South African media personality and YouTuber Lasizwe Dambuza is facing major criticism from the LGBTQI+ community after announcing a new episode of his show Awkward Dates featuring controversial Ugandan journalist Simon Kaggwa Njala.
I said “ARE YOU READY??” pic.twitter.com/h4FOQQnoK4
— Lasizwe (@lasizwe) June 10, 2025
Lasizwe shared the news on Tuesday through his African Channel Network’s Instagram account, along with promo images. He also posted a snippet of Njala’s infamous 2012 interview with Ugandan activist Pepe Julian Onziema on X (formerly Twitter), where Njala asked, “Why are you gay?” This question went viral and has since been viewed by many as harmful and mocking toward the LGBTQI+ community, especially in a country like Uganda, where queer people continue to face violence, discrimination, and even threats to their lives.
While Awkward Dates is known for being light-hearted and funny, this particular episode didn’t sit well with many, especially since Lasizwe himself is openly gay and a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Critics were quick to express their anger online, calling the decision “insensitive” and “a slap in the face” to queer people — especially during Pride Month.
One user, @LukanyoBee, said: “Being gay and choosing to give a platform to a Ugandan homophobe during Pride Month is… something. Not smart, though.”
Another user, @STILESMbulazi, commented: “You are wrong for this Lasizwe in all levels. This is a huge slap to the face to us as the LGBTQI+ community.”
@Dhee_Nabimanya added: “Kiking with someone that is actively homophobic (just because it’s not harming you directly like it does for those in the country he is from) for some clout in Pride Month is such loser behaviour! Also, what’s so funny about bigotry that you felt the need to embrace it!?”
While some fans defended Lasizwe’s right to host whoever he wants, others believe that this move ignored the pain and fear that many LGBTQ+ people still live with — especially in Uganda.
