Also speaking at the burial, Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze Bakireke praised Kapere for turning what made him different from others into an opportunity to build a name for himself rather than allowing it to become a source of self-pity.
Top leaders of the National Unity Platform (NUP), led by Leader of Opposition in Parliament Joel Ssenyonyi, have pledged to support the family of comedian Yokaana Mbuuse, popularly known as Kapere, following his burial in Mukono district.
The leaders made the commitment on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Bulimu Village in Kyampisi Sub-county, where Kapere was laid to rest following his sudden death on Sunday while visiting his child at school with his wife.
Ssenyonyi praised Kapere for being a courageous and committed family man who consistently provided for his wife, Lydia Nakandi, and their children throughout their relationship.
“Kapere was an example to all of us. You young people gathered here should learn from him. If he was able to settle down with Nakandi, get married and have children, what are you waiting for?” he asked.
He described Kapere as a close friend of NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, who remained loyal to the party despite attempts to lure him away.
Ssenyonyi said Kapere had refused to be bought off, even when some party members abandoned the organisation in favour of material gains.
“We are working on something. Mama Trump, be strong. We shall work with my colleagues to ensure that the unfinished house is completed and that you receive support in looking after the children,” he assured Nakandi.
His pledge followed an emotional appeal by Nakandi, who broke down in tears as she expressed fears about shouldering the responsibility of raising the four children Kapere had left behind, including meeting their rent obligations.
“My dear Kapere’s friends, I ask you to help me complete the house my fiancé had started building for me so that I can raise the children from there,” she pleaded.
Also speaking at the burial, Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze Bakireke praised Kapere for turning what made him different from others into an opportunity to build a name for himself rather than allowing it to become a source of self-pity.
She said his determination had earned him widespread admiration, adding that had he been a government official, he would probably have received a 21-gun salute at his funeral.
Nambooze urged mourners to join her in appreciating Nakandi for seeing beyond Kapere’s outward appearance and recognising his inner goodness, which he demonstrated through his commitment as a caring and devoted husband.
She pledged to support the education of one of Kapere’s daughters for as long as she was able.
NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya thanked Ugandans from different parts of the country who responded to the news of Kapere’s death, from his time in hospital to the gathering at the party headquarters a day before his burial and the final send-off.
“At the age of 56, Kapere was neither the oldest person nor the richest, and he was not particularly different from others. But God created him differently, with a special love for people, including his wife, children and our president, Kyagulanyi. Thank you for honouring him by turning up in such large numbers for his burial,” he said.
Former NUP prisoners who had recently been released from jail, led by Olivia Lutaaya, Sauda Madada and Machete, also paid tribute to Kapere.
They said although he was not particularly wealthy, he had visited them in prison and brought them various items, an act of kindness they said many other people had never bothered to extend.
NUP Deputy President for Western Uganda Jolly Tukamushaba also pledged to support Kapere’s youngest child for as long as she was able.
Meanwhile, NUP Deputy President for Buganda Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi said Kapere had attempted to visit him twice while he was in prison, but prison authorities denied him access.
Kivumbi urged party members not to lose hope, saying that if they remained steadfast, they would eventually achieve their aspirations.
A recorded message from Kyagulanyi was also played at the burial. He praised Kapere for his love, honesty and unwavering commitment to the causes he believed in, saying he had never compromised his principles.
“I am saddened that I could not attend the burial of my friend, but you understand what I am going through. One day, when this difficult period is over, things will settle down and we shall once again enjoy our country,” he said.
Mourners Pay Tribute to Kapere
Robert Sunday, popularly known in comedy circles as Taata Sam, said entertainers, including musicians, actors and comedians, worked as hard as other Ugandans but were not adequately supported to benefit from their efforts.
“It is unfortunate that we, the musicians, actors and comedians, work hard like other Ugandans, but we are not helped to earn from our sweat. Someone can fall sick and fail to raise even a little money for treatment. The Government should address the issue of copyright,” he said.
Ssaalongo Julius Kamiino said he had travelled from Busoga to bid farewell to his friend, whom he described as a sociable and humble person who entertained people whenever he visited Jinja.
“I have travelled from Busoga to pay my last respects to our friend Kapere. He used to come from here to Jinja and entertain us. He was a people’s person, and you would never find him quarrelling with anyone. We pray that God gives his family the strength to overcome this difficult period,” he said.
Robert Kibirango said they were deeply saddened by Kapere’s sudden death, particularly because he had relocated from Kampala to their area in Mukono after being persuaded by a friend to buy land and settle there.
He said Kapere had started constructing a house, but died before fulfilling his dream of moving out of rented accommodation.
“It hurts us to see him die before fulfilling his dream of moving out of rented accommodation and settling in his own house,” he said.
Meble Nassaazi, a councillor representing Nakifuma-Naggalama Town Council at the district, said Kapere’s sudden death was particularly painful because he had left behind young children who were still too young to understand what had happened.
“It is very painful to see our colleague die so suddenly and leave behind a family, including children who are too young to understand what is happening. We have prayed for them, but the world is difficult these days,” she said.
