A fiery online exchange has sparked off between prominent Ugandan socialite Sheila Gashumba and model Judith Heard, centering on the alleged expenditure of taxpayers’ money on Tanzanian musician Diamond Platnumz at a recent coffee promotion event. The public spat has quickly become a talking point across Ugandan social media, raising questions about artist compensation and the role of public figures in national discourse.
The controversy began when Judith Heard took to her social media platforms to criticize what she termed a “waste of taxpayers’ money.”
Sheila Gashumba was quick to retaliate, launching a direct challenge to Heard on her X (formerly Twitter) account. Gashumba’s post directly questioned Heard’s critique, highlighting the broader context of government funding within the Ugandan music industry.
“Isn’t it taxpayers’ money that funds the Uganda Music Federation, and aren’t Ugandan musicians paid to sing on campaigns and other government events paid with taxpayers money too?” Gashumba wrote, adding a jab at perceived hypocrisy. “Weren’t other Ugandan artists performing and paid for the same event but with Diamond is were you are crossing the line!! The hypocrisy of Ugandans😂😂”
Gashumba didn’t stop there, directly challenging Heard’s residency and engagement with Ugandan affairs. “Also which taxes are you paying in Uganda yet u don’t even live here anymore!! Internet activists should calm down. Since you care soo much, come back and stand for Woman MP Fort Portal and try make a few changes on ground rather than typing while relaxing in Atlanta, USA.”
In response to Gashumba’s impassioned dare, Judith Heard opted for a more measured tone, dismissing the prospect of a prolonged online battle. “Sheilah, I genuinely won’t engage in back-and-forth with you. We’re in different lanes, with different priorities,” Heard stated. “If you were seeking attention, you won’t find it here. I’m focused on real issues affecting real people. Let’s both stay in our roles. I’ll keep speaking up for those who can’t. You can do what you do best.”
The public disagreement has resonated with many Ugandans, sparking wider conversations about financial transparency in government-sponsored events and the perceived disparities in how local and international artists are compensated.