Uganda Immigration Department has deported South African musician Yvonne Chaka Chaka, who was to perform at an end of year concert dubbed 'Enkuuka yo Omwaka' in Kampala.
The police spokesperson, Fred Enanga pointed out that the move was reached after they found out that she had no work permit.
“A security task team in close coordination with immigration has today afternoon escorted Ms Mhinga commonly known as Yvonne Chaka Chaka to Entebbe International Airport, where she boarded her next immediate flight to South Africa through Kigali, Rwanda after her ordinary visa was cancelled by immigration officials after realising that she had come to perform at one of the end-of-year concerts...” Enanga said.
Mr Enanga further stated that the Umqombothi hitmaker was advised to apply for a working visa.
On the contrary, some sources indicate that Chaka Chaka had been forewarned not to talk about politics while on stage but she turned a deaf ear. Her deportation has also been associated with her links with Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine, a politician and Museveni critic.
Speaking to the East African, Bobi Wine's spokesperson Joseph Senyonyi, said that Chaka Chaka's deportation is complicated but admitted that she was somehow Wine's guest.
"He did not invite her directly, she was invited by Abitex Promotions who have also organized several of Mr Kyagulanyi’s concerts, but you know she is a good friend,” he said.
Mr Senyonyi further stated that the police had raided the hotel where Chaka Chaka was staying and ordered her to leave.
Yvonne Chaka Chaka is popularly known for using her music to pass anti-apartheid messages and she once referred Bobi Wine as the new Mandela during one of her visits to Uganda.