Singer Iryn Namubiru and media personality Frank Ntambi have criticised the conduct of students at Nsangi Secondary School after videos showing them mocking established Ugandan media personalities sparked debate about respect, role modelling and the influence of content consumed by young people.
The reactions followed an apology by the school after clips of students describing some media personalities as “old and tired” and suggesting they should retire circulated on social media.
Ntambi questioned what the school was teaching students by allowing content that ridicules people’s brands and the effort they have invested in building their careers.
“What exactly is this Nsangi Secondary School teaching or promoting by exposing students to content that ridicules people’s brands and the hard work they’ve put into building them? Then posting on their own TikTok page? Is this the kind of conduct our schools should be encouraging?” he wrote on X.
He also called on the Ministry of Education and Sports to intervene, arguing that schools should instil discipline, respect and responsibility rather than encourage students to ridicule other people’s work.
Ntambi urged the school to remove the content and issue a public apology, adding that the incident raised questions about the values being promoted through school activities shared online.
Namubiru agreed with Ntambi’s concerns but pointed to what she sees as a wider problem in the entertainment and media industry: the example set by adults on television and other platforms.
What exactly is this Nsangi Secondary School teaching or promoting by exposing students to content that ridicules people’s brands and the hard work they’ve put into building them? Then posting on their own tiktok page?? Is this the kind of conduct our schools should be encouraging?
@Educ_SportsUg , is this acceptable? I don’t think so! The school should take down the content and issue a public apology. Education should instil discipline, respect and responsibility, not encourage students to ridicule the efforts of others.
Bambi Mzee Samson Kasumba bakubye waki? Bagala alye wa??????
— Wayne Frank Ntambi (@frankbalkazerg1) October 27, 2026
“I agree with you Frank, but how do you think they learn this? This is what they see on our screens every single day because it has become acceptable and so normal for adults to unscrupulously denigrate, disparage and ridicule others on TV, national TV and other platforms,” she wrote.
Namubiru argued that public criticism and ridicule have become normalised in some media spaces, potentially influencing how young people express themselves and treat others.
She added that in other countries, similar conduct by presenters could prompt public apologies, resignations or legal action, or lead to a programme being discontinued.
I agree with you Frank, but how do you think they learn this? This is what they see on our screens every single day because it has become acceptable and so normal for adults to unscrupulously denigrate, disparage and ridicule others on TV , national TV and other platforms. In other countries , some presenters would be forced to apologise publicly, resign , ( if not sued)or a particular show would be discontinued.
Wano ewaffe, buli kimu kiyita….— Iryn Namubiru (@irynnamubiru) October 27, 2026
Her response shifted part of the discussion beyond the students themselves, raising questions about whether adults in the public eye also contribute to a culture in which personal attacks are treated as entertainment.
The controversy comes as schools increasingly use social media and creative projects to give learners opportunities to explore their talents and engage with audiences beyond the classroom. However, the incident has highlighted the challenge of balancing creative expression with respect for others, particularly when students’ work is published on institutional platforms.
In its statement, headteacher Emmanuel Nalumenya said the school encourages students to take part in projects and challenges as part of its commitment to nurturing talent. He acknowledged, however, that the students had crossed the line during one media engagement by insulting prominent media personalities.
The school apologised to those affected and promised stern disciplinary action against the students responsible, although it did not specify the measures being considered.
Source: Sqoop Uganda
