Police have halted Busoga One Radio’s annual concert, Endigito Mudido Tunga Ntunge 2025, in open defiance of Internal Affairs Minister Maj Gen (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire, who had given the show a green light.

The Jinja-based station belongs to Mr Paul Mwiru, the National Unity Platform (NUP) flag-bearer for the Busoga South East Parliamentary seat.

Over the weekend, security personnel stormed Jinja Agricultural Show Grounds and ordered workers out, stopping all preparations. They argued that the event could not be allowed during what they described as a “highly sensitive political period.”

This came despite a December 5 letter from Gen Otafiire instructing the police to withdraw the suspension. The minister was responding to a complaint from Mr Mwiru, who argued that the blockade had no legal basis.

“I note that the event was stopped simply because this is a political period,” Gen Otafiire wrote. “The event should be allowed to take place. Even during this political period, political statements are not banned, and we must ensure that space is given for political expression.”

Earlier, the Jinja City Security Committee had directed Busoga One Radio to postpone the December 7 concert. In a letter signed by committee chairperson Mr Richard Gulume Balyaino, the team said the decision followed an extended security meeting and a Joint Intelligence Committee report that raised concerns about public safety.

The radio’s management was advised to hold the concert after national elections scheduled for January next year.

Vendors count losses

The police action has dealt a heavy blow to service providers hoping to earn from the annual festival.

Food vendors, drink sellers, and small traders had transported stock to the venue expecting brisk business.

“I had prepared over 200 chapatis and bought all my ingredients,” said chapati vendor Mr James Kakaire. “Now everything is wasted. I don’t know how I will recover the money.”

Ms Ruth Naigaga, who sells meals at public events, said she had stocked perishable food, meat, and charcoal.

“Events like this are how we survive,” she said. “I don’t know what to tell my children tonight.”

The sudden shutdown has left performers, traders, and fans uncertain. By press time, Busoga One Radio was expected to issue guidance on the next course of action.

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