By Peter Luzinda
KAMPALA
Comedian Yokana Mbuuse, popularly known as Kapere Lufotose, has died at a hospital in Buddo, Wakiso District.
The comedian’s death was confirmed on Sunday, November 1, 2026, following an announcement by journalist Kasuku, who broke the news on social media.
“Comedian Kapere is gone. He has passed on at a hospital in Buddo,” Kasuku wrote.
His management later confirmed the death, saying Kapere had not been suffering from any known illness before the incident. The circumstances leading to his hospitalisation and the cause of death remained unclear.
Preliminary accounts indicate that Kapere and his wife had visited their children along Entebbe Road earlier on Sunday. He had also reportedly attended a party at Thrones Lounge in Bugolobi in the early hours of the morning.
Kapere was one of the familiar faces in Uganda’s Luganda comedy scene, having built a following through his unusual comic expressions, dance moves and performances that often drew humour from his physical appearance.
He rose to prominence as a member of the Amarula Family, a comedy group led by Amooti Omubalanguzi alongside Messe Bontwe. His performances helped establish him as a distinctive entertainer, with audiences recognising him by his stage name and signature mannerisms.
His entry into comedy came through an unexpected encounter. A taxi driver who noticed him reportedly encouraged him to meet Amooti, who later offered him an opportunity to perform on stage. What began as audiences laughing at his appearance gradually developed into a career.
One of his early popular performances, Lufotoose, helped establish the name by which he became widely known.
Kapere later expanded into television and music videos, including an appearance in Bobi Wine’s Mr. Money. In the video, he portrayed a wealthy man attempting to win a woman’s affection through money and expensive possessions.
A life shaped by hardship
His journey to recognition came against the background of a difficult childhood.
Kapere lost his mother when he was still a baby and grew up under the care of his grandparents in Nansana. He previously spoke about being rejected by his father, who reportedly struggled to accept his physical appearance and hearing impairment.
In an interview on Mwasuze Mutya in January 2025, he recalled a painful encounter with his father while he was in Primary Three. According to his account, his father threatened him and told him that he was neither loved nor wanted.
His education was also interrupted by a serious hernia that affected his childhood. He eventually left school around Primary Four because he feared that physical activity would worsen his condition.
He later worked on construction sites before receiving assistance through the Mukisa Foundation in Lungujja. A friend identified as Bashir had helped draw attention to his medical condition, leading to free treatment.
After recovering, Kapere learned to make key holders, reportedly producing around 150 daily. He also worked as a gatekeeper at the foundation.
In a 2013 Daily Monitor interview, he described himself as “ugly and proud of it”, explaining how the physical features that had exposed him to ridicule became an important part of his public identity.
Family and political interests
Kapere was married to Lydia Nakandi, popularly known as Mama Trump. The couple had been together for approximately 14 years and formalised their relationship in a mass wedding ceremony conducted by Pastor Robert Kayanja.
They had children together, and Kapere often spoke about his commitment to giving his family the love and support he felt he had missed growing up.
He also ventured into politics, announcing his intention to join the political arena in 2015. His manifesto launch was featured on NTV’s Zungulu programme.
More recently, he expressed interest in seeking political office in Makindye under the National Unity Platform, arguing that formal education should not be the only measure of a person’s ability to represent constituents.
In his later years, Kapere maintained a presence on TikTok, where he shared comedy videos and interacted with fans. He also openly criticised what he considered declining opportunities and inadequate support for comedians in Uganda.
Tributes
Bobi Wine was among the first prominent figures to pay tribute to the comedian, describing his death as devastating.
He remembered Kapere as a brother, friend and comrade who had the ability to make difficult moments lighter. He also praised his love for Uganda and his desire to see the country prosper.
Kapere leaves behind a legacy as an entertainer who turned personal struggles and the very features that once made him an object of rejection into a recognisable comedy brand.
Further details about his burial arrangements and the circumstances of his death were expected from his family and management.
