Ugandan media personality and socialite Sheilah Gashumba has publicly responded to growing online speculation linking her nightlife career to sex trafficking, following the release of BBC Africa Eye’s explosive documentary Death in Dubai.
Social media chatter has accused Gashumba of allegedly connecting young women to high-profile clients for financial gain. But in a strongly worded statement, Sheilah dismissed the claims as baseless “propaganda” aimed at tarnishing her reputation.
“I started working on television when I was just eight years old, My first phone was bought with the UGX 80,000 I earned per show on WBS TV, plus tips I got from miming Blu*3. My father always told me, ‘Anything you want, you must work hard for it.’ Years later, I’m still standing. Meanwhile, those who chased shortcuts are no longer around.”,she explained.
Now a TV host, bar emcee, and DJ, Sheilah outlined her demanding work schedule, often hosting events from 10 PM to 6 AM, several nights a week. She emphasized that her career has been built on years of hustle not shortcuts.
“Stop painting a bad picture of my life when you should be learning from it.If money came as easily as you claim, I’d be on vacation every day.”,she urged.
Sheilah also pointed to her history of advocacy, referencing a 2022 tweet where she raised concerns about underage Ugandan girls being sent abroad for work:
“I always see large groups of girls sometimes 60 at a time under 18, wearing school uniforms and heading to Dubai or Qatar. What exactly are they going there for? I truly hope they’re safe.”,she said.
Her remarks highlight not only the challenges faced by women in Uganda’s entertainment industry but also her continued efforts to speak out against exploitation and advocate for young girls’ rights.
