Dear world: Due to the massive blowback on social media and elsewhere, MTV has today postponed the Africa Music Awards (the MAMA’s), originally scheduled to take place in Uganda, on 20 February 2021. Here is why I think MTV needs to move beyond a mere postponement.
As you read this text, Bobi Wine, Uganda’s most popular artist, has his entire musical team being tried in military court. These include the producer of his most popular songs, Sir Dan Magic, and his long-time singing partner, Nubian Li. They were arrested on 30 December 2020, together with more than 150 others, while on Wine’s presidential campaign trail.
Wine was later placed under illegal house arrest for eleven days for opposing, in a national election, the president who has ruled Uganda since 1986. Wine’s associates are treated as enemies of the state. They are kidnapped from their homes – some in the middle of the night, and also from their workplaces. Some are never seen again, found murdered, or left with permanent injuries.
COVID as a pretext to curtail rights
In March 2020, Uganda introduced a total lockdown due to COVID-19. The country today remains in partial lockdown, meaning that activities, including concerts, remain banned. A curfew also applies between 9PM and 5AM.
COVID-19 has been used to further violate Uganda’s constitution and the rights of Ugandan citizens. On 18 November 2020, Wine was brutally arrested while campaigning, and the government used COVID-19 as an excuse. He was imprisoned for several nights without trial, which agitated his followers who peacefully protested. Sadly, more than 55 unarmed civilians were massacred in two days by the government’s security forces. The government did not show remorse and even threatened to kill more civilians if they protested again. On the other hand, government supporters were free to hold huge gatherings as well as music concerts during the entirety of the campaign period.
Why artists should not attend an MTV awards show in Uganda
Wine has not been allowed to hold a concert in Uganda since 2018, the year the government also tried to assassinate him. His concerts were often broken up by heavily armed security forces, before being banned from performing altogether. His music has also been outlawed on Uganda’s media. The government has also been trying to introduce laws that would further curtail his music. They would, inter alia, need to authorize the lyrics of a song before being produced and aired. Having curtailed most channels of freedom of speech, these measures are intended to further entrench the Museveni dictatorship. Uganda also imposes a so-called social media tax, which is needed to access Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other apps. And currently, access to social media – without a VPN – is limited after the recent presidential elections, which resulted in a nationwide internet shut-down for five days.
Before organizing or taking part in an event in collaboration with the Ugandan government, ask yourselves: Have the COVID-19 regulations in Uganda been changed? Will they only be suspended for the MTV Awards? And if so, why? Could Bobi Wine and his jailed colleagues be invited to perform? And if not, why won't the government allow his voice to be heard?
Also, reflect over what inspiration you can derive from Fela Kuti. It is the same inspiration that Wine carries for millions of Ugandan youths, and across Africa. Do not let down their aspirations for genuine democracy, equality and justice, human rights, and the rule of law. Wine has used his voice and his music to speak for those without a voice – it is only morally right if his voice is thus amplified.
To MTV executives: You, as well as a host of American artists, have stood with the people during the ongoing Black Lives Matter protests.
For friends from Nigeria: Your artists stood with the people during the #EndSars protests.
For friends from South Africa: Music played a major role in your fight to end Apartheid.
Music can also contribute to Uganda’s quest to end oppression.
Most of all, know that with the current status quo, Wine may never again stage a concert in Uganda. You may not think about Uganda very much after MTV has left and the party is over. Nevertheless, do not be surprised if the next time you do hear about my country, it may very well be about the government trying to kill Bobi Wine, as was the case in 2018 and during the recent presidential campaigns.
Please do not reward this egregious behavior by holding the MTV Music Awards in Uganda until necessary reforms take place and until our basic human rights are respected.
This article is written by Juuko, a Ugandan human rights and pro-democracy activist who wishes that his last name remain anonymous.
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Vanguard Africa or the Vanguard Africa Foundation.