Comedians Sammie and Shawa have faced a backlash on social media following their recent mimicry act on popular musician cum politician Bobi Wine.
The duo had performed a skit at the weekly Comedy Store show inspired by the events that transpired in Bulindo, Wakiso district earlier this week between Police and National Unity Platform leaders and supporters which left Bobi Wine injured after allegedly being hit by a tear gas canister.
Whereas the two comedians had recently captured the attention of the public for acting mimicry skits of President Museveni and NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, their most recent one did not seem appealing and was received with mixed reactions by many social media users who argued that it was insensitive to mock Bobi Wine who is currently nursing wounds sustained from the scuffle in Bulindo.
Sammie and Shawa have however turned out to be unapologetic and emphasized that their act was purely for comedy and had no intentions of hurting Bobi Wine or making him sad.
“We are going to keep acting comedy because what we did was purely comedy.We are not the first people to do such a thing. Trevor Noah from South Africa has done it before on Donald Trump and that’s where we copied the ideas,” said Shawa, the one who mimics Bobi Wine.
He added: “Maybe it was a bad timing for us to come up with that skit on Bobi Wine because of his current situation.I think that is what made our fans angry but I believe those who really love comedy will understand our intentions and will continue supporting us.I will keep on acting like Bobi Wine for those who love it and we have nothing to do for those who do not like it.”
His counterpart Sammie also asserted that they are comedians and have a right to act or talk about anything.
“Every person does things that are line with his or her job. When a politician gives a speech at any event,it will be delivered politically,when a doctor is given a chance to speak,he will use medical terms then when a comedian is asked to speak at the same event, he will make funny and hilarious statements,” said Sammie,the one mimics President Museveni.
“We would like to ask Ugandans to understand that this is comedy and not reality and we can still make fun out of reality because it is our job,” he added.
Enock Mugabi aka iWitness is a Journalist, Seasoned Writer and Music Analyst with a passion for sports.
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