Simon Kaggwa Njala, a Ugandan journalist and TV personality, rose to fame following his 2013 viral interview with LGBTQ activist Onziema Julian.
Early Life
Simon Kaggwa Njala, born on October 11, 1976, in Karoli Jinja, Kampala District, hails from the Muganda tribe. His given name is Kaggwa Njala, and he comes from the Buganda Kingdom in Central Uganda, where he was born to Baganda parents.
Education
He moved to Kampala, Uganda’s capital, to further his education, where he obtained his UCE and UACE certificates for O-level and A-level before attending university.
Media Career
Simon Kaggwa Njala began his journalism career in 2008 while still a student, writing for The Crusader, a print newspaper in Kampala. He then joined Radio One and Akaboozi Ku Bbiri, where he hosted the popular show “Uganda Speaks” in 2011.
In 2012, Njala joined Next Media’s NBS TV, where he became the host of the Morning Breeze and the Eagle show. He has been with the television station for over a decade.
Recently, Njala was suspended for two weeks by Next Media after posting a series of tweets that supported Mathias Mpuuga and criticized the NUP (National Unity Platform). Mpuuga, the opposition leader in Uganda’s Parliament, had recently clashed with NUP, led by opposition figure Bobi Wine.
Internet Popularity
Simon Kaggwa Njala gained widespread online attention following his viral interview with LGBT activist Onziema Julian. On December 18, 2012, an episode of the English-language morning show Morning Breeze aired on NBS TV, featuring a debate between transgender LGBT rights activist Pepe Julian Onziema, host Simon Kaggwa Njala, and Pastor Martin Ssempa on the topic of homosexuality.
During the interview, Njala aimed to address common questions about this sensitive issue, leading to the infamous moment when he asked Onziema, “Why are you gay?”
“We bring in the studio this morning one of the gay rights activists, mister – should I call you “mister”? (Sure) – Pepe Julian Onzima. Thank you for coming in, good morning. Why are you gay?” Njala posed, to which Onziema responded,” Who says I’m gay?” Njala in a rejoinder said,” You are gay.”
Nearly a decade later, the segment went viral, captivating netizens with his direct approach and amassing thousands of views online. In 2023, the interview was acknowledged by X platform’s Africa Facts Zone as Africa’s most popular interview.
Joining Politics
In 2016, Njala ventured into elective politics, running for Member of Parliament for Busiro South. He was defeated by Peter Sematimba, who secured the seat for the Busiro Constituency.
Wife
Simon Kaggwa Njala is married to Agatha Njala, with whom he has shared many years of marriage. She prefers a private life but occasionally appears on Njala’s social media accounts.
Net Worth
Simon Kaggwa Njala has a net worth of 213 million Ugandan shillings (approximately Kshs 7.3 million) and earns over 25 million Ugandan shillings (about Kshs 863,951) annually from his roles as a full-time TV show host and journalist at NBS TV and Next Media.
