The top officials from the Ministry of Health and Tumbiza Sound hit maker, Eric Opoka have resolved for the redoing of the song to sensitize the public on COVID-19.
The two parties were convened by the Uganda Communications Commission at its headquarters in Bugolobi on Wednesday.
The Health Ministry was represented by officials including Commissioner Health Promotion, Dr. Richard Kabanda; Behavioural Change Communication Specialist, Education, Dinah Kwarisiima and Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Ainebyoona and the artiste was accompanied by his Strategy Consultant, Dickens Okello; Manager, Robinah Amony Mbabazi and president of music talent managers, Emma Carlos.
Ainebyoona in his communication after the closed doors meeting, said a common ground was reached to improve on the song.
“We have agreed that the song, Tumbiza Sound, should be improved to help sensitize the population on the deadly pandemic which is amidst us called the COVID-19,” said Mr. Ainebyoona.
He emphasized that in the meeting both sides realized the critical responsibility which is protecting the life of the people and anything that puts the citizens at risk should be corrected.
“It was realized that the safety of the people is the most important thing and the responsibility of everyone with medium to positively use it to help but not to destroy our people,” he added.
On his side the artiste said he sung the song during the first harsh phase of lockdown to uplift the spirits of the people who were adversely traumatized by the fear of COVID-19 and the subsequent economic hardship.
“I thought about the common people during that tough moment at the beginning of the lockdown. Some of the earlier messages on CORVID-19 were equally causing anxiety,” said Ezzey.
Adding: “I thought about something to uplift the spirit of the downhearted and frightened people, for them not to think that Coronavirus is the end of the world but to learn to live with it.”
The remix is expected to come out in three weeks’ time in close collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the artiste.
Chairman talent managers, Emma Carlos appreciated the Uganda Communication Commission for not rushing to take drastic measures on the artiste but instead opting to bring together the two parties to reach a common solution.
“I must thank the regulator, the UCC for not rushing to take a decision but opting for a dialogue between the two parties. Ezzey is a good and young talent that needs our support for the best results,” said Carlos.
