WAKISO, Uganda — Uganda’s entertainment industry and political circles are mourning comedian Yokana Mbuuse, popularly known as Kapere Lufotose, following his sudden death at a hospital in Buddo, Wakiso District, on Sunday, November 1, 2026.
Kapere, who rose to national prominence through his performances with the Amarula Family comedy group, was remembered for his distinctive stage presence, expressive facial gestures and ability to turn personal experiences into humour.
News of his death triggered an outpouring of tributes from fellow entertainers, political leaders, friends and fans, many celebrating a performer whose influence extended beyond comedy into public conversations about politics, social justice and the challenges facing ordinary Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, was among the prominent figures to mourn him publicly.
“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,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
He described the comedian as a man who brought happiness during difficult moments and remained passionate about his country.
“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,” he added.
The cause of Kapere’s death had not been officially established by the time of publication.
Initial reports indicated that he died at a medical facility in Buddo, but his family had not publicly provided details about the circumstances surrounding his final hours.
Ssenyonyi mourns comedian he met days before his death
Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Parliament Joel Ssenyonyi also expressed shock over Kapere’s passing, revealing that they had met at the NUP offices in Kavule just days before his death.
“Just last week, we were with Kapere Lufotose at NUP offices in Kavule. It is so sad to learn that he has passed on. Kitalo nyo dala!” Ssenyonyi said.
NUP acting president John Baptist Nambeshe described Kapere as a gifted entertainer whose performances brought laughter and happiness to audiences across the country.
He said the comedian used humour not only to entertain but also to communicate messages about social awareness, hope and political change.
“Through his comedy, he did more than entertain. He used humour as a powerful tool to communicate messages of change, hope and social awareness. He reminded us that even in difficult times, laughter can give people strength and a reason to keep believing in a better tomorrow,” Nambeshe said.
Nambeshe further revealed that Kapere had aspirations of serving his community as a councillor in Makindye Municipality Division.
He said the comedian had demonstrated an interest in contributing to the country’s political and social future, describing his death as a loss to both the entertainment industry and the wider community.
From Amarula Family to national recognition
Kapere became widely recognised as a member of Amarula Family, a popular Ugandan comedy outfit that also featured Allan Mujuni, popularly known as Amooti Omubalanguzi, and Nicholas Mpiirwe, better known as Messe Bontwe.
The group built a following through stage performances, television appearances and comedy skits, becoming a familiar name among audiences who enjoyed Luganda-language entertainment.
Kapere stood out through his exaggerated facial expressions, physical comedy, distinctive movements and ability to attract laughter even before delivering a punchline.
His breakthrough came after an unexpected encounter that changed the direction of his life.
In a 2013 interview with Daily Monitor, Kapere recalled how a taxi driver noticed his unusual appearance and encouraged him to pursue comedy, directing him to Amooti at Jenina’s Bar in Nakulabye.
After meeting Amooti, he was invited to try performing on stage.
His first skit, titled Lufotoose, became popular and helped establish the stage identity that would eventually make him recognisable across Uganda.
The performance drew inspiration from a public disagreement involving a prominent businessman and a Kadongo Kamu musician. Audiences embraced the character, and the name Kapere Lufotose became closely associated with the comedian.
His career subsequently expanded beyond live performances to television productions, comedy recordings and appearances in music videos.
Kapere featured in Bobi Wine’s Mr Money video
Kapere also appeared in music videos, including Bobi Wine’s Mr Money, in which he portrayed a wealthy man attempting to impress a woman through displays of material possessions.
In the video, he played a wealthy character who flaunted car keys and a land title while attempting to convince a woman to accept his advances.
The appearance further exposed him to audiences beyond the traditional comedy scene and strengthened his association with Kyagulanyi, who later became one of Uganda’s leading opposition politicians.
Their relationship eventually extended beyond entertainment, with Kapere becoming publicly associated with NUP and expressing interest in elective politics.
In 2025, he indicated his intention to pursue a councillor position in Makindye under the party, reflecting his desire to participate in community leadership.
His political involvement made him a familiar figure in opposition circles, where he used his public platform to express views on governance and the country’s political direction.
Turning personal struggles into a comedy career
Behind Kapere’s public persona was a life marked by personal difficulties, including childhood health challenges and experiences of rejection.
In his 2013 Daily Monitor interview, he spoke candidly about how people had mocked his appearance but explained that he eventually learned to embrace it as part of his identity.
“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 said.
Rather than attempting to change his appearance, Kapere turned the attention it attracted into an opportunity to build a career in entertainment.
He explained that his distinctive looks had helped him gain recognition, friendships and opportunities that might otherwise have remained out of reach.
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His journey into comedy followed years of hardship. He previously spoke about suffering from a childhood hernia that affected his education and made him reluctant to participate in physical activities.
After leaving school, he undertook manual work, including jobs at construction sites, to support himself.
He later received medical assistance through the Mukisa Foundation in Lungujja, where he also worked as a gatekeeper and learned to make key holders as a source of income.
His eventual entry into comedy transformed the personal experiences that had once exposed him to ridicule into a recognisable performance style.
Tributes celebrate a comedian who connected with audiences
Following news of his death, fans and fellow entertainers remembered Kapere as a performer whose humour transcended conventional punchlines.
His facial expressions, movements and distinctive stage character made him instantly recognisable, while his willingness to laugh at himself helped him build a connection with audiences.
His contribution to Amarula Family also placed him among the performers who helped popularise Uganda’s contemporary comedy scene through television, live shows and locally produced entertainment.
In recent years, Kapere had spoken publicly about the financial difficulties facing comedians, including declining audiences, limited performance opportunities and the challenges of sustaining a career in the entertainment industry.
A February 2026 Daily Monitor profile also featured his relationship with Lydia Nakandi, popularly known as Mama Trump. The couple discussed their life together and the social prejudice they had encountered.
His death has therefore prompted tributes that go beyond his performances, with admirers reflecting on his resilience, family life and determination to build a career despite personal challenges.
Kapere’s passing leaves a gap in Uganda’s comedy industry, particularly among audiences who grew up watching his performances with Amarula Family.
For many, he will be remembered as the entertainer who transformed a distinctive appearance into a celebrated comedy identity and used laughter to connect with people from different backgrounds.
Funeral arrangements and further details about the circumstances of his death had not been officially announced by the family at the time of publication.
