Weasel and Sandra Teta: Love, alcohol and violence

It was towards the end of 2003 when Ruben Studdard, the America Got Talent winner, released his Happy New Year song that was really not a happy song – Sorry 2004.

The song is about this guy who apologises for all the wrongs he is going to do to her lover for the year coming, in case he forgets to apologise.

Weasel (Douglas Mayanja) and Sandra Teta should pick a leaf from the song. Their lives are in a cycle of passionate love, alcohol, violence and apologies. 

Last week, police in Kabalagala detained Rwandan socialite Sandra Teta over allegations of unlawfully injuring her partner, Weasel.

According to initial investigations, the incident occurred at Shan’s Bar in Munyonyo, Kampala, following a heated argument between the couple.

Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire, stated that Sandra Teta allegedly drove her vehicle, registration number UBH 148Y, and intentionally knocked down Weasel.

The car has since been impounded and is held at Kabalagala Police Station. “Douglas Mayanja was first taken to Mukwaya Hospital before being transferred to Nsambya Hospital, where he is currently receiving medical treatment,” Owoyesigyire confirmed.

Sandra Teta was summoned and put in custody at Kabalagala Police Station as detectives continued to probe the circumstances surrounding the event.

She was later released on police bond and has since visited Weasel in the hospital. Before her release, it’s alleged that a section of the Mayanja family, including the hospitalized Weasel, wanted her released immediately. Sources further stated that Weasel’s mother, Prossy Mayanja, along with his brother Pallaso, personally went to the station to arrange her bond.

Weasel was discharged from hospital earlier this week. “I am going home to look after myself,” he told journalists on Tuesday. It left those around with puzzled glances. They had anticipated that he would talk about Teta nursing him back to full health. 

Re-union and Reconciliation
Their relationship has often made headlines with personal drama that has sometimes spilled into the public eye. Sandra Teta, a former beauty queen and Rwandan socialite who relocated to Uganda in 2018, also serves as Weasel’s manager. She has at times spoken openly about the pressures she faces, especially from female fans drawn to her famous partner.

The couple had a notable fallout in July 2022 that left Sandra Teta with a battered face. In the aftermath of the beating, she left Weasel’s home and went back to Kigali. Then, Daniela Atim, wife of Weasel’s elder brother (Chameleone) went all guns blazing on social media about Weasel’s violent behaviour. She went further and advised Teta to quit the relationship.  

“I missed Sandra Teta’s sweet food,” Weasel confessed to the media at the Gwanga Mujje concert press briefing last year. “She never really left. She just had a small holiday but we have been missing each other and we are fine now,” he said. The singer further revealed a significant personal change, “I am ready to be a good husband. I am going to be introduced by my lover Sandra. That is the reason why I cut off my dreadlocks.”

A Relationship Under Scrutiny
“It’s not an easy thing to hide emotions towards your lover especially when you’re always with him as a manager, but you get to do it as it understandably comes with the job,” she once said.

Despite their love, the couple has endured rumors and accusations, including claims that Weasel has been always violent towards Sandra. Photos of her with a bruised face circulated widely, fueling speculation of abuse related to allegations of infidelity and neglect.

However, Teta firmly denied these claims. “Weasel has never laid his hands on me,” she said in an interview. “I have never come to the public and accused him of beating me. Where does the media get this information?” She explained further that she was attacked by unknown thugs who beat her and stole some of her property, a narrative that contrasted sharply with public speculation.

In many past cases, fingers have been pointed at Weasel. Last week, it was Teta to face the public anguish. Like it has happened before, the victim protected the alleged attacker. So, to the public, it is now not clear who is responsible for these violent acts. 
And like it is said in showbiz, you do not let a misfortune go to waste. Weasel reportedly recorded a song soon after leaving the hospital bed. 

Family Intervention
Oftentimes, the couple’s matter go beyond the bedroom. Families are involved. Not just families, but even governments. Teta’s family once flew in from Rwanda amid concerns over her wellbeing. The Rwandan High Commissioner to Uganda, Joseph Rutabana, once confirmed that Teta had traveled to Kigali with her parents and children. “It’s true she traveled to Rwanda together with her parents and children,” he said, amid ongoing investigations into the domestic abuse allegations.

Teta however defended her boyfriend. She clarified that her trip was primarily to allow her children to meet their grandparents for the first time, highlighting her dedication to family amid ongoing public challenges. 

