Serena Bata released on bond, denies affair with Abitex

Newer details are emerging, but also more seems to remain buried on what could have caused a bitter split between the duo.

The singer, real names Serena Battamuliza finally appeared yesterday Thursday May, 25th at the Kampala Central Police station, having snubbed an earlier summons the previous week.

She was questioned about the matter, and according to police spokesman Patrick Onyango, she ably gave her side of the story.

She was then released on a Police Bond and ordered to report back to the Station on June 2nd, 2023.

Abitex petitioned the Police’s CID to open a criminal investigation against Bata for breach of their three-year music contract. The promoter, who claims exclusive copyright to several of Bata’s songs, says she illegally performed these songs at different concerts and profited from them contrary to the contract.

The singer, through her lawyers however, argues that the contract grants her partial ownership to her music. She also accuses Abitex of fraudulently acquiring rights to her music through the Uganda Registration Services Bureau.

The story of the duo’s split and subsequent fight has triggered curiosity in the music industry, with many convinced there is more than meets the eye.

Speaking to reporters outside CPS shortly after her release, Bata was asked about rumors that she turned down Abitex’s love advances, which might have angered him.

“I’m not sure about that,” she responded. “I treated him like my dad. If he was in love with me, I wasn't aware of it because he never told me. Besides, my love right now is padlocked. It is nonexistent even…I am not interested in love at the moment,” Bata added.

On what really caused Abitex to turn against her, the talented singer said she too was perplexed, adding however, that she started noticing changes in the manager’s demeanor but didn't read too much into it.

“There was no fight between us; I am surprised that he’s pulled out his claws. I decided to pull out (of the contract) when he started refusing to take my calls and cut off communication,” she said.

At some point Bata says, Abitex swore on his daughter that he would kill her.

“He said between him and I, one was going to die. How can you stick around when someone says something like that?”

As investigations into the matter carry on, the Police mouthpiece Onyango says the case file will now be sent to the legal desk to decide on what next steps to be taken.