Uganda Minister Justine Nameere Nsubuga and Journalist Tabz Clash Online Over Criminal Allegations, Personal History, and Leaked Chats

Kampala, Uganda — A heated online feud has erupted on X (formerly Twitter) between Hon. Justine Nameere Nsubuga, the Woman Member of Parliament for Masaka City and Uganda’s Minister of State for Local Government, and award-winning freelance investigative journalist Tabz (known on X as @NinyeTabz). The exchange has drawn widespread attention across Ugandan social media, highlighting ongoing tensions between politicians, journalists, and critics in the country’s digital public square.

Background of the Feud

The clash intensified after Minister Nameere responded to a series of criticisms, including those from Tabz. In a detailed post, she claimed that lawyers had uncovered 21 sanctioned criminal files against Tabz, which she asserted stemmed from personal disputes rather than political ones. Furthermore, she alleged that the journalist has no fixed address, no stable job, no media house affiliation, and no stable personal circumstances, characterizing him as a “fugitive media bully.”

Tabz, a former photographer for opposition figure Bobi Wine and a contributor to the Oscar-nominated documentary Bobi Wine: The People’s President, pushed back sharply. He mocked Nameere as Uganda’s “most dumb minister,” shared photos daring arrest, and posted screenshots from a WhatsApp group called “Love Doctor” allegedly showing her interactions with other members.

Nameere’s Defense of Her Record

In a separate but related thread, Nameere defended her pre-political past following her recent ministerial appointment on May 26. She dismissed attacks regarding old debts and personal challenges as “settled civil matters,” emphasizing her clean record as Senior Presidential Advisor since 2021. She noted that following a court-ordered election recount and parliamentary vetting, she has pledged to fight corruption by focusing on underreported local revenues.

Her supporters argue that debts are civil issues, not criminal, and that the personal attacks against her constitute bullying. Critics, however, have used the moment to question her suitability for office and highlight alleged past controversies.

Tabz’s Counter and Broader Context

In his counter-arguments, Tabz has highlighted his professional credentials and directly challenged Nameere’s claims about his lack of a fixed address or employment. The feud appears to build on prior criticisms Nameere has faced over forestry issues and other public matters. Posts circulating on X reference additional figures and allegations, including ties to other online personalities like Dr. Spire.

It is important to note that no independent verification of the alleged 21 criminal files has been publicly confirmed, and the claims remain part of the ongoing social media exchange.

Public Reaction and Implications

The saga has polarized users on X:

· Supporters of Minister Nameere accuse Tabz and other critics of bullying and personal attacks rather than engaging on policy or performance.
· Critics of the Minister demand accountability, sharing memes, cartoons, and alleged receipts while questioning her past and current role.

The trending topics underscore broader debates in Uganda about the boundaries between public office, personal privacy, journalism, and social media activism. Many observers note the risks of such high-profile online wars, which can escalate quickly without proper fact-checking.