Peace Mbabazi, the Mbarara-based gospel singer, has faced criticism following a high-kick dance move during her performance at Ray G’s concert at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala last weekend.
The moment attracted attention on social media after Mbabazi’s short dress moved upward as she lifted one leg during the performance.
Mbabazi was dressed in a blue denim button-down dress with black biker shorts underneath.
The movement exposed her inner thighs and the biker shorts, prompting some social media users to question whether the performance was appropriate for a gospel singer.
Some critics described the dance move as contrary to Christian values and argued that Mbabazi should have exercised greater restraint on stage.
The incident has since drawn a response from Bishop Nassan Ibrahim, the head pastor of Day Star Cathedral in Mbarara.
Ibrahim urged Mbabazi to be more careful about how she presents herself while performing, particularly given the expectations associated with her work as a gospel singer.
He acknowledged that people can make mistakes but said performers have a responsibility to remain mindful of how their actions may affect what they represent.
“No one hates Peace, but the work we are called to do has rules, and the way we must conduct ourselves is sacred. You hold a glass of water that could slip and fall. You can get excited and go beyond and end up messing up something good you intended to do.”
Ibrahim also directly criticised the dance move and advised Mbabazi to consider wearing longer outfits when performing.
“We all make mistakes, but we need to be careful. You are a wife and a mother. When out on a stage, you have to be careful. What you did was wrong. Next time, try to dress in longer attire to avoid a mistake like that again.”
His comments reflect the expectations placed on Ugandan gospel singers, whose stage performances are often viewed not only as entertainment but also through the lens of their Christian identity.
For Mbabazi, however, the criticism has not appeared to dampen her sense of humour about the incident.
At a recent event where she appeared alongside her husband, Jackson Ashaba, Mbabazi brought up the controversial moment herself.
Rather than treating the incident as something to avoid discussing publicly, she joked with Ashaba about what he thought when he watched her perform the high kick.
“What did you think when you saw me raising my leg like that? Do you still love me?”
Ashaba laughed off the criticism and came to his wife’s defence.
“But the thigh belongs to me, what’s the public concerned about!? They need to know where to stop. Just keep doing your thing,” he responded.
Ashaba’s response provides a markedly different reaction to the criticism surrounding the Peace Mbabazi performance.
While Bishop Ibrahim called for greater caution and longer attire, Mbabazi’s husband dismissed the public concern and encouraged her to continue with her work.
The contrasting reactions have placed the incident within a wider conversation about the boundaries expected of performers in Ugandan gospel music.
The issue is particularly relevant because gospel artists operate at the intersection of entertainment and religious representation, meaning their public performances can attract scrutiny beyond that faced by other entertainers.
At the same time, the available information does not establish that the criticism represents the position of the wider Ugandan gospel music industry.
It also does not provide a separate formal statement from Mbabazi explaining the reason behind the dance move or responding directly to Bishop Ibrahim’s comments.
There is no confirmed information about any changes Mbabazi plans to make to her performances or stage outfits following the criticism.
The exact date and name of the recent event where she discussed the incident with Ashaba have also not been provided.
What is confirmed is that Mbabazi has publicly joked about the moment with her husband, while Ashaba has defended her against the criticism.
The episode highlights the scrutiny Ugandan gospel singers can face when their stage performances are perceived to clash with expectations surrounding Christian conduct.
For now, however, the clearest public response from Mbabazi’s side has come through the light-hearted exchange with her husband rather than a formal statement.
The Peace Mbabazi controversy therefore ends, at least for the moment, on a note of humour, with Ashaba brushing aside the public concern and telling his wife to “Just keep doing your thing.”
