Tems recalls imprisonment in Uganda

On December 13, 2020, Tems alongside fellow Nigerian musician Omah Lay were arrested by Uganda Police for performing at an ‘unauthorized concert’ that breached Covid-19 protocols.

In a social media post, she thanked God for the endless favour of seeing her through such times.

“This very day Last Year, I was sitting in prison in Uganda bonding with women and kids. I almost can’t believe the things I’ve seen so far. All I can say is God is too awesome and He will always have the last and final laugh,” tweeted Tems.

After the event, the two Nigerian artists were arraigned before court on charges of “negligently doing acts likely to spread an infectious disease, Covid-19” and were remanded to Kigo government prison, where they spent two days.

However, after so much social media and public intervention, the two were released on bail after successful negotiations between the Uganda and Nigerian governments and they were later airlifted back to their home country.

“I’m truly saddened those attendees could have possibly been exposed to covid-19. I would never have participated. I had even the slightest knowledge that the event would not meet standard operating procedure and put Uganda citizens at risk,” Tems posted on her social media after being released.

“The past week has been difficult but eye-opening for me. While I was being detained, I met some amazing women and children, and my eyes were opened to the strife and hurt a lot of women are going through,” she added.