A group of eight members of the Crane Performers Group, who were arrested on Saturday for allegedly interrupting President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as he was delivering a speech at the marriage anniversary of former Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. John Patrick Amama Mbabazi, have been released, according to Uganda Police sources.
Mr. Amama Mbabazi celebrated 50 years of his marriage to Mrs. Jacqueline Mbabazi on Saturday at Kampala Serena Hotel. The incident occurred during President Kaguta Museveni's address to Mr. Mbabazi's guests at around 11 pm, where the performers allegedly told him off in Runyankole for overspeaking.
The words in Runyankole, according to security sources, were "Rutabandana waturusya rugahamuzindaro," loosely translated as "overspeaker, we are tired, leave the microphone."
Speaking to a publication yesterday, the Deputy Spokesperson of Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP), Afande Luke Owoyesigire, confirmed the release of all the suspects.
He stated, "All the people who were brought into custody by the Special Forces Command (SFC) were released on Saturday. We don’t have any of the suspects in custody, the day they were brought in is the day they were released."
However, Mr. Luke Owoyesigire referred further inquiries to the spokesperson of the SFC, Maj. Jimmy Omara, for more information. Maj. Omara denied having any briefs about the alleged incident.
"I have not got any briefs about the alleged incident. I read about it in the media earlier today. I am yet to get details of the incident if at all it happened as it is being alleged." He stated.
Security sources indicated that the voices of the Crane Band Performers, which shocked the audience, were reported by Lt. Tonny Komakech, a Special Forces Command (SFC) member, who claimed to have seen them disrespecting the President. Following the report, security rounded up the Crane Performers, including the group's director Gordon Kayovu, and took them to Kampala Central Police Station.
Other members arrested and taken into custody included Edward Tugume, David Muvunyi, Walter Oleng, Simon Bebwa, Paul Ruduli, and Tonny Okello. A case file was opened, and charges of insulting the person of the President were preferred against the suspects.
Their arrest was received with mixed reactions from the public, with opposition leaders terming the President as Intolerant.
The release of the Crane Performers comes amid a public debate on the limits of freedom of expression and the consequences of disrespecting national leaders. The incident has sparked discussions on the appropriate channels for expressing dissent in a democratic society.
