Musicians David Mugema, 31, and Jonathan Muwanguzi, 23 made headlines Tuesday following their appearance in court for allegedly offending President Yoweri Museveni.
According to prosecution, through the duo’s song titled ‘Wumula Mzee’ (take a rest old man), they attacked and disturbed the ‘peace of President Museveni’ with no purpose of legitimate communication.
They were thus charged with two counts of offensive communication before Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court.
They also face a charge of offensive communication since the song was recorded, produced and electronically communicated through social media.
After pleading not guilty to the charge, they were remanded to Luzira maximum prison by Grade One Magistrate Gladys Kamasanyu.
Owing to their remand, the duo made headlines, including in international media henceforth attracting both local and international pressure on the State.
“Shame on Uganda’s repressive regime! Even the obvious truth is now criminalised. Arresting creative producers and musicians for their works is totally unacceptable! When musicians passionately appeal to the incumbent to retire, they are singing about the pulse of the nation.
“I watched the music video. It is pretty innocent. It depicts history of dictators and the wanton ills of misgovernance in Uganda. Photos of Adolf Hitler, Muammar Gadhaffi, and Saddam Hussein are juxtaposed with pictures of poor UPE schools, run down health facilities, and depictions of the dictator in camouflage. Why is Museveni getting offended by the truth?” Makerere University researcher, Stella Nyanzi wondered.
Well, news that has just arrived at our desk indicates that the duo has just been released on bail.
The offence carries a maximum sentence of one year imprisonment upon conviction.
