-19 virus are prohibited in accordance to Ministry of Health guidelines,” Owoyesigire emphasised.
“Police will enforce the guidelines to the artistes if the have forgotten them,” the police spokesperson stressed.
By Baron Kironde
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