The cancellation of King Saha’s highly anticipated concert at Lugogo Cricket Oval, scheduled for January 24th, has sparked outrage among fans and vendors alike. Following a Uganda Police Force announcement of the decision on Thursday evening, fans have expressed their disappointment. Despite Police citing safety concerns at the venue, fellow artists and events organisers believe it’s a move influenced by politics.
This move has left both concertgoers and event vendors reeling from disappointment and frustration.
Fans, who had eagerly awaited the chance to see the beloved Ugandan Afro-beat and Zouk artist perform live, took to social media to express their dissatisfaction. Many criticized the decision, feeling that their cultural experiences were being unfairly disrupted. For some, the concert was more than just entertainment; it was an opportunity to connect with King Saha’s music, which has become a staple in Uganda’s music scene.
Vendors, on the other hand, have lamented the significant economic losses resulting from the cancellation. Food stalls, drink suppliers, ticket sellers, and other small businesses that thrive on large events like this have been hit hard. Many vendors had invested in preparations, expecting the concert to draw thousands of attendees and boost their incomes.
The cancellation has reignited debates about event planning and safety regulations in Uganda. While the authorities emphasized the importance of public safety, fans and vendors alike have questioned whether the decision could have been handled differently to avoid the negative economic and cultural impact.
However, this isn’t the first time a concert has been postponed in Kampala. In 2023, Leone Island boss Jose Chameleone’s Gwanga Mujje concert was postponed by a fortnight following a heavy downpour that put down the stage. In regards to security concerns, FireBase president Bobi Wine had a number of his Busabala beach concerts postponed before he reluctantly stopped organising.
