Media personality Sheila Gashumba has stirred fresh debate after drawing a sharp comparison between Rwanda and Uganda, not over politics or economy but over freedom of expression.
Her trigger? A bold, high-energy performance by global star Doja Cat at Kigali’s iconic BK Arena.
“See how Rwanda let Doja Cat dress how she wants… and give such a crazy performance!” Sheila posted. But it wasn’t just admiration; it was a subtle indictment. Because, in her view, that same moment in Uganda would have played out very differently.
See how Rwanda let Doja Cat dress how she wants at the BK ARENA and give such a crazy performance!! Ugandans would have been posting crazy tweets like ‘why she was allowed to dress like that? ’ and the people in power in UG would be preaching about decency and ‘culture’ etc ??… https://t.co/OXJlU2B95a
— Sheilah C Gashumba (@SheilahGashumba) March 18, 2026
According to Sheila, Ugandans would be less focused on the music and more obsessed with morality. The timeline, she suggests, would flood with outrage: questions about decency, think pieces about culture, and perhaps even statements from authority figures condemning the performance. In short, the art would be overshadowed by the outfit.
Sheila’s critique taps into a long-standing tension in Uganda’s entertainment scene, the invisible line between creativity and conformity.
Artists often find themselves navigating not just their craft but also a social climate that can quickly turn judgmental. Expression is allowed, but within limits that are constantly shifting and fiercely policed by public opinion.
Rwanda, in this comparison, represents a mindset. One where the spotlight stays on the performance, not the performer’s wardrobe.
Don’t want to miss out on any story? For updates on all Sqoop stories, follow this link on Telegram: https://t.me/Sqoop and Whatsapp: https://whatsapp.com/channel