UgandaToday: Dr. Dennis Ssemugenyi Explains Cancellation of Simba Omuti Music Festival, Assures Public EBTDI Projects Remain on Course
Kampala, Uganda — Dr. Dennis Daniel Ssemugenyi, the sponsor and patron of the Every Birthday Tree Day Initiative (EBTDI) movement, has issued a detailed explanation over the abrupt cancellation of the highly anticipated Simba Omuti Music Festival, which was slated for December 20, 2025, at Millennium Park, Lugogo.
The event, organised by Abtex, was expected to serve as the official launch of two major national initiatives under the EBTDI banner — the countrywide Simba Omuti–EBTDI football tournament and the broader environmental mobilisation campaign that combines music, sports, and tree planting.However, the festival did not take place, sparking public speculation and disappointment among music lovers and environmental activists who had already begun travelling to the venue.
Security Intelligence Prompted Last-Minute Decision
In a statement issued after the cancellation, Dr. Ssemugenyi revealed that credible intelligence reports received in the early morning hours of Saturday, December 20, indicated that the star-studded event was likely to attract very large crowds, a situation that could potentially strain security operations during the sensitive Christmas festive period, which was barely five days away.
According to the EBTDI patron, security agencies were already stretched managing end-of-year festivities across the country, and proceeding with a massive open-air concert posed risks that could undermine public safety.
“Given the responsibility we carry as promoters of life, safety, and environmental stewardship, we could not take chances with people’s lives,” Dr. Ssemugenyi explained.
SMS Alerts Sent to Revelers
In an unprecedented move, Dr. Ssemugenyi said he personally authorised the immediate dispatch of SMS alerts to revelers who were already boarding buses and making their way to Lugogo, informing them of the cancellation before they reached the venue.
The decision, though sudden, was aimed at preventing chaos, congestion, and potential security incidents.
EBTDI Simba Omuti and Football Tournament Still On Course
Dr. Ssemugenyi was emphatic that the cancellation does not signal the end of the Simba Omuti–EBTDI vision.
He reassured Ugandans that both the Simba Omuti Music concept and the EBTDI football tournament remain firmly on course, noting that the Lugogo festival was merely intended as a launch platform, not the substance of the projects themselves.
“Both initiatives are alive, funded, and progressing as planned. New dates for their official launch will be communicated to the public in early January 2026,” he said.
Environmental Vision Remains Intact
The Simba Omuti Festival is part of Dr. Ssemugenyi’s wider green advocacy philosophy, which uses music, sports, and community mobilisation to promote tree planting, climate consciousness, and sustainable living across Uganda.
Despite the setback, observers say the transparent explanation and proactive communication by the EBTDI patron may help preserve public trust as the movement prepares for a relaunch in the new year.
Ugandans are now awaiting official announcements on the new dates, as anticipation builds for what organisers describe as a reimagined, safer, and more impactful rollout of the Simba Omuti and EBTDI initiatives.
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