Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Executive Director Nyombi Thembo has urged critics to stop politicising his meeting with singer Nina Roz, saying his engagement with artistes is guided by his professional responsibilities and passion for the creative industry, rather than their political affiliations.
Thembo made the remarks following online criticism over his meeting with Nina Roz, who is affiliated with the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), ahead of her December 11 concert.
“Stop politicking things. I meet creatives not because of politics. I meet them because of passion and statutory duty I have as a regulator of public entertainment. I am colour blind when it comes to creatives,” Thembo said.
He defended his engagement with entertainers associated with different political camps, citing King Saha and Omukunja Atasera among artistes he had previously supported.
“I supported many artists now like King Saha, Omukunja Atasera etc. Stop politicking and attacking Nina Roz because she came. We shall attend her show,” he said.
Thembo also responded to comments about his red outfit, saying the colour should not be interpreted as an indication of his political allegiance.
“I am putting on colour red for today but am not in NUP,” he said.
The UCC executive director further said the criticism had prompted him to increase his planned support for Nina Roz’s concert, announcing that he would buy two tables instead of one.
“Due to the criticism I am to buy 2 tables instead of 1,” he said.
Nina Roz is scheduled to hold the concert on December 11, with Thembo indicating that he intends to attend.
The exchange has drawn attention to the intersection of politics and Uganda’s entertainment industry, where interactions between public officials and artistes affiliated with opposition parties can attract political interpretations.
Thembo maintained that his engagement with Nina Roz should be viewed in the context of his role as a communications regulator and his support for creatives, rather than as an endorsement of her political affiliation.
