As Tension continues to brew within the entertainment industry after government, through the Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development this week released regulations that will be used to monitor and check the industry, artistes have resolved to select a committee to work with the president of the federation of performing artistes in Uganda, Andrew Kibuuka to come to an agreement with government and have the regulations adjusted.
Artistes across the board are up in arms against the proposed Bill on Performing Artistes, accusing Kibuuka of going behind their backs to discuss the regulations with government, without involving them, yet his term even expired.
The angry artists held a closed door meeting at Jahazi Pier today, led by Eddy Kenzo, to lead a massive boycott against the regulations arguing that before the policy was drafted, the line ministry should have involved them.
These regulations mainly focus on performing artistes, producers, event promoters, venue owners among other stakeholders of the entertainment industry. Some of the proposed regulations are; ‘every artiste should be registered under the Ministry of Labor, No artiste will be allowed to shoot a video without authorization from the Ministry, no artiste shall perform less than 60 minutes or above 120 minutes among others.’
But entertainment industry stakeholders are angry that the government is trying to stifle the industry it has neglected.
Singers Catherine Kusasira and Kenzo say the regulations are unfair ,vowing to make an effort to have them adjusted.
Kenzo notes that these rules , which he says are targeting Bobi Wine, will suffocate young talent and kill creativity.
The 2015 BET award winner attacked the Ministry saying the regulations are not fairly balanced including compulsory registration with the ministry, no artiste performing abroad without permission, no indecent dressing on stage, and forced drug tests before stage performances, among others.
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However, Addressing the press at Bat Valley Theater in Kampala this morning ,Kibuuka appealed to artists to remain calm., noting that the underlying issues will be resolved since they are to sit and come up with guidelines on the bill.
The said regulations are still in the pipeline and yet to be imposed. However, the government has plans of using these regulations to shape and regulate the entertainment.
