By Spy Uganda
Kampala: Ugandan Government has relaxed virus restrictions imposed on the art and culture sector during the March 2020 Covid-19 lockdown to curb the spread of the deadly Corona-virus.
According to a letter seen by TheSpy Uganda, National Cultural Centre (UNCC) Chairperson Board of Trustees Sam Okello Kelo approved the resumption of concerts on condition that they will be conducted in gazette open spaces from 7:00am to 7:00pm with effect from Saturday, 19th December 2020.
The development comes days after local events company Kasana Events held an illegal concert at Dungu Resort in Munyonyo featuring Nigerian artistes Omah Lay and Tems.
The concert raised dust around political and entertainment circles with many castigating the government for allowing international artistes to hold concerts while local entertainers are not allowed.
These complaints led to the arrest of Omah Lay, Tems, event organisers and the owner of Dungu Resort on charges of a negligent act that could lead to the spread of a dangerous disease, however, the Charges against the Nigerian artistes were dropped on Tuesday.
In the same letter, Okello acknowledged that government has fulfilled its pledge to offer financial support to promoters whose events were cancelled because of the Covid-19 lockdown by giving them UGX 1.2 billion through UNCC who will distribute it among promoters.
“I can confirm that this was received by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development – MGLSD and sent to UNCC for issuance to promoters after verification by MGLSD auditors,” Okello said.
