The Ministry of Health has come out and clarified on allegations that they have failed to clear Shanita Namuyimbwa aka Bad Black for an advert she recorded to fight COVID-19.
In a letter dated June 14, the Ministry says following President Museveni’s call to the general public to donate and provide free services towards the prevention of COVID-19, various companies took heed to the President’s call.
Among the companies was Precision Media Ltd that offered to give the Health Ministry free Media production services but under the supervision of the Ministry.
The Health Ministry says that Precision Media Ltd approached numerous influential people to record cautionary messages and among them was Bad Black.
“All these individuals were requested to voluntarily participate, and they consented before any recording was made,” says the Ministry.
On this basis, the ministry reiterates that it was solely done on voluntary terms, and no contractual or financial obligations were attached to any of the personalities including Bad Black.
Bad Black yesterday came out to demand what she says was promised. According to Bad black, Kisembo Ronex of Precision Media Ltd acting on behalf of the Ministry of Health contacted her to record a paid COVID-19 awareness message on April 29, 2020.
Bad Black said that she made an oral agreement with to meet President Museveni to discuss how much she would be paid for the advert, something that has not happened, yet her recording has been continuously used by the Ministry of Health on all media platforms.
Through her lawyers, Musangala Advocates and Solicitors served the Attorney General William Byaruhanga and Precision Media Ltd a notice of intention to sue.
In the notice, Bad Black says that efforts to meet the Ministry of Health to resolve the matter have been futile, so she is seeking compensation in the tune of Shs550 million (Shs500 million for the advert and Shs50 million for the mental anguish she faced).