From start to finish, many of this year’s biggest news stories were centered around death, violence or a general sense of fear. Here’s our look at 2017’s most memorable moments that knocked our socks off.
11: Tarrus Riley show
This was one of the most anticipated reggae shows featuring Jamaican superstar, Tarrus Riley. The event which was scheduled for 1st December at Lugogo Cricket oval was called off, two weeks to the D-day after the event organizers, Red Fog failed to bring the sponsors on board.
The Singer shared his dissatisfaction on Facebook, ”It is amazing how quickly we as black brothers and sisters tend to speak badly of each other without getting all the facts, I have waited for my entire career and it was like a dream come true to play in Kampala, Uganda. My team has held this date for over three months only to receive an email from the promoters of the event two days ago which stated “Unfortunately, due to events beyond my control, our exclusive sponsor for the event, notified me only last week that they would not be fulfilling their contractual obligations…Due to this situation, I am asking that we reschedule for a time when I am able to generate capital and secure a diversified sponsor base to make the concert happen.”
My team and I are VERY disappointed but this is no fault of mine. #getthefacts #Uganda #TarrusRiley #BSMG #Cannon #Jukebox
10: Save UG Music Campaign
Local artistes attacked Uganda performers Rights Society (UPRs) demanding for its abolition due to a series of reasons including mismanagement of funds and inability to perform to its expectations. United under a new organization, Save Ug Music, some artistes including Pallaso, Irene Ntale, Mesach Semakula, Deejay Michael, Juliana, Radio and Weasel gathered at Laftaz Lounge on 19th of October in a meeting to pave way for new leadership. Swangz Avenue Director, Julius Kyazze was elected as the head of the organization, Angela Kalule as the assistant and Douglas Lwanga as the treasurer. The highlight of the day was when Goodlyfe singer, Moses Radio exchanged bitter words with Dembe FM’s Ssendi Eddie.
09: Danz Kumapeesa’s Death
Renowned Producer Dan Muto a.k.a Danz Kumapeesa died this year after a long battle with injuries that were inflicted on him by city goons known as kifeesi. The famous producer had for months been bed-ridden at Nsambya Hospital before passing on in October.
Danz Kumapeesa had produced songs for artistes like Winnie Nwagi ( Musaawo and Magic), Bebe Cool (Mbozi Za Malwa) and Fille’s hit song Nakupenda, Rema Namakula (Yo Sweet) and Ykee Benda (Munakampala) among others.
08: Uganda Cranes
For the second time in 39 years, Ugandan Cranes brought a smile to the faces of Ugandans when it qualified for African Cup of Nations that was held in Gabon. Cranes first game was against Ghana which they conceded one goal before hitting Egypt in group stage knock Outs.
07: Red Pepper
Namanve based tabloid, Red Pepper was locked down on 21st of this month by Uganda police. The staff members were ordered to stop working and leave the premises immediately. Police served the administration with a warrant that was issued by Buganda Road Chief Magistrates’ Court allowing them to search the premises for any evidence to help with investigations. This was after the tabloid had reported that President Yoweri Museveni was plotting to overthrow Rwanda’s Paul Kagame. The directors and editors were arrested, taken to the torture chamber, Nalufenya in Jinja before they were taken to Luzira after being denied bail. They will return to court on 5th December this year.
06: Diamond Platinum cheats on Zari
Tanzania’s pop singer, Diamond Platinumz succumbed to pressure and addressed rumours that he sired a child with Tanzanian model cum vixen Hamisa Mobetto. Appearing on Clouds FM, Diamond admitted having had a fling with Mobetto. He is married to socialite Zari Hassan and the couple has children together. The singer also noted that he wanted to keep the matter as private as he could and thus extended financial support to Mobetto. Diamond and Mobetto welcomed a bouncing baby boy named Dylan.
05: Ivan Ssemwanga Death
Late Ivan Ssemwanga and Zari’s former husband left many confused when he passed on in South Africa due to a rare stroke that attacked him while at his home. The deceased was born in 1978 and was buried on 25th May 2017 at his ancestral grounds in Kayunga.
Ivan will forever be remembered because of his flamboyant ways especially his love for splashing money, partying and owning a fleet of fancy cars like which included a Lamborghini, hammers, E class Benz, Chrysler among many others.
04: Kaweesi Felix Death
The sudden death of Assistant General of Police Felix Kaweesi shocked many after he was gunned down by unknown armed men as he left his home in Kulambiro. His driver and a police guard didn’t survive the shooting.
03: MPs fight during National Assembly
On the 27th of September, the Uganda democracy suffered a major blow as opposition lawmakers used fists, microphones and chairs to fight with security officials on the floor of Parliament. It all started with Speaker Rebecca Kadaga suspending several opposition MPs who were accused of misconduct. A few minutes after reading their names, the adamant MPs refused to leave the tense plenary session held under tight security. As soon as the Speaker left the house, several security officers were seen entering into the chambers to eject whoever was suspended. It’s at this time that the MPs started fighting, vandalizing the entire house. Some opposition MPs were seen attacking NRM lawmakers. Female MPs screamed for help as chairs flew in the air. Some of these 14 members who were against age limit amendment included; Hon.Bobi Wine, Ssemunju Ngenda, Allan Ssemwanya, Odongo Otto among many others.
02: Mugabe Resigns
Zimbabwe liberator, Robert Mugabe finally accepted to resign after serving for 37 years. This came after the parliament passed a bill to impeach him as the President of Zimbabwe.
01: Bobi Wine in parliament
Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, best known as Bobi Wine, was declared Kyadondo East MP by the Electoral Commission.
The musician-turned-politician beat his four challengers including NRM's William Sitenda Ssebalu, FDC's Apollo Kantinti, and independents Nkunyingi Muwada and Dr. Sowedi Kayongo Male
