A controversial UGX 5 billion government pledge to support content creators has ignited a firestorm online, with influential YouTuber Kasuku at the centre of the debate and unverified claims circulating that he told some NRM-aligned bloggers to seek their portion of the funds from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretariat.
President Yoweri Museveni announced the UGX 5 billion support package for digital content creators during the second edition of Jazz With Jajja, framing the move as recognition of the role influencers play in Uganda’s digital economy. The President said the funding would be made available to organised groups of creators, particularly those operating within Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs), as a way to formalise the sector and expand economic opportunities.
Kasuku who personally petitioned the President for government backing has been widely reported as defending the pledge and insisting critics should focus on the benefits of funding rather than political debates. In a recent appearance on Simo Official YouTube channel, he dismissed scepticism from detractors and asserted his intent to work with government to uplift content creators, saying his critics will not divert him from “chasing the bag.”
Following the announcement, social media feeds and messaging groups across Uganda have been flooded with claims that Kasuku “sent away NRM bloggers” from the funding process and directed them to the NRM Secretariat if they want to receive money tied to the President’s pledge.
For years, content creators have operated outside formal economic structures, relying on brand deals and ad revenue. The UGX 5 billion pledge represents a significant shift, with the potential to reshape both the financial landscape of digital media and the relationship between influencers and political power.
At present, official details on the mechanisms for distributing the UGX 5 billion including who qualifies and how the funds will be managed remain sparse, fuelling speculation and intense debate across social platforms.
@makomedia1 NRM bloggers your not part of the 5 billions from museveni go to NRM secretary said Kusuka#fyp #trending #millionviews #foryoupage #foryou
