Fifteen prominent Ugandan musicians are facing disappointment as they were denied visas to the United Kingdom, where they were scheduled to perform at the Summer Bash 2024 event. The event, originally set for Saturday, July 6th, 2024, at the Royal Regency Hall in London, has now been cancelled due to the artists’ inability to secure UK visas through the British High Commission’s Visa Handling Agency, TLS in Bukoto, along Kiira Road.
Among the artists who were unable to obtain visas are Lil Pazo, Khalifa Aganaga, Fik Gaza, Feffe Busi, Acidic Vocals, and Karole Kasita, among others.
Global Talent Promotion, the event organizers owned by Ugandan couple Fred and Beckie, have been significantly affected by the visa denials. They had already booked the venue and made deposits to all the scheduled artists, leaving them in a financially precarious situation.
The UK Home Visa Decision Making Office in Sheffield assessed the visa applications and determined that the artists lacked sufficient ties that could ensure their return to Uganda after the London show. Such ties typically include stable family connections, property ownership, financial stability as evidenced by recent bank statements, and a well-established career in the Ugandan music industry.
According to reports, the cancellation of the Summer Bash 2024 has left the event organizers burdened with debts due to the financial commitments made prior to the visa denials.
