Karole Kasita responds to economy flight criticism – Sqoop

Ugandan singer Karole Kasita has weighed in on the growing debate surrounding local artists travelling abroad for performances while flying economy class, making it clear that for her, securing the opportunity and getting paid matters more than public perception.

The singer was among several Ugandan performers who recently travelled to London for a show, alongside Ziza Bafana, Winnie Nwagi and John Blaq.

In recent days, online debate has intensified after videos emerged showing some Ugandan artistes travelling for international performances, reigniting criticism about why performers booked for high-profile overseas shows are sometimes seen flying economy instead of business class.

For some critics, international bookings are expected to come with premium treatment, particularly for established entertainers whose public image often reflects success and status.

But Karole Kasita sees things differently.

Speaking during a television interview, the singer dismissed pressure to live according to public expectations, saying she is more concerned with getting paid than impressing people through expensive flight upgrades.

“I do not want to live my life knowing that I’m following people’s orders just because they want business class, that I should book business class too,” Kasita said.

“Or that I should not go anywhere to work just because I want to be booked in business class. I do not roll like that. To me, it is about making money.”

The singer further explained that on the recent London trip, she initially travelled economy not out of preference, but due to circumstances beyond her control.

According to Kasita, business class seats had already been fully booked at the time, yet organisers still needed her in London on that specific day for the performance.

She later managed to return in business class.

However, Kasita stressed that even if business class is unavailable, she would still gladly board an economy flight if the deal makes financial sense.

“Once I’m back with the money, I can travel the way I want to,” she explained.

“If someone says they cannot afford business class but wants you to come and pick up the money, then go ahead. I do not have such rules as long as you are paying me my money how I want it.”

Her comments have since sparked wider conversations about the realities of Uganda’s entertainment business, where international gigs often come with negotiations balancing logistics, budgets and artist expectations.

For some artistes, business class travel is viewed as part of professional treatment and brand image. For others like Karole Kasita, however, the priority remains simple: secure the bag first, enjoy the comfort later.

The debate has also exposed growing public expectations around celebrity lifestyles, with fans increasingly measuring success through appearances, luxury and travel choices.

But if Karole Kasita’s stance is anything to go by, not every artist is interested in performing wealth for social media.

Sometimes, economy class still leads to premium results.