Buganda Kingdom’s insistence on cultural decorum at Enkuuka saw two performers turned away over attire deemed inappropriate for the royal celebration.
Enkuuka, one of Buganda Kingdom’s most anticipated cultural events, ushered in the New Year at Bulange, Mengo, with its usual grandeur, drawing massive crowds and attracting the kingdom’s top leadership.
The annual celebration, which blends music, tradition, and culture, is a dream platform for many Ugandan artists. Performances typically kick off as early as 10am and run deep into the night, creating a continuous showcase of entertainment and heritage.
This year’s festivities, however, took an unexpected turn for two artists who never made it to the stage.
Singer Winnie Nakafero, popularly known as Winnie Wa Mummy, was stopped moments after stepping onto the stage. Event organizers deemed her outfit indecent and instructed her to leave immediately, cutting short her appearance before she could perform.
Roden Y Kababo faced a similar setback, though for a different reason. The singer was denied entry into the venue altogether due to his choice of attire, specifically his red outfit.
“I went to Enkuuka and policemen, covering their faces with masks, stopped me from entering,” Kababo said. “They told me my dress code was unacceptable. I was dressed like a Scottish man, not a Ugandan, and I was denied access.”
Event organizers later explained that strict guidelines had been enforced this year to address growing concerns about indecent conduct and the use of cultural platforms to advance political messaging. Artists whose dressing was considered inappropriate were barred from performing, while political symbols and colors were either restricted or completely prohibited.
Organizers emphasized that Enkuuka is not merely a music event, but a royal cultural function. The celebration is traditionally graced by Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, Queen Sylvia Naginda, princesses, and senior cultural leaders of the Buganda Kingdom.
As such, performers are expected to uphold and respect the cultural values, norms, and traditions associated with the kingdom, both on and off the stage.
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