Silver Kyagulanyi
Singer Silver Kyagulanyi has vowed to use his law profession to fight regulations gagging the rights of artistes.
On the sidelines of Reach A Hand Uganda (RAHU)’s 2019 peer educators graduation on Thursday, Mr Kyagulanyi said much as the art industry needs to be regulated, the laws drafted by gender ministry are intended to suffocate music industry.
The Olunaku Luno hit maker said it was wrong for government to draft the laws without involving the major stakeholders.
“The music industry faces similar challenges like any other unregulated business. Regulations are good but they should follow the constitution. These proposed regulations were used in 1943 during colonial era and they were intended to stifle freedom of speech and expression,” Mr Kyagulanyi said.
The revamped Stage Plays and Public Entertainments Act have caused uproar because it had been inactive for decades since it was enacted in 1949.
Artistes recently held meetings and addressed the media at National Theatre where they expressed dismay over planned re-introduction of the law without their consent.
As revised, all performing artistes will have to register with government and get annual practicing licenses, which could be revoked whenever they are in breach or contempt of the law.
No artiste would be allowed to participate in any stage play or public entertainment without a valid practicing license.
All performers would deposit a copy of their published works with government in order for the minister to maintain a National Artifact of play scripts, music, cinematographic works, operas and other similar works.
A censorship Board will be installed with empowers to scrutinise the works for pornographic content before the production is permitted.
“You cannot regulate an industry you have no idea about. If you are to regulate the music industry, then stakeholders should be involved from the initial stage. With its current state, I would say the act would be baseless and unconstitutional,” Mr Kyagulanyi.
Mr Kyagulanyi awarded certificates to 75 teenagers and youth who completed a one-month training in sexuality and reproductive health rights.
He implored parents t always sponsor their children for such courses because they help them understanding how to deal with real life challenges.
RAHU’s communications officer, Yvonne Mpambara, said the graduates had been equipped with enough skills to overcome obstacles ahead of their life since most of them were teenagers soon joining university.
Singers Nutty Nathan and Navio were awarded as best cultural icons while journalist Dius Walugembe scooped the health journalism award.