By Nanteza Ruth Walusimbi
JINJA CITY
Security in Jinja City headed by the RCC Richard Gulume Balyainho over the weekend halted Busoga One Radio’s end of year concert popularly known as Endigito citing concerns it could be used as a political platform for Opposition politicians during this political period, leaving artistes, traders and service providers stranded.
Addressing a press conference at the station premises in Jinja on Sunday 7th December, Busoga One Radio Managing Director Paul Mwiru, who subscribes to opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), accused security agencies of unlawfully blocking their annual event, “Endigito,” despite full compliance with all legal and security requirements.
He said organizers formally notified the Inspector General of Police (IGP) on August 27, who in turn guided them to work with regional and district security authorities and the venue assessment was conducted at the showground and clearance was granted.
Trouble began on November 3, when organizers were invited to a District Security Committee meeting, where they were questioned about the list of musicians expected to perform.
The proposed line-up included King Saha, Mathias Walukaga, Sheebah Karungi, Cindy Sanyu, Spice Diana, Chris Evans, Chosen Becky, among others.
Mwiru said security officials later expressed discomfort with some of the artistes, claiming they could turn the concert into a political event.
“They told us without consulting us that some musicians like Mathias Walukaga, Easy Dee, King Saha and Kabako would not be allowed to perform,” Mwiru said.
Mwiru further revealed that security officials also alleged the concert could be used to host National Unity Platform leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu claims he strongly denied.
He maintained that Endigito was strictly a commercial and cultural event, not a political rally.
After receiving a written communication cancelling the event on grounds of the “political season,” the organizers appealed to the Minister of Internal Affairs, who chairs the National Security Committee who reversed the decision and directed police to ensure the concert proceeds.
However, on Saturday, December 6, police blocked service providers from accessing the showground, dispersing those setting up sound systems, stages and stalls.
Busoga One Radio estimates losses of over Shs400 million, with projections indicating the figure could rise further.
Mwiru said that the station has instructed its lawyers to sue the Jinja Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Richard Gulume, and the Attorney General.
“We believe the RCC abused his office and interfered with our business. He will face the law in his personal capacity,” Mwiru said.
Citing Article 26 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to property and lawful economic activity, Mwiru said the legal team will seek specific and general damages.
Efforts to obtain a comment from security were futile as Kiira Regional Police spokesperson SP James Mubi declined to comment on the matter and instead advised us to contact Jinja RCC Richard Gulume, whose known contacts were unreachable by press time.
