Taata Sam questioned why entertainers continued to struggle financially despite their creative works generating considerable income for other people apart from them, and challenged Parliament and the Government to explain the progress made in implementing copyright law.
Ugandan entertainers have criticised the Government for failing to protect their interests and ensure they benefit from their creative works, both during their lifetime and after death, following the sudden death of comedian Yokaana Mbuuse, popularly known as Kapere.
The entertainers said many musicians, comedians and other creative industry players were living in poverty despite generating wealth through performances, comedy shows, music and other creative works locally and internationally.
Speaking on behalf of fellow entertainers during Kapere’s vigil at Da Bench Bar in Kiyunga, Kyampisi Sub-county, Mukono district, Robert Sunday, popularly known as Taata Sam, said it was unfortunate that many entertainers were dying in difficult circumstances because of their poor living conditions.
He said Kapere’s struggles reflected the plight of many players in the entertainment industry, who often struggle to afford specialised medical treatment and meet their families’ financial needs.
“Many of the surviving entertainers are going through the same circumstances as Kapere. Some have died under similar conditions. No entertainer if fell sick and be told by doctors that they need about sh400m or more for specialised treatment abroad, can afford that kind of bills,” he said.
Taata Sam questioned why entertainers continued to struggle financially despite their creative works generating considerable income for other people apart from them, and challenged Parliament and the Government to explain the progress made in implementing copyright law.
“Where have Parliament and the Government at large reached with the law governing creative works, particularly copyright? When will it start working, and how are we supposed to benefit from our creative works?” he asked.
He said repeatedly organising fundraising drives to support entertainers facing financial difficulties portrayed a poor image of the industry, although such appeals had become increasingly common.
Kapere’s final moments
According to Kapere’s wife, the comedian woke up in good health on Sunday morning and accompanied his family to visit their children at school.
However, he later complained of a headache before suddenly collapsing.
His wife said she initially thought he was joking as part of his comedy routines, but soon realised that he was seriously ill and called for help.
He was rushed to a nearby health facility, where medical workers reportedly referred them to another hospital. However, by the time they arrived at the second facility, he had already died.
Mukono North Member of Parliament Abdallah Kiwanuka Mulimamayuuni said Kapere had always been open about his personal financial challenges.
Kiwanuka recalled that during celebrations at his home in Buntaba following his election victory, Kapere disclosed that he was struggling to complete his house and appealed for financial assistance.
“Unfortunately, he has died when arrangements to help him were still underway. We, as Members of Parliament from the National Unity Platform (NUP), a party Kapere believed in, are consulting among ourselves to see how we can support his family on that matter,” Kiwanuka told mourners.
Kasumba’s surprise declaration
Meanwhile, former Islamic music singer Swahaba Kasumba caused a stir when he was handed the microphone and declared that although he was born a Muslim, he had since embraced traditional African beliefs and practices after growing up and discovering what he described as the truth.
While addressing mourners, Kasumba broke into traditional songs before eventually rolling on the ground in what some people described as a spiritual manifestation.
Friends rally behind widow
Several mourners contributed money towards supporting Kapere’s widow, particularly to help her complete the house the comedian had struggled to finish.
Robert Kibirango, the proprietor of Jollo Property Masters, a land dealing conmpany and owner of Da Bench Bar, where the vigil was held, contributed sh750,000 towards purchasing 20 bags of cement for the construction work.
Richard Kaddu, a close friend of the deceased who had sold him the 50-by-100-feet plot of land on which he was building, said he had also given Kapere additional land to enable him to expand the property.
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Kaddu pledged to formalise the land arrangements with the widow to guarantee her ownership and prevent any future disputes.
“I had not yet given Kapere the land agreement because I feared he might sell the property, yet our intention was to move him out of rented accommodation. It is unfortunate that he has died before completing his dream house,” Kaddu said.
Mourners were later given an opportunity to view the body and pay their last respects, although people carrying mobile phones were prohibited from taking photographs of the deceased.
Kapere was buried on Tuesday November 3, 2026 at Bulimu Village in Kyampisi Sub-county, Mukono district.