Meanwhile, tensions within the extended Mayanja family surfaced publicly, especially involving Daniella Atim Mayanja, wife of Jose Chameleone, who launched a vocal campaign against domestic violence, positioning herself as Teta’s advocate.

Teta responded to Daniella’s activism with a firm request, “In this whole campaign, you’re bringing down the brand ‘Sandra Teta’. I worked so hard to be who I am today, as well as Weasel. I kindly ask you to step down off my family issue because enough is enough right now.” The exchange between these two in-laws left followers dumbfounded. 

Weasel’s mother, Prossy Mayanja, also weighed in, urging outsiders like Daniella to allow Teta to handle her own affairs as a grown woman.

The couple’s stormy past also includes disputes with business associates. After a concert titled Memories of a Good Life,” Weasel was caught on camera physically confronting the event promoter Nobert Twizire over financial disagreements, further painting a picture of a man whose personal and professional lives are often interwoven with conflict.

Weasel, with Mowzey Radio (RIP) and others once fought with their former manager Jeff Kiwa at a bar in Kololo at night. Police broke up the fight, arrested the suspects but on release, the battle was taken to their shared home in Makindye. 

To say that for the couple, it always starts at a bar, may not be an exaggeration. 

Looking Forward: Love Amidst the Storm
Despite all odds, Sandra Teta remains steadfast in her love for Weasel. “I am happily in love with Weasel, and I enjoy our bond and relationship,” she says.

Weasel echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that marriage has always been his plan. “Marrying her has always been my plan because I love her so much,” he stated.

Their journey has been anything but smooth, with headlines marked by rumors, police involvement, family disputes, and public confrontations. Yet, at its core, their story is about a couple navigating the complex intersections of love, fame, family, and the challenges that come with it.

Who is Sandra Teta
Sandra Teta is a Rwandan-born socialite and media personality whose life has been closely followed by the public, largely due to her relationship with Ugandan music star Weasel Manizo. Teta carved a niche for herself in Kigali’s vibrant entertainment and social scenes. With experience in events management, public relations and modeling, she quickly earned a reputation as a dynamic and influential figure within Rwanda’s nightlife before relocating to Uganda.

Their relationship has not been without hardship. Reports of violence, struggles with alcohol, and heated altercations have repeatedly surfaced. The two have been together for over eight years.

Sandra Teta is also known for hosting bar nights. The couple have two children.

Sandra Teta remains a polarizing figure. Some sympathize with her as a woman navigating the painful realities of an abusive relationship, while others question her decisions to reconcile and seemingly minimize the gravity of past abuse.

Why the Cycle of Alcohol and Violence 

Mercy Gracy Omona, Clinical Psychologist and a member of Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Mental Health.

When a person keeps drinking, hurting their partner, apologizing and then doing it again, that is the cycle of abuse. It is confusing, especially when there are genuine feelings involved. But love should never come with fear, pain, or emotional harm.

Alcohol doesn’t create violence, but it lowers self-control. If someone already struggles with anger or stress, alcohol can make those emotions explode. Afterward comes the guilt, the apology, the promises to change but without help, the pattern returns. Breaking this cycle takes honesty and support. The person using violence needs professional help to manage their drinking and their emotions. The partner needs to understand that forgiveness doesn’t mean staying in danger.

If this sounds familiar, speak up. Talk to a trusted adult, a school counselor or a support service. Respect, safety and kindness are not optional. They are the basics of any real love.

Ogwal Alex, Principal General Health Inspector, Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development.

Breaking the pattern starts with facing the truth. Write it down every time it happens, how much you drank, how you felt before and after. When you see it in black and white, it’s harder to lie to yourself.

From there, get help. The Ministry works with District Community Development Offices, NGOs and probation officers to offer counselling and safe spaces. If alcohol is part of the problem, local health centres provide screening, rehab referrals and peer groups where evenings are spent talking, not drinking.

Conflict resolution training is also key in learning how to manage anger, and speak without hurting each other. Economic stress adds fuel to the fire, so programmes like YLP and UWEP give families access to loans, skills, and savings groups.

And it’s not just about the couple, community leaders, religious groups, and Police Child and Family Protection Units play a role in holding offenders accountable and protecting victims. This is not just a family issue. It is a community fight and it’s one we can win.