Ugandan socialite and former model Judith Heard has joined the growing chorus of criticism aimed at the organisers of the Coffee Marathon, which was held last weekend at the African Coffee Park in Ntungamo District.
The event featured performances from several high-profile artists, including Tanzanian star Diamond Platnumz, Ugandan’s Bebe Cool and Eddy Kenzo, and Rwandan’s The Ben, among others.
Controversy has erupted over the reported UGX 750 million paid to Diamond Platnumz for his appearance. Many Ugandans, including Heard, argue that the expenditure was excessive and poorly justified.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Judith Heard slammed the government, suggesting it prioritises flashy PR events over meaningful development.
“We were told Kim Kardashian and Kanye West would boost Uganda’s tourism — that their visit would bring in $200 million, create 2,000 jobs, and that whatever they filmed here would market Uganda forever. Till today, nothing. Not even a single post from Kim about Uganda. No jobs. No growth. Just another flashy scam to waste taxpayer money while the poor continue to suffer,” she wrote.
Heard further criticised the allocation of Shs750 million to a foreign artist for a single-day event allegedly aimed at promoting coffee, something Ugandan farmers have done for years without any government support.
“To every young person reading this, please, wake up. No one in this government is planning for you. They are securing bags for their children, their families, their legacy — not yours,” she continued. “They want even Ugandans working abroad to pay tax on foreign income but can’t show you what they’re doing with the money already stolen from you.”
She also lamented the silence of local artists who once inspired the public but have now, in her view, aligned themselves with the system.
“I’m not here to fight anyone. I’m just tired of seeing us being fooled over and over again. Tired of watching my fellow citizens struggle while billions are thrown at PR stunts with zero impact. Uganda is yours. Wake up. Question more. Demand better,” she concluded.
The Coffee Marathon, intended to promote Uganda’s coffee industry, has instead ignited a national debate on priorities, accountability, and the use of public funds.
