Ugandan comedian Kapere Lufotose dies at about 40

By Our Reporter

Ugandan comedian Yokana Mbuuse, popularly known as Kapere Lufotose, has died, sparking grief among political leaders, fellow entertainers and fans who have celebrated his unique talent for using humour to bring joy to people even during difficult times.

Kapere reportedly passed away on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at a hospital in Buddo, Wakiso District. The cause of his death had not been established by the time of publication. He was approximately 40 years old.

National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, was among the first prominent personalities to pay tribute to the comedian, describing him as a close friend and comrade whose humour brought light into people’s lives.

In a condolence message, Bobi Wine said he had received the heartbreaking news of Kapere’s death, describing him as a man who could turn even the darkest moments into joyful experiences and someone who deeply loved his country.

“A loss so difficult to take in,” Kyagulanyi said.

NUP spokesperson and Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi also mourned Kapere, recalling that they had interacted with him at the party headquarters in Kavule barely a week before his death.

“Just last week, we were with Kapere Lufotose at NUP offices in Kavule. It is so sad to learn that he has passed on,” Ssenyonyi said.

Kapere gained national recognition as a member of Amarula Family, one of Uganda’s popular comedy groups credited with promoting Luganda-language comedy through television programmes, stage performances and entertainment shows.

Together with fellow comedians Allan Mujuni, popularly known as Amooti, and Nicholas Mpiirwe, alias Messe Bontwe, he developed a unique comic style characterised by exaggerated facial expressions, physical humour and unusual delivery that made him stand out among Ugandan entertainers.

His entry into comedy was largely accidental, following years of personal struggles, poverty and difficulties in finding a sustainable source of income.

In a February 2013 interview with Daily Monitor, Kapere, who was then about 27, narrated how an unexpected encounter with a taxi driver opened doors to his entertainment career.

According to his account, the driver noticed his unusual appearance and encouraged him to venture into comedy, eventually directing him to Amooti, who offered him an opportunity to perform at Jenina’s Bar in Nakulabye.

That opportunity marked the beginning of his journey into the entertainment industry.

His first comedy skit, titled Lufotoose, was inspired by a public disagreement involving a prominent businessman and a Kadongo Kamu musician. The performance attracted attention and helped establish the stage name that would become synonymous with his career.

Interestingly, the physical features that had subjected him to ridicule and social exclusion during his childhood later became his greatest asset in comedy.

Rather than allowing society’s judgement to define him, Kapere embraced his appearance and turned it into a source of confidence, fame and livelihood.

“I am ugly and proud to be so. I am not sure I would have the fame, friends and a decent life like I do today,” he said during the 2013 interview.

However, behind his humorous personality was a childhood marked by considerable hardship.

Kapere revealed that he had suffered from a hernia that affected his ability to participate in activities with other children and eventually forced him to drop out of school.

To survive, he resorted to casual labour at construction sites before receiving medical assistance from the Mukisa Foundation in Lungujja, where he underwent treatment.

After recovering, he learned how to make keyholders, which provided him with a source of income. He also secured employment as a gatekeeper at the same foundation.

His eventual entry into comedy followed the chance encounter that connected him to Amooti and gave him his first opportunity to perform before an audience.

Beyond comedy performances, Kapere also appeared in music videos, including Bobi Wine’s Mr Money, where he portrayed a wealthy man searching for love.

His association with Bobi Wine later grew beyond the entertainment industry, with Kapere maintaining a close relationship with the opposition leader and developing an interest in elective politics.

In 2025, he attracted public attention after expressing interest in contesting for a councillor position in Makindye under the NUP ticket. He reportedly picked nomination forms as he prepared to venture into elective politics.

In January 2025, Kapere also travelled to Dubai alongside Bobi Wine, later speaking publicly about the support he had received from the opposition leader, including a reported promise to facilitate another trip to the United States.

Away from the entertainment scene, Kapere was married to Lydia Nakandi, popularly associated with the name Mama Trump, with whom he had children.

In a February 2026 interview with Daily Monitor, the couple opened up about their relationship, which had endured years of public scrutiny and social judgement, particularly because of Kapere’s physical appearance.

Despite his success, Kapere remained vocal about the challenges affecting Uganda’s comedy industry, especially declining performance opportunities and the financial difficulties faced by entertainers.

In an interview published in October 2026, he spoke about the struggles comedians were experiencing and expressed concern about the direction in which the entertainment industry was heading.

His death brings to an end a remarkable journey of an entertainer who transformed personal struggles and societal ridicule into a successful comedy career.

Through his distinctive stage presence, humour and resilience, Kapere Lufotose leaves behind a memorable mark on Uganda’s entertainment industry and the many people he entertained throughout his life.