Journalist Simon Kaggwa Njala has denied seeking social media attention through his controversial comments about the death of Ugandan businessman Ivan Semwanga, insisting that he is asking questions rather than trying to generate likes and engagement.
Njala has faced criticism since questioning the circumstances surrounding Semwanga’s death in South Africa and raising concerns about the absence of a publicly available autopsy report. His remarks have reopened discussion about the businessman’s passing, which occurred in 2017.
Some social media users have accused the journalist of revisiting a painful chapter for Semwanga’s family, while others suspect that the controversy is an attempt to grow his following across different platforms.
Responding to the criticism, Njala defended his right to express personal opinions on his social media pages. He also rejected suggestions that his comments were motivated by the prospect of attracting more engagement.
“I have my own pages where I share my personal opinions. My problem is that I am not gullible. Ugandans are so gullible; they believe anything they are told. I am not after likes because how many Ugandans have over 1 million likes?” Njala said.
The journalist maintained that he had not presented a definitive explanation for Semwanga’s death. Instead, he argued that he had raised questions he believes have not been adequately addressed.
“I did not give a certain answer. I only provided questions (about Ivan Semwanga’s death). Up to now, I have yet to see anyone counter my question with facts. They are only insulting me,” he added.
Njala’s response appears aimed at drawing a distinction between questioning the circumstances of a death and making a conclusive allegation about what happened. However, the absence of a publicly available autopsy report, as discussed in the supplied account, does not by itself establish that Semwanga’s death involved suspicious circumstances.
Semwanga, a businessman who became widely known in Uganda’s celebrity circles, died in South Africa in May 2017. His death attracted considerable public attention, and his name has continued to feature in conversations about Ugandan celebrities and high-profile personalities.
Njala’s latest comments have added another layer to the discussion, with the journalist challenging his critics to respond to the substance of his questions rather than attack him personally.
At the same time, criticism of his approach reflects concerns about the impact that renewed speculation can have on the family and people close to someone who has died.
For now, Njala stands by his position that he is expressing his personal views and seeking answers, not chasing online popularity. The questions he has raised remain distinct from any verified finding about the circumstances of Semwanga’s death.