Police releases Performers accused of insulting the President

Police has released a group of eight members of the Crane Performers Group, who were arrested last week for allegedly interrupting President Museveni as he delivered a speech at the marriage anniversary of former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi.

Mr Mbabazi celebrated 50 years of his marriage to Jacqueline Mbabazi on April 6 at Kampala Serena Hotel.

Speaking to the media in Kampala, the Deputy Spokesperson of Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP), Mr Luke Owoyesigire, confirmed the release.

Mr Luke said, “All the people who were brought into custody by the Special Forces Command (SFC) were released on Saturday. We don’t have any of the suspects in custody, the day they were brought in is the day they were released”.

Maj Jimmy Omara, the SFC spokesperson denied having any briefs about the alleged incident.

“I have not got any briefs about the alleged incident. I read about it in the media earlier today. I am yet to get details of the incident if at all it happened as it is being alleged,” Maj Omara said.

As President Museveni was addressing Mr Mbabazi’s guests at around 11pm, eight Crane Performers allegedly told him off in Runyankole for over speaking.

The words in Runyankole, according to security sources, were “Rutabandana waturusya ruga ahamuzindaro,” loosely translated as “over speaker, we are tired, leave the microphone”. Senior security sources said the voices shocked the audience.

According to the Daily Monitor, as everyone was wondering who were responsible, Lt Tonny Komakech, a Special Forces Command (SFC) member, said he had seen the Crane Performers disrespecting the Fountain of Honour.

It is not clear on what grounds the suspects were released.

The Penal Code Act of 2024 states that any person who with intent to alarm or annoy or ridicule the president, willfully throws any matter or substance at or upon the person of the President, willfully strikes the person of the President or assaults or wrongfully restrains the person of the President, commits an offence and is liable to imprisonment for life.