Ugandan journalist Simon Kaggwa Njala has revealed that people still ask him about the viral “Why are you gay?” moment—even when he is with his family.
Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) account on March 27, 2025, Njala expressed frustration over the situation. He wrote, “You people, you find me with my wife and kids and then ask ‘why are you gay?’ Really?”
Njala, known for his bold and direct interviewing style, became internationally famous because of a 2012 interview on Morning Breeze, a talk show on NBS Television.
In this episode, he was interviewing Ugandan LGBTQ+ rights activist Pepe Julian Onziema when he bluntly asked, “Why are you gay?” The moment became even more chaotic when Njala introduced another guest, controversial pastor Martin Ssempa.
Ssempa, known for his strong anti-LGBTQ+ views, used fruits and vegetables as props while shouting about what he believed were LGBT-related practices.
At the time, the interview sparked discussions within Uganda, but years later, in 2019, it resurfaced online and became an internet meme. Social media users turned the phrase “Why are you gay?” into a widely shared joke, making the clip famous worldwide.
Despite the years that have passed, it appears that many people still associate Njala with the viral moment. His latest comments suggest that even in personal and private settings, people continue to bring it up.
Njala’s reaction highlights how viral moments can stick with public figures long after they happen, sometimes in ways that become frustrating.
While the internet sees the phrase as a joke, for Njala, it seems to be an endless reminder of a single moment from over a decade ago.