KAMPALA, Uganda – Videos of Uganda’s Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, Matia Kasaija, have gone viral on TikTok and X (previously Twitter), with people laughing at his every move.
“Oh, oh, please don’t worry, I am the treasurer. Don’t you know that? hahaha.” “Yes, we are doing very well, but in some cases, there are hitches. Life is never like this; it is like this, hahaha,” Kasaija jokingly says in one of his many remarks to Ugandans.
In fact, some Ugandans now think that three factors—prayer, good fortune, and Matia Kasaija’s comedic timing—control their economy.
MPs brace themselves for hope cloaked in sarcastic remarks each time he addresses the legislature, in addition to loan requests and economic forecasts.
He brings his sense of comedy to parliamentary committees as well. The minister’s comments frequently have such timing and delivery, whether intentional or not, that they quickly become viral memes.
“I want to assure you people and assure the country that the country is now on (whistles).”
Why Matia Kasaija trends online
His quotes are now frequently used in casual conversation. Even while he may not be aware of how well-known he is online, social media users have been keeping tabs on him, and for many, he is now more than just the finance minister—he is also the “minister of enjoyment.”
You may have been too busy or offline to laugh at one of his now-famous jokes.
His quotes have been turned into songs, sketches, and short movies on TikTok, and he has a whole page on social media sites like Instagram devoted to his comedy.
“Even if you know the truth, not all the truth should be said. All of you who are married, like I have been for many years, if you continue saying everything truthful…”
Kasaija has served as the Ugandan Finance Minister since 2015. He replaced Ephraim Kamuntu, who was promoted to Minister of Tourism.
Before his current position, Kasaija served as the state minister for Internal Affairs from 2006 until 2011. He is also the Member of Parliament for “Buyanja County”, Kibaale District.
Who is Matia Kasaija
Kasaija also served as a Board Member of the Partners in Population and Development from 2011 to 2015.
He was born in Kibaale District on 28 May 1944. Kasaija studied at the University of Nairobi, back in the 1960s when it was part of the University of East Africa. Kasaija graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in 1967.
But to some Ugandans, he is not just a policymaker; he is a symbol of light moments in heavy times, proving that even in hardship, Ugandans will always find a reason to smile.
Discussion about this post