Dancehall artist Butcherman has threatened legal action against fellow musician Bebe Cool, accusing him of failing to pay him for performances at presidential campaign rallies during the recently concluded General Election.
Butcherman claims he was contracted to perform at several rallies held in support of President Yoweri Museveni, but says he has not received payment despite fulfilling his part of the agreement.
“I have a contract. I will not disclose the amount, but my lawyer is working on the paperwork and we shall file the case in court,” he said in a recent statement.
The singer further alleged that other artists who participated in the campaigns were paid, mentioning performers such as Lil Pazo and Ragga Dee. He claimed he attended rallies across western, eastern and central Uganda but did not receive any payment.
“I performed in several regions, but I was not paid a single shilling,” he said.
Bebe Cool, a long-time supporter of President Museveni and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), has in previous elections mobilised musicians to perform at campaign events. By press time, he had not publicly responded to the allegations.
Butcherman’s political alignment has shifted over the years. He was formerly associated with opposition leader Bobi Wine, serving as vice president of the Firebase Crew, a music group that played a significant role in Uganda’s urban music scene. The two later fell out more than a decade ago.
In 2019, Butcherman publicly declared support for President Museveni and has since been seen at pro-government events. At one point, he claimed he had been appointed a presidential advisor. However, he later stated that he was no longer meeting the President regularly.
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions within Uganda’s entertainment industry, particularly during election seasons when musicians often perform at politically organised events.
It remains unclear when the intended lawsuit will be filed. If pursued, the case could bring fresh scrutiny to contractual arrangements between artists and campaign organisers.
ALSO READ : Video: Miria Matembe scolds media on Frontline: “Silly” debates distract from national crises.
