Isma Olaxess Biography
Isma Olaxess (born 1970 – died May 6, 2023), whose real name was Ibrahim Tusubira and popularly known as Jajja Ichuli, was a renowned Ugandan blogger, political commentator, and social critic.
He relocated to Sweden in 2005, where he began his digital commentary, later returning to Uganda in 2015, rising to fame for his bold support of President Museveni’s NRM government.
In 2021, he was elected President of the Uganda Bloggers Association (UBA) and became widely known for his early morning Facebook Live sessions.
Despite his rising fame, Isma faced several controversies, including charges of offensive communication in October 2021 and backlash over his remarks about opposition leader Bobi Wine.
Tragically, on May 6, 2023, he was shot dead around 9:20 PM outside his home in Kyanja, Kampala, in a targeted assassination that shocked the nation.
He was buried on May 7, 2023, in Nkokonjeru, Buikwe District.
His death drew national attention, with President Museveni condemning the act and calling for justice.
Isma Olaxess Wikipedia
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ibrahim Tusubira |
| Popular Names | Isma Olaxess, Jajja Ichuli |
| Date of Birth | 1970 |
| Place of Birth | Kampala, Uganda |
| Date of Death | May 6, 2023 |
| Place of Death | Kyanja, Kampala, Uganda |
| Cause of Death | Assassination (gunshots by an unknown assailant) |
| Age at Death | 53 years old |
| Nationality | Ugandan |
| Religion | Islam (Tabligh movement) |
| Education | St. John Primary, Standard High School, Makerere University |
| Profession | Blogger, Social Commentator, Political Analyst |
| Years Active | 2014 – 2023 |
| Known For | Bold political commentary, Facebook Lives, NRM loyalty |
| Political Affiliation | National Resistance Movement (NRM) Supporter |
| Major Role | President, Uganda Bloggers Association (UBA) |
| Monthly Income | ~ UGX 7 million |
| Net Worth | UGX 113 million (approx. $30,000) |
| Car Gifted | Toyota HiAce “Drone” (UBK 213D) – gifted by Hamis Kiggundu |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Children | None (due to infertility) |
| Residence | Kyanja, Kampala |
| Key Controversies | Offensive speech charges (Oct 2021), Bobi Wine backlash, lost brand deals |
| Legal Issues | Arrested for offensive communication and libel (2021) |
| Lost Privileges | Swedish visa revoked due to political alignment |
| Burial Date | May 7, 2023 |
| Burial Place | Nkokonjeru, Buikwe District |
| Legacy | Outspoken digital influencer, voice for bloggers, symbol of online activism |
Isma Olaxess Age
Isma Olaxess was born in 1970 and died on May 6, 2023, which means he was 53 years old at the time of his death.
Isma Olaxess’ Early Life & Education
Isma Olaxess, born Ibrahim Tusubira in 1970 in Kampala, Uganda, grew up in a modest Muslim household and followed the Tabligh Islamic movement.
He attended St. John Primary School before proceeding to Standard High School, and later furthered his education at Makerere University.
Before his rise to fame, Isma worked as a house painter in Uganda to make ends meet.
In 2005, seeking greener pastures, he relocated to Sweden, where he began developing his interest in digital media, social issues, and political commentary, laying the foundation for his future as a bold and controversial online personality.
His life experiences abroad shaped much of his outspoken views upon his return to Uganda.
Isma Olaxess’ Return to Uganda & Rise to Prominence
After spending nearly a decade in Sweden, Isma Olaxess returned to Uganda in 2015, bringing with him a bold, no-nonsense style of political and social commentary that quickly captured public attention.
He launched his blogging career officially around 2014 while still abroad, using platforms like Facebook Live, YouTube, and TikTok to address trending national issues, often with blunt language and unapologetic opinions.
His popularity soared during the 2020 presidential campaigns, where he openly supported President Yoweri Museveni and the National Resistance Movement (NRM), which earned him both fans and critics.
In 2021, Isma was elected as President of the Uganda Bloggers Association (UBA), a position that cemented his role as a leading voice in Uganda’s digital space.
Known for his daily 7:00 AM live broadcasts, he attracted thousands of viewers with his raw takes on politics, celebrities, and morality.
His online presence grew rapidly, especially on Facebook, where he amassed over 170,000 followers.
His fearless critique of opposition figures, his unwavering loyalty to the ruling party, and his ability to stir public debate made him one of Uganda’s most influential and controversial digital figures.
