Minister Justine Nameere Pledges $10,000 to Allegedly Fired TikToker Benita Nakabugo

Junior Local Government Minister Justine Nameere has announced a financial rescue package of $10,000 (approximately UGX 38 million) for Ugandan TikToker Benita Nakabugo after a targeted political cyber-campaign led to her dismissal from her job in Bahrain.

Nakabugo, widely known on TikTok as Benitah256MadamViolence to her 1.2 million followers, announced earlier this week that she had been terminated by her employer, The Matcha Space, following an influx of negative reviews and complaints from Ugandan social media users.

The backlash was triggered by a video Nakabugo posted following the 2026 presidential election, in which she reminded National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters that their candidate had lost and that President Yoweri Museveni would be sworn in for another term.

Stepping into the controversy, Minister Nameere fiercely defended the TikToker’s constitutional right to employment and freedom of political expression, condemning the online attacks as a form of economic sabotage and blackmail.

Nameere criticized the opposition supporters behind the campaign, questioning their expectations of political conformity. She pointed out the hypocrisy of those who routinely attack the President and NRM officials but cannot tolerate a young woman expressing her own political stance. Nameere asked what made them believe Nakabugo owed them anything or was obligated to share their political views.

Describing Nakabugo as a blameless and joyful individual who simply creates content and goes to work, Nameere assured the public that the government would not allow her to be victimized over her support for the ruling party.

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Nameere revealed that she reached out to Nakabugo immediately after learning about the termination while out in the field. The minister assured the content creator that she would be protected and supported.

Taking diplomatic steps, Nameere’s team attempted to mediate the dispute with The Matcha Space management. She explained that it took time to clarify the situation to her Bahraini bosses, as the political climate in their country is vastly different. The minister’s team sought to inform the company that the attacks on their business accounts were orchestrated by ill-intentioned individuals attempting to blackmail Nakabugo over Ugandan politics.

While Nameere expressed that she would be grateful if the company reversed its decision and retained Nakabugo, she made a firm promise regarding the creator’s future. She stated that if the employer chooses to let her go, alternative employment will be secured for her.

To immediately cushion the financial blow of the termination, the minister directed her personal team to process a significant monetary gift.

Nameere confirmed that she had instructed her bank and personal assistant to obtain Nakabugo’s banking details to transfer $10,000. The minister noted that this gesture was to demonstrate that President Museveni is still fully in charge and that his supporters will not be abandoned.

Nakabugo had previously pleaded with NUP supporters to cease contacting her former employer now that their campaign had successfully cost her her livelihood. The Matcha Space has not released a public statement regarding the exact circumstances of the termination.