Popular Ugandan comedian Yokana Mbuuse, fondly known by his stage name Kapere Lufotose, has died.
His demise was announced on Sunday evening by National Unity Platform (NUP) party President Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, on his official X (formerly Twitter) platform.
‘A few moments back, I just received the most devastating news regarding the untimely passing of our brother, dear friend and comrade Yokana Mbuuse, fondly called Kapere Lufotose,’ Mr Kyagulanyi wrote.
A close family member revealed that the comedian was rushed to the hospital after complaining of a severe headache shortly before his death.
Although Mr Kyagulanyi did not disclose the specific cause or location of death, he eulogised Kapere as ‘a man who made every dark moment light. A man who loved his country and wished it well! A loss so difficult to take in.’
Eulogies have since poured in across social media, with fans, colleagues, and political figures remembering Kapere not only for the laughter he brought into millions of homes, but also as a courageous figure who stood for human rights, constitutionalism, justice, and the rule of law.
The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Mr Joel Ssenyonyi, expressed deep shock over the loss, reflecting on their recent interaction.
‘Just last week, we were with Kapere Lufotose at NUP offices in Kavule. It is so sad to learn that he has passed on,’ Mr Ssenyonyi stated.
A career built on unapologetic authenticity
Kapere rose to national fame as a key figure in the iconic stand-up comedy outfit Amarula Family, performing alongside seasoned comedians Allan Mujuni (Amooti) and Nicholas Mpiirwe (Messe Bontwe). In colloquial Luganda, referring to someone as “Kapere” implies they are either funny or phoney-a title Mbuuse embraced and transformed into a household brand.
Standing at five feet three inches, Kapere possessed a unique comical presence that captivated audiences the moment he stepped on stage. Over the years, his humorous appeal extended beyond theatre halls into mainstream music videos. Most notably, he starred in Bobi Wine’s hit music video Mr. Money, where he played a wealthy Hajj donning a cap and white tunic (kanzu), flaunting car keys and land titles to win over a love interest.
In a 2013 interview with this publication, Kapere reflected candidly on how his unconventional looks became his greatest asset in the entertainment industry.
‘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 shared at the time, viewing his features as a God-given uniqueness that opened doors and won the hearts of thousands of fans across Uganda.
Accidental stardom: From Nakulabye to national fame
Recounting his entry into comedy, Kapere revealed that his journey began purely by chance. While walking through town one afternoon, he stumbled upon a crowd gathered around a comedian shooting a commercial.
“I watched, laughed, and continued on my journey,” Kapere recalled. “On my way back, I was stopped by a driver who told me that I was sitting on gold. I asked him what sort of gold, and he told me I was one damn ugly guy whose face is worth gold.”
The driver directed him to Amooti at Jenina’s Bar in Nakulabye. Despite an intimidating first encounter involving barking dogs and surprised onlookers, Amooti invited him to perform at a show that very Thursday.
“That was my first day on stage. I was confused when people began laughing at me. Amooti explained to me that they liked my appearance, and I laughed at myself,” he recounted.
His breakout skit, titled Lufotose-which satirized a public feud between a prominent city businessman and a top Kadongo Kamu singer-instantly resonated with the public and launched his professional comedy career.
Throughout his life and career, Kapere maintained that his appearance was never something to regret, but rather a blessing that transformed his life and brought joy to a nation.
Burial arrangements are expected to be announced by the family and political leadership in the coming hours.