Uganda’s nightlife and entertainment industry could be on the verge of a major shift if Eddy Kenzo, president of the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF), gets his way.
The BET Award winner has revealed that the Federation is formally lobbying government to extend concert stoppage time from the current midnight cutoff (12:00AM) to 2:00AM.
Why Kenzo Says 12AM Is Too Early
Speaking to journalists after President Yoweri Museveni’s Yoweri album launch, Kenzo explained that most concertgoers in Kampala and other major cities typically arrive between 8:00PM and 10:00PM due to heavy traffic and delays.
With opening acts, technical setups, and the usual late start of headliners, artists often find themselves with only two hours to perform before being forced off stage.
“We want to request the time for performances be increased from 12AM to at least 2AM because people delay in jam and enter concerts late. Two hours is a very small time for artists and fans.” — Eddy Kenzo
Leveling the Playing Field
Kenzo also argued that extending hours would eliminate the double standards currently seen in the industry, where some officials allegedly use their influence to push concert cut-off times for certain events while others are shut down strictly at midnight.
“That will stop the act of me or any other official using their authority to extend the time and making some people feel jealous about the double standards. We are striving to fix that.”
The proposed shift would allow artists a minimum four-hour performance window, giving both performers and fans full value for their money.
UNMF’s Wider Agenda
This push for extended concert hours is just one of several issues the UNMF is actively pursuing. Under Kenzo’s leadership, the federation is also lobbying government for:
- Copyright law amendments to protect artists’ intellectual property.
- Reduced taxes on music events to make concerts more affordable for fans and more profitable for organizers.
- Greater structural support for the arts and entertainment sector, which contributes significantly to Uganda’s economy and youth employment.
A Game-Changer for Uganda’s Music Industry?
If approved, the proposed extension could:
- Boost nightlife revenues for promoters, bars, and vendors.
- Give musicians more freedom to deliver full, memorable shows.
- Align Uganda with other major entertainment hubs where shows often run until 2AM or later.
- Strengthen Uganda’s reputation as a regional music powerhouse, attracting international acts and audiences.
But critics may raise concerns over noise pollution, security, and public order, especially in residential areas near popular concert venues.
@wabomba.colline Happening Now At UNFM || Federation || Eddy Kenzo Addressing The Press About The Copyright And Many Issues #wabombacolline #bricepromotionz #shamilcruzupdates #Alienskinug #fyp
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Final Word
Eddy Kenzo has made it clear: Uganda’s musicians deserve more performance time and fairer industry regulations. Whether the government will approve the 2AM cutoff remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — the conversation has just begun, and fans are watching closely.
Do you support extending concert hours in Uganda? Should shows go until 2AM? Drop your thoughts below and keep it locked to E Page One for updates on this developing story.
