Singer Michael Mukwaya, commonly known as Mikie Wine, is facing widespread criticism after featuring 16-year-old Pretty Nicole, real name Emmanuella Musimenta, as a video vixen in his latest music video “Kankutekemu.”

The video, released earlier this week, has sparked a heated debate on social media, with many accusing the singer of exploiting the young girl for attention.

Pretty Nicole, who recently made headlines due to legal issues, is seen in the video playing a role that many believe is inappropriate given her age.

Nicole was previously involved in a public scandal after being accused of defaming Hajjat Kulthum Gumisiriza’s husband, which led to a police investigation. Now, her appearance in Mikie Wine’s video has raised fresh concerns.

As soon as the teaser for the video was posted online, social media users reacted strongly. Many condemned Mikie Wine’s decision, calling it a form of “cheap publicity” that goes against the values of his brother, Robert Kyagulanyi, better known as Bobi Wine, leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP).

Legal Defense and Public Image

While the criticism continues, lawyer Hassan Male Mabirizi has come forward to defend Mikie Wine. Mabirizi argued that under Ugandan law, individuals aged 16 and above are allowed to work, and Nicole’s involvement in the video is legal.

He also dismissed claims that the video was sexualizing Pretty Nicole, describing it as harmless drama.

Mabirizi referred to several provisions in the Ugandan Constitution, specifically Articles 32, 33, 34, and 35, which focus on protecting the rights of women, children, persons with disabilities, and minority groups.

Article 34, which addresses children’s rights, prohibits child labor for those under the age of 16 and ensures that children are protected from exploitation. It also emphasizes the need for special care for orphans and vulnerable children.

Despite the legal defense, many people remain concerned about the ethics of using a 16-year-old in such a role, especially given her recent public troubles. Some have called for stronger regulations in Uganda’s entertainment industry to protect minors from being exploited for commercial gain.

As of now, Mikie Wine has not responded to the growing backlash. The incident has sparked important conversations about how minors are portrayed in the entertainment industry and whether current laws are strong enough to safeguard their well-being.

Nicole’s Reply Over the Ongoing Trends

Looks the culprit is hurt and bothered with the way influencers and Ugandans have taken the matter, she not pleased with it

“I think Ugandans are just villagish, How does acting as a Vixen concern you? You mean am the first person to be a Vixen, I see everyone is mad at me that Pretty Nicole you are still young to do those things. Ba dear twatesa ngenda kubikolela kumyaka emeka? sagala kumanyira, my life my rules,”.

She went ahead and added that;

“I have finally realized that there’s more politics in music than in the parliament. I can’t believe that people are intimidating me on Political issues yet I just appeared in a music video as a Vixe”.