New Zealand TikTok Personality Muzungu-Boda Ejected from Uganda Over Illegal Work Status

Summary:

• New Zealand TikTok personality Reid Samuel James, known as Muzungu-Boda, was ejected from Uganda for working illegally on a tourist visa. The Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed he was running a charitable NGO, which violated Uganda’s immigration laws.

---

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has confirmed the ejection of Reid Samuel James, a New Zealand national and popular TikTok personality known as Muzungu-Boda, from Uganda for working illegally in the country without the proper documentation.

Simon Mundeyi, spokesperson for the Ministry, revealed that Muzungu-Boda had been engaging in work activities while holding a tourist visa, which does not permit such activities under Uganda’s immigration laws. He was running a charitable NGO during his stay, which was classified as “work” by the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC).

“To work in any country, an individual must possess a valid work permit. It is not permissible to work on a tourist visa, and that is exactly what he was doing,” Mundeyi explained. “As standard practice, he was removed from the country.”

However, Mundeyi was careful to clarify that Muzungu-Boda was not officially deported. Instead, he was asked to reorganize his affairs and apply for the appropriate documentation should he wish to return to Uganda in the future. “He was not deported, and he can return once he has the proper permits,” Mundeyi stated.

In addition to his visa violation, the Ministry raised concerns about some of Muzungu-Boda’s behavior while in Uganda. Mundeyi described a series of videos posted by the influencer, which he said featured “bizarre and inappropriate actions.” In one, Muzungu-Boda was seen performing dangerous stunts with children, some of whom were injured. In another video, he was caught on camera interacting inappropriately with an elderly woman, taking her matooke (bananas) and kissing her without consent.

“We cannot tolerate such behavior. His actions were concerning, and this behavior was part of the reason for his removal,” Mundeyi said. He added that Muzungu-Boda had also been acting erratically, criticizing local infrastructure and making uncoordinated comments, leading some to question his state of mind.

Despite his departure, Muzungu-Boda has denied accusations that he was working for financial gain. In a post on social media, he defended his actions, claiming he wasn’t earning income but was rather helping vulnerable children. He also denied that he was detained by immigration officials, though reports from the Ministry indicate otherwise.

On November 18, Muzungu-Boda posted on Twitter, addressing some of the misinformation surrounding his departure: “My name is not Amin, it’s Armin. It’s a Bosnian name. That’s one out of 10 things that are untrue here.”

Muzungu-Boda rose to fame in Uganda and across social media for his entertaining and sometimes controversial videos that showcased Uganda’s culture and lifestyle. However, it appears that his actions have now drawn the scrutiny of Ugandan authorities, raising questions about the boundaries of social media stardom and the legalities of working abroad without proper permits.