Tension is brewing within Uganda’s events industry after top music promoters Bajjo Events, Nobat, and Abitex fell out over the release and management of government funds meant to support event organizers.
The controversy follows the confirmation by Abitex, President of the Federation of Uganda Events Organizers and Promoters Association (FUPA), that the government released over UGX 10 billion to help revive the struggling events sector. According to Abitex, the money was deposited into a SACCO linked to FUPA, where he holds final signatory authority.
However, fellow promoters Bajjo and Nobat have come out strongly, accusing Abitex of misappropriating the funds and refusing to share them with other promoters who were meant to benefit.
Bajjo, Nobat Accuse Abitex of Withholding Funds
Bajjo revealed that the idea of promoters forming SACCOs came directly from the President, who allegedly encouraged them to stop individually seeking financial assistance. As a result, Bajjo, Nobat, Balaam, Luba, and others reportedly formed their own SACCO. Abitex, however, chose to establish a separate one.
According to Bajjo, the President directed that the government support be split evenly, with UGX 5 billion allocated to each SACCO. Now that the funds have reportedly been released, Bajjo claims Abitex has failed to release their group’s share, sparking accusations of theft.
Nobat further alleged that Abitex and his associates pocketed the money, failing to assist genuine promoters. He accused Abitex of recruiting individuals he allegedly fronted as promoters, who then accessed and disappeared with part of the funds meant for the wider industry.
Abitex Denies Allegations
In response, Abitex has dismissed the accusations, describing Bajjo and his group as greedy and impatient. He maintained that the money is still intact in the SACCO account and will only be accessed through proper procedures.
“The allegations against me are not true. They are trying to tarnish our names now that the money is out. We cannot just give out this money without following the right process because we must account to our members. There is a committee in charge, and everything must be done transparently,” Abitex stated.
Industry Divided
The fallout has drawn attention from various industry stakeholders, including Bebe Cool, Alien Skin, Abitex Promotions, Enkuuka Tobongoota, and Enkwacho Festival, as promoters demand clarity and accountability over the funds meant to revive Uganda’s entertainment scene.
As the dispute continues, many in the events industry are calling for government intervention and an independent audit to ensure transparency and restore trust among promoters.