Isma Olaxess’ Personal Life
On a personal level, Isma was a devout Muslim aligned with the Tabligh Islamic movement and was known for his strict observance of Islamic teachings.
Despite his rising fame and resources, he never married and had no children, a matter he addressed openly, stating that infertility was the reason he remained single and childless.
Isma lived in Kyanja, Kampala, where he often hosted guests and streamed live videos.
His straightforward and raw personality was not only seen online but also in his day-to-day interactions, making him both loved and loathed by many in equal measure.
Isma Olaxess Networth
Isma Olaxess lived a modest yet increasingly influential lifestyle, with his estimated net worth reported at around UGX 113 million (approximately $30,000).
As the President of the Uganda Bloggers Association (UBA), he reportedly earned about UGX 7 million monthly.
Beyond his official income, he received support from wealthy political and business allies, most notably Hamis Kiggundu (Ham), who gifted him a Toyota HiAce “Drone” van (UBK 213D), which he used for transportation and branding.
Isma Olaxess Controversies & Legal Issues
Isma Olaxess was no stranger to controversy. His blunt and often abrasive commentary frequently landed him in hot water, both legally and socially.
One of his most notable legal issues came in October 2021, when he was arrested and charged with offensive communication and criminal libel following a complaint over his online remarks. He was detained for four days before being released on bail.
Isma’s unwavering support for the ruling NRM party drew the ire of opposition supporters, particularly those aligned with Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine).
His public statements, including his dismissal of Bobi Wine’s son being denied school admission, sparked widespread backlash.
These comments led to Spamania, a health and beauty brand, terminating its partnership with him in March 2022, where he had served as a brand ambassador.
His political alignment also had international consequences. Isma lost his Swedish visa and residency privileges, reportedly after pressure from Ugandan opposition groups in the diaspora, who accused him of spreading propaganda on behalf of the Ugandan government.
Despite these controversies, Isma remained defiant and unapologetic, often stating that he would rather “die speaking the truth” than be politically correct or neutral. This combative approach to blogging made him one of the most polarizing figures in Uganda’s digital media space.
Isma Olaxess’ Death & Legacy
Isma Olaxess’s life came to a tragic and shocking end on the night of May 6, 2023, when he was shot dead at around 9:20 PM outside his home in Kyanja, a suburb of Kampala.
According to eyewitnesses, he was seated in his Toyota HiAce (UBK 213D), a gift from businessman Hamis Kiggundu, when a gunman armed with an SMG opened fire at close range.
The assassin reportedly waited patiently before carrying out the attack and then fled the scene, leaving Isma lifeless in the vehicle.
His death sent shockwaves across Uganda, sparking widespread mourning, outrage, and calls for justice.
President Yoweri Museveni condemned the murder and directed security agencies to investigate the killing thoroughly.
Thousands of supporters and mourners attended Isma’s funeral, held the next day on May 7, 2023, in Nkokonjeru, Buikwe District. The burial was televised and widely covered by national media outlets.
Isma’s assassination raised serious concerns about freedom of speech, safety of digital influencers, and the growing tensions between political factions in Uganda.
While he was a deeply polarizing figure, praised by some as a truth-teller and dismissed by others as a government mouthpiece, there’s no denying that he reshaped Uganda’s blogging culture, bringing it into mainstream political discourse.
His fearless approach, consistent digital presence, and unapologetic voice ensured that, even in death, Isma Olaxess remains a lasting symbol of Uganda’s evolving social media landscape, political expression, and the complex intersection of fame, freedom, and danger.
Isma Olaxess Media & Influence
Isma Olaxess carved out a unique space for himself in Uganda’s media ecosystem, rising from a humble house painter to one of the country’s most influential digital voices.
His signature content style was raw, unfiltered, and often controversial, using platforms like Facebook Live, TikTok, YouTube, and television interviews to address political issues, celebrity scandals, and societal debates with unmatched boldness.
He became famous for his daily 7:00 AM Facebook Live broadcasts, which drew thousands of viewers eager to hear his blunt commentary.
His influence extended beyond social media, with mainstream TV stations like NTV Uganda frequently quoting or discussing his takes.
He was widely regarded as a voice for the pro-NRM youth, using his platforms to campaign for President Museveni and defend the ruling party’s policies.
