Gloria Bugie has hit back at Ugandans who criticised her conduct during Diamond Platnumz’s press conference, saying she was simply taking advantage of the opportunity to promote her music career.
The singer became a talking point on social media following an interaction with the Tanzanian superstar, who recently visited Uganda for the Comedy Store UG 10th anniversary celebrations.
During a press conference ahead of the event, several Ugandan creatives had the opportunity to interact with Diamond, with Bugie among those who addressed the visiting musician.
She reportedly used the platform to request a collaboration, seeking an immediate response from both Diamond Platnumz and fellow guest The Ben.
However, it was her conduct during the photo session that attracted particular attention. Bugie appeared prominently in the foreground while photographs were being taken with Diamond, prompting criticism from some social media users.
Some accused her of embarrassing Uganda, while others questioned her behaviour during the high-profile gathering.
Bugie has now responded, rejecting the criticism and questioning why people who regularly criticise her music were suddenly concerned about how she represented the country.
“Those saying I embarrassed them; were we raised together? Every day you keep telling me that I do not know how to sing but now here you are. Ugandans give themselves too much importance. I do not know you, we are not related and I’m tired of this,” she said.
The singer also defended her decision to make the most of the opportunity, arguing that artists should use platforms they receive to advance their careers.
Her remarks were shared in a social media post that attracted further reactions, with some users supporting her position while others continued discussing the original press conference moment.
For Bugie, the criticism appears to miss the bigger picture. She believes that when an artist gets an opportunity to stand before influential figures in the entertainment industry, using that moment to promote their brand should not be treated as an embarrassment.
The incident has added another chapter to the ongoing conversation about how Ugandan entertainers present themselves at major industry events and how audiences judge their public conduct.