The Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC) has taken a decisive stance against the increasing trend of vulgar and obscene music content in Uganda.
During a recent dialogue held at the Uganda National Cultural Centre, participants deliberated on public complaints about the music of Gereson Wabuyi, known as Gravity Omutujju, and Yasin Mukasa, also known as Lil Pazo Lunabe.
Their songs have been widely criticized for promoting obscenity and deteriorating societal values. Despite being invited to the dialogue, both artists failed to attend and offered no official apologies. However, representatives from various institutions, including the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), participated, enabling the meeting to proceed as scheduled.
Resolutions from the Dialogue
Participants at the dialogue unanimously agreed on several measures to address this issue:
1. Blacklist for Performances: Gravity Omutujju and Lil Pazo have been blacklisted from performing live or on stage until further investigations are concluded.
2. Ban on Explicit Songs: Broadcasters have been directed to stop airing songs such as Enkudi, Dooze, Ok Wepticha, Enyama, and Omunio.
3. Broader Scrutiny: Other artists, including Gloria Bugie, Shakira Shakira, and Rita Dancehall, who are known for their provocative performances and attire, have also been flagged for further scrutiny.
4. Investigations by Authorities: The Uganda Police Force (UPF), the Pornography Control Committee (PCC), and UCC will investigate these artists. Should evidence of illegal content or behavior be found, they will face prosecution under relevant laws, including the Anti-Pornography Act, the Penal Code Act, and the Uganda Communications Act.
5. Dress Code Regulations: Female performers and artists are mandated to dress appropriately on stage. Artists who fail to comply will not be allowed to perform at public events.
6. Cultural Interpretation of Content: Ambiguous terms in music or theatrical works must be evaluated by cultural institutions or language experts to ensure they align with Uganda’s cultural norms.
Broader Cultural and Moral Preservation Measures
The dialogue extended beyond individual cases to propose collective efforts for preserving Uganda’s cultural values:
• Parental Responsibility: Parents and guardians are urged to guide children on appropriate attire and behavior while setting a good example themselves.
• School Event Regulations: The Ministry of Education and Sports will regulate music played during school events to ensure it is age-appropriate and culturally sensitive.
• Religious Advocacy: Religious leaders are encouraged to use their sermons to condemn vulgarity and promote ethical values.
• Sponsor Accountability: Sponsors and promoters are discouraged from supporting artists or events that feature vulgar or obscene content.
• Social Media Content Sharing: Media account holders must refrain from sharing or promoting inappropriate content to avoid legal liability.
