Nigerian singer Tems has said she has no plans to return to Uganda for a performance, citing her arrest in 2020 as the reason she prefers to stay away. The Grammy winning artiste responded to a fan on X who asked why she avoids performing in Uganda. She posted a courtroom photo from the period she was charged, a reminder of what she called a difficult experience.
Tems and fellow Nigerian singer Omah Lay were arrested during the COVID 19 lockdown after performing at The Brunch. Authorities accused the organisers and performers of violating public health restrictions. The two were detained, arraigned in court, and later remanded to Kitalya Prison for two days. Their arrest prompted the #FreeTems campaign, which trended across platforms until the pair were released.
Since then, Tems has openly spoken about what she described as an unpleasant experience in custody. Her response on X has once again cooled hopes among Ugandan fans who had wished she would return for another show.
