• President Museveni declined Kasuku’s request for cash giveaways during a live #JazzWithJajja youth engagement.
  • Museveni explained that giving out money while campaigning could be interpreted as bribery and land him in legal trouble.
  • He clarified that only UGX 1 million transport refunds were allowed, with any extra giveaways postponed until after elections.

President Yoweri Museveni left many amused—and a few surprised—after politely declining media personality Kasuku’s request for a cash giveaway during a live youth engagement.

Kasuku, whose real name is Isaac Katende, was among the moderators when President Museveni addressed young people (popularly known as bazzukulu) across social media platforms under the hashtag #JazzWithJajja, streaming on YouTube, TikTok, and X. As the session neared its end, Kasuku did what he is famously known for: making a playful appeal for money—an act he jokingly refers to as “luseke.”

Using his closing remarks, Kasuku told the President that people had sent him with a message.

“The people told me as I came, not to forget to tell Jajja that we are here. He should pack for us some things, to give you and you bring and we enjoy as the bazzukulu,” Kasuku said.

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“So as a Jajja, I’m waiting you load me with the things for the bazzukulu out there and we go.”

Kasuku added that while he understands the President may not be interested in “fun activities,” he and his friends wouldn’t mind some money to enjoy themselves and run giveaways.

However, President Museveni calmly shut down the request—this time not with humor, but with caution.

The President explained that although he is still the sitting Head of State, he is also currently a presidential candidate. Giving out money in such a setting, he said, could easily be interpreted as bribery.

“I don’t want to go to prison because I’m a candidate,” Museveni said.

“If I kulongoola (reward) people, I’ll be arrested for bribing. So I think we shall have to wait until after the election, then we sort out issues.”

In a light moment, the President even asked whether there was a lawyer present to back up his point, reinforcing his concern about staying within the law.

He then wrapped up the matter by clarifying that attendees would only receive UGX 1 million each as transport refund, and nothing beyond that.