Through the Events Association of Uganda (EAU), they recently sought the redress of the same matter with meeting the Parliamentary Budget Committee to justify their claim under the Ministry of gender’s supplementary budget.

Ragga Dee, and his cohorts argue that the said funds are to facilitate the organization of virtual shows on several local Television stations, pay artistes some of whom have not worked for the last two years, thus enhancing their livelihood during the period while they entertain Ugandans. 

However, we have established that Ragga Dee and team might not receive the funds after some members of the budget committee in consultation with some bureaucrats at the Gender Ministry have declared reservations in embracing the shows owing to the fact that a similar ‘project’ the UG-Connect E Concert, which was partially funded by them was a complete waste of money. 

The UG-Connect virtual concert had been planned to cater for more than 20 artistes performing under the auspices of the government of Uganda via Operation Wealth Creation. This, having been originally endorsed by the overseer of OWC Gen. Caleb Akadwanaho aka Salim Saleh, for 52 weeks. But this came to a halt after queries of insider scouting for ‘attached’ artistes, by some organizing committee members surfaced.

The technocrats argue that the ministry has already spent a considerable amount on the sector and that issues pertaining to any Covid 19 related relief funds, by any entertainment outfit or party, were handed over to the Office of Prime Minister by Gen. Saleh and the same should deal with the matter.

we have since learnt that Ragga Dee and members of the EAU are now seeking appointment with the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, to sell their proposal for the shows.

The body’s executive director Peter Wandera says respective government agencies and departments should give regular and updated accountability not only at national level but also at lowest level through different platforms.

He points out the office of the prime minister, ministry of local government, Uganda prison services, Uganda police force, parliament and kampala capital City Authority as key departments among others required to avail their expenditure on funds received to fight the pandemic.

Wandera notes that availing the information to the public will enable proper monitoring which is believed to contribute towards improved service delivery.