Police Arrest Radio Simba’s ‘Bizonto’ Over Sectarianism

Police in Kampala have arrested four Radio Simba presenters for allegedly promoting sectarianism in their comedy skits.

The four comedians who refer to themselves as “Bizonto” work on the station’s morning show Bisangawano. The 4 presenters were arrested at the station on Friday morning and taken to Kampala Central Police Station where they were still being held by press time.

They include Julius Sserwanja also known as Kidomoole, Mbabaali Maliseeri (Uncle Luyuguumo) Sssaabakaaki Peter (Omuzinyuuzi) and Gold Ki Matono, also known as Opeto. Three of them are part of the station’s morning show, Binsanga Wano, which is packaged with satirical skits mainly about current affairs of the country. One of them, Sssaabakaaki Peter Kajabuzi (Omuzinyuuzi), works with the evening show-Mukulikeeyo.

“Four members of Bizonto are being held on offences of promoting sectarianism while Kiweewa is detained on offences of offensive communication,” Assistant Superintendent of Police Twiine said.

The comedians are said to have recorded a skit in which they attempted to highlight how the highest ranking positions in the country are held by people from Western Uganda.

In the skit, the four mentioned names such as President Yoweri Museveni, Security Minister Gen Elly Tumwine, CDF Gen David Muhoozi and Presidential Adviser Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Deputy IGP Sabiiti Muzeeyi, Prisons boss Johnson Byabashaija among others.

“The money that will organize the next election will come from Mutebile, and will go to Byabakama; the Muhoozis will guard the election while Tumwiine will be waiting to provide security to the winner,” they said.

A few weeks ago Information and ICT Minister Hon Judith Nabakooka warned Ugandan politicians as well as media houses to stop amplifying tribal and sectarian messages ahead of next year’s elections.

The minister’s warning followed comments by Presidential contender Robert Kyagulanyi, (Bobi Wine) who claimed while appearing on Buganda Kingdom’s CBS Fm that he deserved more political support from his own tribesmen the Baganda.