As one of the pioneers in Ugandan comedy, Amooti Omubalanguzi has shared a glimpse into the difficult path he walked when he first began his career nearly 25 years ago.
Known for his humorous skits and unique ability to imitate notable personalities, Amooti is now gearing up for a mega event to celebrate this impressive milestone in December at UMA show grounds.
Reflecting on the early days, Amooti revealed that comedy was an unfamiliar territory for many Ugandans, especially when it came to imitating others.
He explained that back then, parody and impersonation were often frowned upon. The comedian noted that, unlike today, comedians in Uganda had to tread cautiously, particularly around imitating influential figures. The consequences were sometimes severe, with comedians facing legal repercussions or even jail time for imitating public figures in a way that could be seen as disrespectful.
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Amooti shared that this fear of legal consequences made comedians hesitant to imitate political figures. However, there were a few exceptions, such as the late Mayor Ssebagala and President Yoweri Museveni, whom they often mimicked but still with a sense of caution.
“In the beginning, people didn’t know that someone would imitate someone, and sometimes we would be summoned to appear before court or even get jailed for imitating people from President Museveni and Mayor Ssebagala among other public figures and politicians,” he explained.
Today, Amooti is grateful that the Ugandan comedy scene has evolved into a more open and accepting environment, allowing comedians to freely express their creativity without fear of repercussions.
He describes the industry as being on a “smooth rail,” with comedians now able to parody public figures and politicians without the risk of legal action. This shift has enabled a new generation of comedians to explore bold, thought-provoking content, contributing to the growth and popularity of Ugandan comedy.
As Amooti prepares for his anniversary event, he reflects on these early struggles with a sense of pride, acknowledging how far the industry has come.