Makerere University Guild Minister Edward Mutebi has apologised to artists and guild leaders who were unable to get their expected time on stage during the 2026 Makerere University Freshers Ball.
In a statement issued by the Guild Minister for Culture, Mobilization and Social Affairs, Mutebi acknowledged that several performers did not get enough time to entertain students during the event held on Saturday, October 31, at Impis Rugby Grounds.
The Freshers Ball attracted large crowds, with a lineup that included Winnie Nwagi, Nina Roz, Ykee Benda, Azawi, Fik Fameica, Winnie wa Mummy, Da Agent and Ecko Star.
However, the programme did not unfold as originally planned.
According to Mutebi, heavy rainfall forced organisers to adjust several activities, disrupting the event schedule and leaving limited time for some planned speeches and performances.
Among those affected was Makerere Guild President Gracious Kadondi, who reportedly did not get an opportunity to address the students.
Her attempt to speak before Fik Fameica’s performance ended in a disagreement on stage, after members of the rapper’s team reportedly prevented her from interrupting the performance. Security personnel were subsequently involved, while the rapper continued entertaining the crowd.
The incident attracted attention online, with questions emerging about how the event’s programme was managed and why the Guild President was unable to address the audience.
Mutebi’s apology now offers an explanation from within the Guild leadership, pointing to programme changes caused by the rain as a major factor behind the scheduling difficulties.
He expressed regret over the experience of both the artists who missed out on adequate performance time and guild leaders who were unable to deliver their planned speeches.
The apology comes amid wider discussion about the organisation of this year’s Freshers Ball, which also attracted attention following separate incidents captured in videos circulating on social media.
For the performers, the limited stage time meant they could not all deliver the performances expected of them. For the Guild leadership, the disrupted programme also affected opportunities to communicate directly with students.
The statement acknowledges the inconvenience caused by the changes, as attention turns to how future university events can better manage unexpected disruptions while ensuring performers and student leaders receive their allocated time.