It’s Boxing day, the day singer Bobi Wine planned to make a statement with his supporters. It’s supposed to be the biggest show in metropolitan Kampala. And matters stand, it could be a no show.
Busabala beach is owned by the musician turned politician. And he has been hosting his own events here. December 26 is a special day as Bobi’s business empire milks the Christmas spend budgets of his fans. Gate collections, food, drinks, merchandise etc are sell out here. Busabala is at the heart of Bobi Wine’s business empire.
Now the state has moved in to cripple him. Starting with the pockets.
It should be noted that 2018 gave birth to Robert Kyagulanyi, the politician. He has given headache to political and security handlers of President Museveni’s administration. His victory as Kyadondo east MP upset not just the ruling party but also opposition diehards. He stood as an independent and beat them both hands down. His profile has since gone international.
The man who defies status quo is now paying the price. One coin at a time.
When last night security operatives condoned off Busabala beach, Bobi Wine had just been blocked from performing in Gaba. Reason? He was slated to perform when police had not cleared him to perform there! It has come to that. Police now has to vet names of performers at music shows. It has never been like that. All organizers needed was police clearance and protection.
Bobi Wine might be tet most selling name in the entertainment industry today, but, the state is determined to make event organizers blacklist him as a liability.
It is also possible Bobi Wine sent in his notification to police as has been the norm. But he forgot it is not business as usual. He might have been denied clearance and he went ahead to organize his show. The odds are against the Kyarenga singer.
It should be remember that when Bobi was blocked from performing at Namboole stadium recently, he relocated his show to Busabala. Unfortunately, security looked on as Bobi performed his songs turning the lyrics into political statements, and throwing jabs targeting President Museveni, security and his music nemesis Bebe Cool. That should be very fresh in the records of security organs.
In a country opposition politicians’ rallies have been carefully controlled, Bobi had a license as a musician to perform and say what he wanted. Maybe he crossed the line.
Now, his music license is under the harshest test. Music is everything to Bobi. It’s his money. It’s his passion. It’s his name. It’s his claim to fame. And when the state targets his music… it’s touching where it hurts most.
It’s now Bobi Wine turn to defend what’s right fully his. And he has to follow the law if he wants to survive the torrent. If Busabala wasn’t cleared by police, he should have run to court like he did in Parliament, to seek protection from police. Unless he believes he will take this battle to the public court…which will turn out very costly.
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