Bebe Cool Denies Accusations of Orchestrating Tems and Omah Lay’s Arrest in Uganda
Ugandan music star Bebe Cool has finally addressed long-standing allegations that he was responsible for the 2020 arrest of Nigerian artists Tems and Omah Lay during the COVID-19 lockdown.
In a recent interview on the Afrobeats Podcast with Adesope, Bebe Cool strongly denied the claims, stating that instead of getting them arrested, he actually worked behind the scenes to secure their release.
What Led to Tems and Omah Lay’s Arrest in Uganda?
In December 2020, Tems and Omah Lay traveled to Uganda for a music event called The Big Brunch, which was held in Kampala.
At the time, Uganda had strict COVID-19 restrictions, with concerts and public gatherings mostly banned. However, this event still went ahead, and the Nigerian stars performed before an excited crowd.
Shortly after the concert, Ugandan authorities arrested the two artists, citing violations of the country’s COVID-19 guidelines.
Their arrest sparked global outrage, with many fans, celebrities, and music industry figures calling for their immediate release.
Did Bebe Cool Play a Role in Their Arrest?
Following their detention, some social media users blamed Bebe Cool, claiming that he had called the police on the Nigerian artists.
The accusations stemmed from a Facebook post he had made before the event, in which he criticized the organizers for allowing foreign artists to perform while Ugandan musicians were still barred from holding concerts due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Many interpreted this as a call for authorities to take action, leading to speculation that he was directly responsible for the arrests.
Bebe Cool’s Response: “I Actually Helped Free Them”
During his podcast interview, Bebe Cool set the record straight, saying that he first heard about the arrests when a friend named Bushingtone called him at 3 a.m., asking for help.
“I Didn’t Get Them Arrested”
Bebe Cool expressed his frustration over how the internet twisted the story, making it difficult to correct the narrative.
“First and foremost, I didn’t get them arrested in Uganda. It’s very difficult when the internet picks on a story in a direction next to impossible to turn it around,” he said.
His Immediate Efforts to Secure Their Release
After hearing about the arrests, Bebe Cool immediately took action by:
- Calling key people in the government to understand why they had been detained.
- Personally visiting the police station where Tems and Omah Lay were held.
- Asking why the artists were arrested instead of the event organizers, since the law allowed gatherings of up to 200 people.
Despite his efforts, a female event promoter (whose name he did not reveal) publicly accused him of orchestrating the arrests—an allegation he strongly denies.
Davido Confronted Bebe Cool Over the Arrests
While Bebe Cool was trying to mediate the situation at police headquarters, he received a surprising phone call from Nigerian superstar Davido.
According to Bebe Cool, Davido demanded answers, asking why he got Tems and Omah Lay arrested.
“At that moment, I got a call from Davido asking me why I got the guys arrested, and I had to defend myself that I was actually working to get them freed,” he explained.
The Challenges of Securing Their Release
Bebe Cool revealed that even though he was doing his best to get them out of jail, the process was far from easy.
When he reached out to officials, he was told that it would be almost impossible to have them released without them spending at least five days in prison.
Still, he refused to give up.
Using his connections within Uganda’s legal system, Bebe Cool worked tirelessly to speed up the process and ensure their release as soon as possible.
The Outcome: Tems and Omah Lay Released the Next Day
Thanks to his persistence, Tems and Omah Lay were finally freed the following day.
Despite his involvement in securing their release, many people still believe he played a role in their arrest—a perception he is eager to correct.
“I didn’t have any bad intentions. I actually helped them,” he insisted.
Why Was Bebe Cool Initially Blamed?
There are several reasons why many Ugandans and Nigerians assumed Bebe Cool was responsible for the arrests:
- His Facebook Post Criticizing the Event – Before the concert, he had voiced his frustration that Nigerian artists were allowed to perform while Ugandan musicians were banned.
- Uganda’s History of Strict Law Enforcement – The country has been known for tough crackdowns on events that violate public health orders.
- Online Misinformation – Social media quickly spread the unverified claim that he had “called the police” on the artists, making it difficult to change the narrative.
Conclusion: A Lesson in Social Media Backlash
Bebe Cool’s story is a clear example of how misinformation on social media can quickly spread, shaping public opinion even when the facts tell a different story.
While many still hold him partly responsible for the arrests, his version of events paints a picture of a man who was actively trying to help rather than harm.
The 2020 Tems and Omah Lay incident remains one of the most controversial moments in Uganda’s entertainment industry, and Bebe Cool’s interview serves as an important clarification of his role in the events that unfolded.
What Do You Think?
Do you believe Bebe Cool’s side of the story? Share your thoughts in the comments!
🔗 Watch Bebe Cool’s full interview on the Afrobeats Podcast here:
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