Kampala, Uganda – Musician Eddy Kenzo has sparked controversy after performing in military attire at the Empele Festival on January 1st. The outfit drew immediate criticism from netizens, particularly as the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have previously banned civilians from wearing military-style clothing.
Kenzo shared photos of his performance outfit on his X account, which led to a wave of backlash and discussions about double standards in the enforcement of this ban. Notable figures, including opposition voices, questioned why Kenzo appeared to evade scrutiny while others have faced arrests for similar attire.
One user, @UGLawyer, remarked, “UPDF & Court Martial won’t say a word against the military attire because Kenzo will blame Bobi Wine for the attire once he’s arrested.” Journalist Andrew Kaggwa also criticized Kenzo’s choice, pointing out the hypocrisy of wearing military fatigues when many have been detained for doing the same.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions regarding freedom of expression and the enforcement of laws surrounding military attire in Uganda. As discussions continue, many are calling for clarity and consistency in how these regulations are applied across different individuals in the music industry.