Former NBS Barometer presenter and popular news anchor Zambaali Bulasio Mukasa has opened up about the long-running rumors surrounding his alleged romantic involvement with fellow TV personality Isabella Tugume. For a while, the two made headlines after affectionate videos of them circulated on social media, catching fans and followers off guard.
Their strong chemistry on television led many viewers to believe they were genuinely in a relationship. The speculation intensified because both were publicly single at the time. Zambaali had recently separated from the mother of his child, while Isabella was also not publicly linked to anyone.
In a recent interview, Zambaali, who is now vying for the parliamentary seat in Nansana Municipality, finally addressed the situation. He revealed that the idea of appearing romantically involved with Isabella was part of a carefully planned media strategy designed to boost their visibility and audience engagement.
He explained that the concept was discussed and developed during internal meetings at Next Media, where they regularly explored ways to grow their individual and collective brands. As part of that strategy, Zambaali and Isabella agreed to act out a relationship on-screen and on social media to create buzz and attract attention.
They identified love and politics as two topics that consistently captured public interest. Since Zambaali already had a strong political presence, they decided to introduce a romantic element through the illusion of a relationship. The goal was to increase public curiosity and ultimately expand their reach and influence.
According to Zambaali, the strategy was successful in increasing interaction, driving viewership, and raising their public profiles. However, he clarified that the relationship never existed beyond their work environment. Everything the public saw was part of the performance, not a reflection of a real romantic connection.
He also pointed out that if they were truly in a relationship, it would have raised concerns with their employer. The fact that no such concerns were raised supported his claim that the situation was purely professional and orchestrated as part of their media plan.
Zambaali used the opportunity to reflect on the importance of personal branding and media influence, especially in Uganda’s competitive political and broadcasting landscapes. He emphasized that in today’s digital environment, success often depends on how well individuals manage public perception alongside actual performance.
In the same interview, Zambaali discussed the political direction of the National Unity Platform and its leader, Bobi Wine. He made a comparison with the case of former Egyptian president Fatah Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, who was removed from office despite securing over 90 percent of the vote in an election. His reference served as a reminder that political victory alone is not always enough to guarantee stability or lasting power.
His comments suggested a deeper concern for the future of opposition politics in Uganda, calling attention to the need for better planning, structure, and resilience beyond election campaigns. Zambaali’s message centered on the idea that both media and politics require careful preparation, adaptability, and awareness of public expectations.
While the relationship rumors with Isabella Tugume may have dominated the headlines for a time, Zambaali appears to have moved on with a clear focus. His political ambitions are serious, and he is actively building a campaign rooted in experience, communication skills, and public relatability. These are the same strengths that helped him become one of Uganda’s most recognizable media personalities.
As for Isabella, she has remained silent about the matter publicly, but her participation in the image strategy demonstrated her professionalism and understanding of how modern media works. In a world where branding and engagement are everything, their collaboration showed how intentional content can create a major impact, even when it blurs the lines between performance and reality.
In the end, what many believed was a developing love story turned out to be a well-executed branding move. It is a clear example of how media figures can shape public narratives and how storytelling, even off-screen, plays a major role in modern-day influence.
