Hon. Thomas Tayebwa Refutes Senga Acid’s Allegations of Affair with Sheilah Gashumba
Uganda’s Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, has strongly denied claims made by Senga Acid, a Canadian-based blogger, who alleged that he is involved in an extra-marital affair. The claims, which circulated on various social media platforms, particularly Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube, suggest that Tayebwa is cheating on his wife with Sheilah Gashumba, a popular Ugandan socialite and media personality.
Senga Acid’s Allegations
On 2nd January 2025, Senga Acid posted a video on her Snapchat account, where she claimed that Thomas Tayebwa and Sheilah Gashumba were involved in an affair. In the video, she said, “Sheilah Gashumba has decided to be part of the beautiful family of the Deputy Speaker. Mr. Tayebwa Thomas and Sheilah Gashumba are doing it every day and night.”
This sensational claim quickly gained traction, spreading across social media platforms. However, Hon. Tayebwa has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them baseless and harmful to his reputation.
Tayebwa’s Strong Denial
In a video circulating on social media, Hon. Thomas Tayebwa responded to the accusations, expressing his frustration over the false claims. He revealed that he had become aware of the video when his wife sent it to him after seeing it on TikTok. “My wife was the first to send it to me. She (Senga Acid) is in Canada on TikTok, talking authoritatively about someone whose number I don’t have, someone whom I’ve never spoken to,” Tayebwa said.
Tayebwa further explained how Senga Acid’s actions were purely for sensationalism. “I saw some lady running a video on me that I’m sleeping with some celebrity woman in town. She appeared serious, breaking news. I found out she is doing that because she is hiding in Canada,” he added. Hon. Tayebwa stated that these claims were part of a broader pattern of creating sensational content for social media views.
Senga Acid’s Motive: Creating Falsehoods for Views
Tayebwa also pointed out that Senga Acid had made similar claims against another Member of Parliament, further questioning her credibility. “She has also talked about another MP. I sent him a message saying ‘They have also added you.’ And now because TikTok pays, people are desperately looking for content,” Tayebwa noted. He suggested that Senga Acid’s motive was driven by financial gain, as TikTok pays content creators for the number of views their videos receive.
Tayebwa also took a dig at Senga Acid’s identity, noting that while she conducts her attacks in Luganda, she is actually Mukiga from Kabale. This was another attempt by Tayebwa to discredit her credibility, positioning her as someone using gossip and false information to generate views and money.
The Impact of Social Media Gossip
This latest incident highlights the growing influence of social media in Uganda, where content creators, often with little regulation, can spread rumors and allegations without consequences. Senga Acid, known for her bold and sometimes controversial content, has made a name for herself in the entertainment world by revealing gossip and breaking news about celebrities. However, this has also led to criticism, with many accusing her of fabricating stories to gain views and followers.
For Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, the allegations have brought unwanted attention, but he has made it clear that he will not be distracted by baseless rumors. His response also serves as a warning about the dangers of misinformation and the need for greater accountability on social media platforms.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Tayebwa and Senga Acid?
As this public exchange continues to unfold, Senga Acid’s credibility remains in question, and Hon. Tayebwa has made it clear that he will not let these allegations define him. While social media continues to shape public perception, this incident underscores the power — and potential danger — of unchecked rumors in today’s digital age.
For now, Tayebwa remains focused on his role in Parliament, and Senga Acid’s controversial statements seem to have only added fuel to the ongoing debate about the ethics of gossip and sensationalism in the media.
