King Saha said his commitment would go beyond completing the house, adding that he also intended to help the family establish a business that could generate income to support the children’s welfare and education.
Musician Mansur Ssemanda, popularly known as King Saha, has vowed not to leave Mukono District until he completes the house of his late friend and comedian Yokaana Mbuuse, popularly known as Kapere Lufotoose, in Bulimu Village, Kyampisi Sub-county.
King Saha has pitched camp at the construction site, mobilising building materials, workers and financial support to ensure that Kapere’s widow, Lydia Nakandi, popularly known as Maama Trump, and their children finally move out of rented accommodation and into their own home.
He said Kapere had approached him while still alive, expressing concern that he was struggling to complete the house, prompting him to suggest organising a concert to raise funds for the project.
“Kapere approached me and told me about the construction project, but said it was weighing heavily on him. I advised him to organise a concert so that I could perform and the proceeds would help him complete the house. Unfortunately, he died before we could make this happen. I have now realised that I need to fulfil the responsibility Kapere entrusted to me while he was still alive,” King Saha said.
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He added that he had already started mobilising construction materials, including sand, bricks and cement, while workers from Damark Builders had joined the project.
The company’s officials said they would provide the necessary construction materials, while their workers would offer their services free of charge.
Dalawusi Matovu, one of the company’s directors, said the initiative was intended to help Kapere achieve his dream of owning a decent home.
“Kapere used to entertain me, and King Saha has also impressed me with this initiative. He is my friend, and I support him. We are doing this to give back to Kapere, even in his absence, by helping him realise his dream of owning a decent home,” Matovu said.
King Saha said his commitment would go beyond completing the house, adding that he also intended to help the family establish a business that could generate income to support the children’s welfare and education.
He revealed that several musicians and friends of the deceased had contributed money and construction materials towards the project.
General Mega Dee and Jaffer each contributed sh1m, Aziz Azion gave sh300,000, while Fefe Bussi contributed sh100,000, among others.
“I am happy that I am not undertaking this project alone. Other friends and colleagues of Kapere have also come forward to support me financially. Some have also sent construction materials. I am now here to ensure that the work progresses, and I do not want any delays,” he said.
Kapere’s widow said the initiative had given her renewed hope amid the grief of losing her husband, particularly because it was helping fulfil his long-held dream of moving the family out of rented accommodation.
“My colleagues have now given me some happiness. I can see that we are finally heading towards leaving the rented house. I had been wondering how I would manage to look after the children. It is not easy to provide for them while also struggling to raise school fees. When you have a home of your own and are no longer burdened by rent, you regain some hope,” she said.
Kapere died suddenly last Sunday after collapsing during a visit to his daughter’s school, where he had gone with his wife. He was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
He was buried on Tuesday at Bulimu Village in a ceremony attended by thousands of mourners, including senior National Unity Platform (NUP) leaders.
The leaders included Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Joel Ssenyonyi, NUP deputy president for Buganda Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi and the party’s deputy president for the Western Region, Jacklin Jolly Tukamushaba.
During the burial, Nakifuma MP Sulaiman Kiwanuka donated 80 bundles of red iron sheets towards the completion of Kapere’s house.
Ssenyonyi said the party would also mobilise support to ensure the house is completed and continue assisting the widow, particularly in matters concerning the children.
Meanwhile, Margaret Nassozi, a resident of Namugongo and Nakandi’s grandmother, welcomed the initiative and appealed to people who made pledges during the burial to honour their commitments.
“I am happy that King Saha and his colleagues have taken the initiative to work on and complete my granddaughter’s house. I appeal to the different people who pledged to support the widow and the deceased’s children to honour their commitments made during the burial,” Nassozi said.
Kapere’s former manager, Issa Kayanja, said King Saha’s involvement had given him confidence that the construction project would be completed.
“I am happy and now confident that Kapere’s house will be completed because people have taken up the initiative. King Saha coming here and settling down to oversee the work shows that nothing will stand in the way of completing it,” Kayanja said.
Matovu said Damark Builders intended to make minor adjustments to the original design to meet modern housing standards and complete the work within an agreed timeframe.
“Kapere had embarked on a substantial house that was quite spacious. We intend to make a few adjustments to the design to bring it in line with modern housing standards. We also plan to complete the construction within a specified timeframe to ensure that everything is properly finished,” he said.