Uganda to develop regulations on artistic content

The government of Uganda is preparing regulations for vetting songs prior to their public release. Uganda’s Minister for Gender, Labour, and Social Development Peace Mutuuzo told Reuters that the new regulations had received cabinet approval and were expected to be passed by March. The regulations are viewed by critics as a response to the growing popularity of the musician-cum-opposition politician Bobi Wine who has a large following among urban youth. Under the regulations, lewd and offensive content is outlawed and artists will have to seek permission prior to performing outside the country. This has created debate on how sharing and curation of online content will be regulated. Uganda’s proposed rules are similar to Tanzania where BASATA, the country’s arts regulatory board enforces online and offline performance controls.