Social media in Uganda has erupted after a controversial video allegedly linked to Western Youth MP aspirant Elizabeth Kakwanzi Katanywa was leaked on June 12. The video, whose authenticity remains unverified, has become the center of heated debate, outrage, and concern over the growing weaponization of private content in politics.
The scandal caught fire online just hours after surfacing, with Twitter (now X), TikTok, and WhatsApp flooded with reactions. While some rushed to share the clip without verifying its source, many others pushed back—calling it an orchestrated character attack.
Gideon Nova Kwikiriza, President of Ugandans on X (UOX), came out forcefully in defense of Katwanya, calling the video leak “a vile, calculated, and cowardly attack.”
“This isn’t about morality. It’s about silencing and shaming. We are watching the attempted destruction of a young, promising leader,” Kwikiriza posted.
He accused political actors of normalizing digital violence and warned this toxic trend is now eating its own, including candidates from the ruling NRM party.
“Even the regime’s loyalists aren’t safe anymore. The culture of blackmail under Museveni has become so routine it doesn’t check for party colors anymore,” he added.
Netizens Speak Out:
The reactions online have been intense, divided, and emotional.
@IamLydia_M: “Even if the video were real (which I doubt), what does it say about our politics that a woman’s private life is more scandalous than theft, bribery, or land grabbing?”
@Aruho256: “It’s no longer about leadership. It’s about who can destroy who faster. If they can do this to Katwanya now, what will they do when she actually wins?”
@KasaijaTruth: “These leaks always target women. Always. Meanwhile, men with real corruption cases walk free and even campaign in peace. Ugandans, wake up.”
@Ronnie_Semakula: “The UOX president nailed it. We’ve gone from policy debates to sex-tape elections. Shame.”
But not everyone is convinced. A faction online continues to demand verification of the video, calling on Katwanya to speak out or take legal action.
@TruthWatchUg: “If it’s fake, let her prove it. Otherwise, silence will be interpreted as confirmation.”
Feminist and Youth Groups Weigh In:
Women’s advocacy organizations, youth political forums, and civil society groups have condemned the leak.
“This is textbook digital violence. It’s gendered, targeted, and deliberate. If we let it slide, we’re enabling a political culture that has no place for women leaders,” said a statement from the Uganda Young Women’s Leadership Network (UYWLN).
“Instead of discussing her ideas or policy vision, we’re circulating a video that might not even be real. The double standards are sickening,” posted She Leads Uganda.
With the story still unfolding, pressure is mounting for authorities to investigate the source of the video—and for political leaders to denounce the attack. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Kakwanzi Katwanya remains silent, perhaps weighing her response.
But one thing is clear: the conversation this leak has sparked is no longer just about her. It’s about the dirty underbelly of Ugandan politics—and how far some are willing to go to keep certain voices out.
