The Uganda National Culture Centre (UNCC) has recently come under the spotlight for its decision to scrutinize Ugandan artists producing music deemed “vulgar and indecent.” Artists like Lil Pazo, Gravity Omutujju, Ritah Danchall, and Gloria Bugie have been flagged by the statutory body, with recommendations to ban their content on national television and radio.
The move has sparked widespread debate in Uganda’s entertainment circles. While some applaud the decision as a step toward preserving moral standards, others have raised questions about fairness and consistency.
Among those who support the crackdown is popular Ugandan artist Ykee Benda, who has called on the UNCC to extend the same measures to foreign artists. In a public statement, Ykee Benda highlighted the need for moral responsibility among Ugandan musicians while urging the UNCC to also address vulgar content from international acts, particularly Nigerian and Jamaican artists, who he argues should be barred from performing in Uganda.
In his statement, Ykee Benda said:
“Ugandan artists, let us not forget we are Africans. It is important to have limits on what we sing about from a moral standpoint. Represent your families with dignity because you are blessed to shine brighter than many others.”
He also encouraged local artists to focus on quality and hard work, noting that audiences now demand value for their money. He emphasized that success in Uganda’s music industry requires consistent effort and creativity, as fans have become more discerning in their preferences.
Addressing the UNCC directly, Ykee Benda commended its efforts to protect societal values but warned against perceived double standards. He called for the prohibition of performances by international artists who produce vulgar content, arguing that failing to do so would undermine the credibility of the regulatory body.
“Stop all the vulgar Jamaicans and Nigerians from performing here. Anything less is hypocrisy and will diminish your role in the industry over time,” he stated.
The UNCC’s actions and Ykee Benda’s remarks have reignited discussions about balancing artistic freedom and cultural preservation in Uganda’s entertainment sector. It remains to be seen how the UNCC will respond to the growing calls for a comprehensive approach to regulating music content.
