Uganda’s Deal to Host MTV Africa Music Awards to be Investigated
Uganda had been chosen to host the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs) in 2021. This was a significant occasion because it marked the first time these prestigious awards were coming to Uganda. The event was planned to be hosted virtually by DJ Khaled. Recognizing this as a valuable opportunity, the government decided to sponsor the event with a sum of Shs13 billion. This sponsorship payment was made in two parts: UGX 10.4 billion was paid on March 12, 2020, followed by an additional UGX 2.6 billion on January 19, 2021. The government had hoped that hosting the MAMAs would bring substantial tourism benefits to the country. However, the MAMAs were eventually canceled without a clear explanation.
Now, the discussion has resurfaced, with Members of Parliament calling for an investigation into the UGX 13 billion that the Ministry of Tourism had disbursed for Uganda’s hosting of the awards.
Nakawa East MP Balimwezo Nsubuga expressed his concern, stating, “It is regrettable that, up to this point, there has been no transparency regarding the use of the Shs13 billion. We intend to explore ways of holding the officials responsible for this expenditure accountable.”
He further stated, “We are planning to launch a comprehensive inquiry into this matter to determine what happened to this funding, and we insist that those responsible for this spending should face a thorough investigation.”