Singer Nina Roz has apologised to fans who criticised her photograph with Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Executive Director Nyombi Thembo, explaining that she visited the regulator to obtain certification for her upcoming concert.
The interaction sparked criticism from a section of her fans and supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP), some of whom accused the singer of betraying them by appearing alongside a senior government official.
Nina Roz has rejected that interpretation, saying the visit was part of her concert preparations and that the photograph was requested by Thembo.
She also said the UCC executive had agreed to buy a table at her show because he enjoys her music, insisting that the event should be viewed as a musical gathering rather than a political one.
“He agreed to buy a table as someone who loves my music, and I cannot stop him. This is a musical show and not a political show.”
The controversy centres on a photograph and video showing Nina Roz with Thembo, who heads the Uganda Communications Commission.
According to the singer, she went to the commission to obtain the certification required for her upcoming concert.
She said Thembo asked to take a photograph with her during the visit, adding that she did not control the subsequent publication of their interaction. “He posted the video, and I had no control over that.”
Her explanation places the meeting within the administrative process of preparing for a concert, rather than presenting it as a political engagement.
However, the interaction drew criticism from some fans and NUP supporters, who interpreted her appearance with the government official negatively.
Nina Roz has not been reported as confirming any change in her political position, and the photograph alone does not establish a political endorsement.
Nina Roz defended her decision to visit the commission by arguing that artists preparing to hold concerts have to engage with the relevant office.
“No artist holds a concert without stepping into that office. The only difference with me was that he asked for a photo,”
Her remarks suggest that she views the visit as a necessary part of organising her show, rather than an unusual meeting that should be interpreted politically.
The singer also acknowledged that some supporters had understood the interaction differently, prompting her to issue an apology and explain what happened.
“Sorry to those who perceived it wrongly, but this is to clear the air with my fans that I didn’t betray them. That is the right office I had to go through because I’m not above the law or the government.” Her statement combines an apology with a defence of the decision to visit UCC.
She sought to reassure fans who felt disappointed by the photograph while maintaining that obtaining the required certification was part of the process of preparing for her concert.
The source material does not confirm whether the commission has issued the certification or whether the process has been completed.
Beyond explaining the photograph, the singer addressed the question of whether support for her concert should be interpreted as support for a political position.
She said Thembo had agreed to purchase a table because he likes her music, presenting the offer as a personal expression of musical support.
Nina Roz’s explanation draws a distinction between attending or supporting an artist’s show and endorsing the political views of that artist or other people involved.
Her response also reflects the challenge musicians can face when audiences attach political meaning to their public interactions.
For artists with diverse audiences, a photograph with a public official can attract interpretations that extend beyond the immediate circumstances of the meeting.
In this case, Nina Roz has asked fans to consider the context of her UCC visit and her preparations for the concert before drawing conclusions about her intentions.
“There was music before politics, and without music, they wouldn’t have known me. I have so much respect for everyone who is coming to support me, and I do not segregate”
Her remarks return the discussion to her music career and her stated willingness to welcome support from different people.
For now, the singer’s public explanation centres on why she visited the commission, how the photograph came about and why she believes the interaction should not be treated as a political statement.
The Nina Roz apology ultimately rests on her appeal for supporters to separate her concert preparations from political interpretations of her meeting with Thembo.
She maintains that she did not betray her fans and that she respects everyone who supports her music, regardless of their background or political views.
