Tusuubira Ibrahim

Tusuubira Ibrahim Lubega (1970 – May 6, 2023), also known as Jajja Iculi or Isma Olaxess, was a Ugandan vlogger, a social media influencer and a music critic who served as president of Uganda Bloggers' Association until his death in May, 2023. He came to be known for his plain-spokenness and candor communication style. His fully-televised funeral followed his public expressions of support, a day after the demise of Ugandan Minister Charles Engola, who was shot by his own bodyguard William Sabiiti, with bodyguard's action reportedly motivated by the Minister's silence over government's human rights violation.

Career & influence

Tusuubira started as a house painter but later expanded into influence peddling and music criticism. In 2005, he resettled in Sweden's capital Stockholm, where he later began his blogging career in 2014. A year after (2015), he returned to his home country, Uganda. However, he rose to fame in 2020, when he began actively campaigning for Uganda's ruling party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM). His influence grew when he became president of the Uganda Bloggers' Association. Every morning at around 7 a.m., he consistently inspired his audience with live videos on Facebook while sharing his thoughts on various topics which among others included: politics, entertainment and social lifestyles. Through his work, he expanded his reach and engagement with more celebrities.

Personal life

Isma Olaxess was a Muslim of the Tabligh faction. He was approximately 5.7 feet in height. But in his daily routine, he chose to keep most aspects private. He had multiple wives, though he rarely spoke about them publicly. One of the few personal details he shared was about his infertility when he openly announced that he was told by doctors about his inability to have children. His father, Hajji Muhammad Kasajja, who came out to confirm this, was a significant figure in his life — supporting him through various challenges and achievements.

Net worth

Tusuubira's financial journey was dynamic. He was estimated to have a net worth of about 113 million Ugandan shillings. During his service as the chairperson of the Uganda Bloggers' Association, he earned a monthly payment of 7 million Ugandan shillings (approximately US$2,000). Many people believeed that this role amplified his voice and reach within the community of bloggers and content creators from the East African country.

Controversies

On 4 October 2017, when a Ugandan producer Danz Ku Mapeesa was succumbed to head injuries that led to his death, Isma was linked to this event hence some significant figures came out to request for his arrest — following his comments. However, he also came out and noted never to have confessed to Danz's death. In 2020, while campaigning for NRM, a ruling party led by one of world's longest serving presidents, Yoweri Museveni, Isma's passport was revoked when the opposition wrote to Swedish embassy for his support to acts of oppression. Despite these challenges, he remained consistent in expressing his views and continuing his work.

Isma Olaxess on 21 November 2021, like many outspoken individuals, was remanded at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters in Kibuli, Kampala, along with three journalists for allegedly using offensive language and inciting violence. However, on 25 November 2021, he was charged and finally granted bail.

In March 2022, Spamania, a wellness center in Uganda, terminated its ambassadorial contract with Jajja Iculi. This decision was precipitated by his public statements, made during a Facebook Live video, endorsing a school's exclusion of Solomon Kampala, son of opposition leader Bobi Wine, from school leadership opportunities. The exclusion was allegedly motivated by government influence.

Death

On Saturday, May 6, 2023, Tusuubira's life was tragically cut short when he was shot dead at 9:20 p.m. near his home's gateway in Kyanja, a suburb in Kampala. The unmasked killer waited for 2 hours to ensure the act was completed, ultimately firing eight bullets into his upper body and head that found him on a passenger seat in his Toyota HiAce drone, UBK 213D that was gifted to him by businessman, Hamis Kiggundu. According to a BBC reporter, his discussions on diverse topics made it hard to trace who killers would be. But later, police investigations showed that the killer gun was probably an SMG pistol. His driver, Mathias Wasswa, was left unharmed and the news of his death that shocked many, were initially announced by his administrator on his official Facebook Page. Tusuubira was buried on May 7, 2023, in Nkokonjeru, Buikwe.

Reactions & legacy

The reaction to Tusuubira's untimely death was profound and widespread. Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni, extended condolences to his family and publicly condemned the brutal killing, highlighting the significance of such a loss to the nation. Opposition leader Bobi Wine also weighed in, reflecting on his death as a poignant reminder of the importance of financial security and stability. The Speaker of Uganda's Parliament Anita Among, emphasized the need for accountability and justice in this case when the police was called upon to prosecute those responsible for death of Olaxess.

While authorities did apprehend three suspects, including the driver, a conclusive report on the circumstances surrounding Isma's demise remains pending as of October 2024. And while Isma's legacy continues to inspire many young bloggers and content creators who look up to his journey and achievements as a testament to what is possible with dedication, some vloggers were weakened mostly those who considered Olaxess as their key source of information.