Business-seeking singer Akon draws political fire in Uganda

KAMPALA, Uganda — The American rap artist and singer Akon is drawing criticism from rights activists over his meetings with Uganda’s president as he pursues the development of a futuristic city in the East African country. Akon is helping to rehabilitate longtime President Yoweri Museveni’s reputation after an election earlier this year marred by violence, an internet shutdown and allegations of vote rigging, the U.S. based groups Human Rights Foundation and Vanguard Africa said in a joint letter to Akon shared late Monday. A group of United Nations experts, who don’t speak for the U.N. itself, on Tuesday urged Ugandan authorities to “immediately stop the brutal crackdown on its political opponents.” Akon’s arrival in Uganda earlier this month generated excitement among government officials who saw his visit as a boon for efforts to attract tourists. Museveni has said of Akon’s search for business opportunities that he is “happy to engage in such a discussion that will uplift our people and Africa at large.” But some say Akon’s visit hurt pro-democracy efforts in Uganda, and others in the country say the square mile of land Uganda is donating to the singer should instead be awarded to local investors desperate for such an opportunity. His most ambitious goal is to build a $6 billion utopian city in Senegal that he has described as a “real-life Wakanda,” comparing it to the technologically advanced fictional African place in the blockbuster film “Black Panther.” Akon City is envisaged to have its own hospital, police station and cryptocurrency along with a seaside resort, a tech hub, recording studios and a zone dubbed “Senewood” that developers hope will help develop Senegal’s film industry.