Junior Local Government Minister Justine Nameere has pledged $10,000 in financial support and promised to help Ugandan TikToker Benita Nakabugo secure new employment after she reportedly lost her job in Bahrain following a political backlash.
Nakabugo, who is popularly known on TikTok as Benitah256MadamViolence, said she lost her job at The Matcha Space in Bahrain after Ugandan social media users targeted the company over political comments she made following Uganda’s 2026 presidential election.
Nameere condemned what she described as threats, incitement and blackmail directed at the TikToker, arguing that Nakabugo has a constitutional right to employment and to hold her own political views.
“I wish to condemn the acts of inciting and threatening violence and blackmail against Benitah,” Nameere said.
The minister described Nakabugo as a cheerful individual who posts videos and goes to work, insisting that she should not lose her livelihood because of her political opinions.
Benita Nakabugo Draws Political Backlash
The controversy reportedly began after the 2026 presidential election when Nakabugo, who has more than 1.2 million TikTok followers, reminded supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) that their candidate had lost the election and that President Yoweri Museveni would be sworn in.
Her comments reportedly angered some opposition supporters, with the dispute later spilling over into her workplace.
The controversy intensified after The Matcha Space published a video featuring Nakabugo. Ugandan social media users subsequently flooded the company’s online platforms with criticism and accusations against the TikToker.
Some users also reportedly posted negative reviews about the business on Google.
Nameere Defends Nakabugo
Nameere criticised the campaign against Nakabugo, questioning why supporters of the opposition should expect her to share their political views.
She argued that political disagreements should not be used to threaten someone’s employment or livelihood.
The minister said she contacted Nakabugo after learning about her situation and assured her that efforts would be made to support her.
According to Nameere, attempts were also made to explain the situation to Nakabugo’s employer and clarify that the online campaign did not necessarily represent the TikToker’s character.
Minister Promises New Job If She Is Dismissed
Nameere said she would be pleased if The Matcha Space decided to retain Nakabugo.
However, she promised that the government would help her find another job if the company ultimately decided to end her employment.
“If they carry on employing her, we shall be grateful. If, however, they choose to let her go, we shall get her another job,” Nameere said.
The minister also announced that she had instructed her bank and personal assistant to obtain Nakabugo’s banking details so that she could send her $10,000.
Nameere said the financial assistance was intended to demonstrate continued support for Nakabugo.
Nakabugo Appeals to Supporters
Nakabugo had earlier blamed NUP supporters for the backlash that she says contributed to the loss of her employment.
She appealed to those involved to stop contacting The Matcha Space now that she had reportedly lost her job.
The Matcha Space has not publicly provided a detailed explanation of the circumstances surrounding the end of Nakabugo’s employment.
The controversy has meanwhile reignited debate in Uganda about political disagreements on social media, freedom of expression and whether online campaigns should affect an individual’s employment.
