Singer Nina Roz has apologized to fans who interpreted her visit to Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) executive director Nyombi Thembo as a political statement, insisting that the meeting was about her upcoming concert.
The singer, whose real name is Nina Kankunda, faced criticism on social media after photos and footage from her meeting with Thembo circulated online. Some commentators questioned why she would meet a senior government official associated with the ruling party, given her perceived links to the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP).
Nina has now explained that the visit was part of the process of seeking the necessary approval for her concert, arguing that meeting the relevant authorities is a normal step for artists organising shows.
“There is no artist who holds a concert minus stepping into that office. The only difference with me was that he asked for a photo. He posted the video and I had no control over that,” she said.
Her explanation suggests that the public attention surrounding the meeting was not something she had intended to generate. According to Nina, the encounter was connected to the practical requirements of organising a concert rather than an endorsement of any political side.
The singer also apologised to fans who felt disappointed by the visit, saying she wanted to make it clear that she had not betrayed their trust.
“Sorry to those that perceived it wrongly but this is to clear the air to my fans that I didn’t betray them. That is the right office I had to go through because I’m not above the law or the government,” she said.
Nina further revealed that Thembo had agreed to purchase a table at her show as someone who appreciates her music. She said she could not prevent him from attending simply because of his political affiliation.
“This is a musical show and not a political show,” she emphasised, adding that she respects everyone coming to support her and does not discriminate against people based on their political views.
Her comments place the focus back on the concert itself, as the debate over her UCC visit highlights how public figures can face scrutiny over their interactions with people associated with opposing political camps.
For Nina, the message is straightforward: the concert is intended to bring people together through music, regardless of their political differences.