Bloggers Press on Amid NRM Campaign Controversy
In the heat of Uganda’s election season, bloggers have shown they are unafraid to openly campaign for the ruling NRM, even as some of their followers threaten to unfollow them over perceived political bias.
Zubedah, a prominent online personality, addressed the backlash, clarifying that their involvement is similar to mainstream media advertising.
“The NRM approached bloggers, paid for ad space, and that’s how we earn a living,” she said, adding that other parties are welcome to run campaigns on her platforms too.
Her stance has sparked conversation on the blurred lines between influencer work and political advocacy.
Zubedah argued that double standards should not dictate who earns from campaigns, insisting that criticism over payments for adverts is unfair.
Barister Timo, another well-known blogger, reinforced the sentiment, stating he will no longer allow followers’ political preferences to dictate his content.
“Those who want to unfollow me because of my political affiliations are free to do so. I do not personally know them,” he said.
The controversy has particularly drawn attention from NUP supporters, who have taken to trolling popular TikTokers seen as benefiting from NRM business.
Bloggers, however, are holding firm, framing campaign partnerships as part of their professional work rather than personal endorsements, emphasizing that online influence, like any business, comes with choices and consequences.
