Management of Kingdom Kampala has distanced itself from the organisational shortcomings that marred singer Mesach Ssemakula’s 50 Years of Greatness concert, insisting that responsibility for the event’s arrangements rested with the organisers.
The concert, held on November 13, 2026, reportedly experienced disruptions caused by rain, seating challenges and other logistical shortcomings, sparking criticism from concertgoers and online commentators, with some directing blame towards the venue’s management.
In a public statement released on Sunday, November 15, Kingdom Kampala management expressed sympathy with affected concertgoers but rejected claims that the property was responsible for the challenges experienced during the event.
Management said Ssemakula approached the building’s management in April 2026 to secure the venue for the concert. According to the statement, the booking was approved with a UGX5 million discount after the singer was informed that Kingdom Kampala operates as an office and commercial property offering venue hire rather than full-service hotel event management.
The statement further indicated that Ssemakula accepted responsibility for providing tents, chairs, tables, ticketing, food, beverages and event security, and subsequently paid the required deposit.
Kingdom Kampala also revealed that on April 23, 2026, management requested a written stage layout, which it claims was never submitted. However, discussions regarding preparations and adjustments to the venue reportedly continued directly with the singer.
The management further disclosed that on November 4, shortly before the concert, Ssemakula requested the removal of some internal fencing to accommodate the event. The request was reportedly granted despite falling outside the original arrangements.
On the issue of tents, management said it declined a request to remove paving stones during installation, advising the organisers to use a tent system that would preserve the existing surface.
It dismissed suggestions that it had prohibited the installation of tents or rain covers, arguing that the organisers had been advised on how to protect the venue’s paving and established landscaping.
Management particularly pointed to footage from the concert showing a VIP seating platform that had been installed without removing the paving stones, but whose section reportedly remained uncovered.
It argued that the organisers were responsible for sourcing appropriate tenting arrangements, alongside other event essentials.
“Kingdom Kampala management categorically rejects responsibility for the shortcomings in the event experience that should have been borne by the organisers. We fulfilled our agreed venue obligations,” the statement reads in part.
The venue also defended its track record in hosting entertainment events, citing Salvadó’s Africa Laughs Season 7, held in October 2025, as one of its successful productions.
It added that properties under the Speke Group hospitality portfolio, including Speke Resort Munyonyo, Speke Resort Convention Centre and Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort, have hosted hundreds of international, national, family and public events.
Despite the controversy, Kingdom Kampala management said it remained committed to supporting Uganda’s entertainment industry and maintaining its reputation as a trusted destination for event organisers and guests.