His videos, often filmed from his home or car, created a relatable image of a “man of the people,” which resonated with both grassroots supporters and political elites.
As President of the Uganda Bloggers Association (UBA), he played a key role in organizing online influencers, lobbying for recognition, and pushing boundaries on political speech in the digital age.
Despite the controversies he faced, Isma successfully monetized his online presence, secured brand deals (later withdrawn), and drew attention from Uganda’s most powerful figures.
His legacy in the media sphere is that of a digital trailblazer, one who transformed political blogging into a force of influence and mobilization in Uganda, leaving behind a model for outspoken, digitally savvy activists, even amid the risks that come with challenging the status quo.
Isma Olaxess’ Social Media Accounts
Instagram: @ismaolaxess_officia
Facebook: Jajja Iculi1
Twitter (X): @Isma_Olaxes
FAQs
1. Who Was Isma Olaxess?
Isma Olaxess, born Ibrahim Tusubira in 1970, was a prominent Ugandan blogger, political commentator, and social media personality widely known by his nickname “Jajja Ichuli.” He gained national fame for his bold, unfiltered opinions on politics, society, and celebrities, especially through his early morning Facebook Live sessions.
4. What was Isma Olaxess’s real name?
His real name was Ibrahim Tusubira, though he was widely known by his online alias Isma Olaxess and nickname Jajja Ichuli.
3. What does “Jajja Ichuli” mean, and why did he use it?
“Jajja” means grandparent or elder in Luganda, symbolizing wisdom. “Ichuli” was a personal slang term he coined. Together, it became a unique and humorous identity, helping him stand out in the digital world.
4. When was Isma Olaxess born, and how old was he when he died?
He was born in 1970 and died on May 6, 2023, making him 53 years old at the time of his death.
5. What made Isma Olaxess popular?
His popularity stemmed from his 7:00 AM Facebook Live sessions, where he gave blunt and unapologetic opinions on politics, society, and celebrities, especially his support for President Museveni and criticism of the opposition.
6. Was he affiliated with any political party?
While not an official member, Isma was a fierce supporter of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Yoweri Museveni, which shaped much of his public image.
7. What role did he hold in the blogging community?
He was elected President of the Uganda Bloggers Association (UBA) in 2021, a role that positioned him as a key figure in formalizing and defending digital content creators.
8. Did Isma Olaxess have a family of his own?
No. He openly admitted that he was infertile, and as a result, never married nor had children. He was admired for discussing this personal issue without shame.
9. How did he earn his living?
He earned approximately UGX 7 million per month as UBA President, with an estimated net worth of UGX 113 million. He also received gifts and support from wealthy allies like Hamis Kiggundu, who gave him a Toyota HiAce “Drone” van.
10. Did he face any legal problems?
Yes. In October 2021, he was arrested and charged with offensive communication and libel, following controversial remarks made online. He spent four days in detention before being released on bail.
11. Why did he lose his Swedish visa?
Isma lost his Swedish visa and residency reportedly due to complaints by Ugandan opposition members in the diaspora, who accused him of promoting government propaganda.
12. What controversies was he involved in?
His vocal support for NRM, harsh criticism of opposition leaders (especially Bobi Wine), and controversial comments on social issues led to brand withdrawals (e.g., Spamania) and public backlash.
13. How did Isma Olaxess die?
On the night of May 6, 2023, he was shot dead outside his home in Kyanja, Kampala, by unknown gunmen while sitting in his van. The gunman reportedly used an SMG rifle and fled the scene.
14. Where and when was he buried?
He was buried the next day, May 7, 2023, in Nkokonjeru, Buikwe District, Uganda. His funeral was heavily attended and covered by national media.
15. How did Ugandans react to his assassination?
His death sparked national outrage, with President Museveni condemning the act and ordering an investigation. The incident raised major concerns over freedom of speech and the safety of bloggers in Uganda.
16. What is his legacy in Uganda’s digital space?
Isma Olaxess is remembered as a trailblazer in political blogging, who brought raw, fearless commentary to the forefront of national conversations. Despite his controversies, he paved the way for Uganda’s new era of digital political activism.
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Conclusion
Isma Olaxess was a well-known and respected Ugandan blogger, music critic, and political commentator who had a lasting impression on the country’s blogging scene. His terrible passing leaves the Ugandan blogging community in mourning and emphasizes the necessity for more security measures to safeguard the nation’s bloggers and internet journalists.
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