Takeaways

• Kingdom Kampala slammed organizers after Mesach Semakula’s big show turned into a rainy disaster.
• Management claimed they only hired out the space and aren’t responsible for missing tents or chairs.
• The venue boss revealed Semakula got a massive five million shilling discount before the chaos started.

Kingdom Kampala management has issued a statement addressing complaints surrounding Mesach Semakula’s ‘50 Years of Greatness’ concert held at the venue on November 13, 2026, distancing itself from the challenges that affected concertgoers.

In its statement, management clarified that its responsibility was limited to providing the venue, while the event organisers were responsible for tents, chairs, tables, ticketing, food, beverages and security.

The management also denied claims that it had prohibited the installation of tents or rain covers, explaining that its disagreement with the organisers was specifically about removing paving stones to accommodate temporary structures.

“Management declined removal of paving stones, which was outside the agreed arrangements, and advised Mr Semakula to obtain a tent system that preserved the surface. We did not ban tents or rain cover,” the statement reads.

Kingdom Kampala explained that when Semakula approached management in April 2026 to book the venue, he was informed that the property was an office and commercial facility offering venue hire rather than hotel event services.

According to management, the singer accepted responsibility for the additional event arrangements and was granted a UGX5 million discount before paying the required deposit.

Management further revealed that on April 23, 2026, it requested a written stage layout, which it says was never provided. However, discussions about preparations and adjustments continued directly with Semakula.

On November 4, 2026, the venue also accommodated a request to remove some internal fencing, despite the adjustment not being part of the original agreement.

Addressing the complaints about the lack of adequate rain protection during the concert, management argued that the organisers could have sourced a suitable tent system that would not require the removal of the venue’s paving stones.

It pointed to footage showing that a VIP seating platform had been installed without removing the paving, although the section remained uncovered.

“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 added.

Despite distancing itself from the complaints, management expressed sympathy towards concertgoers who were affected by the challenges during the event.

It also defended its experience in hosting entertainment events, citing Salvado’s Africa Laughs Season 7 in October 2025, which featured Ugandan and international performers.

The management further highlighted the Ruparelia Group’s hospitality facilities, including Speke Resort Munyonyo, Speke Resort Convention Centre and Munyony Commonwealth Resort, which it said have hosted hundreds of international, national, family and public events.