Arnold Mubangizi
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has directed immediate support to struggling actor Arnold Mubangizi, who famously portrayed President Yoweri Museveni in the 2017 biopic 27 Guns.
The film, produced by Museveni’s daughter Natasha Museveni Karugire, stirred public debate. But for Mubangizi, it marked the start of a painful rejection by his peers.
Despite his pivotal role, Mubangizi was paid just Shs 10 million, which he used to pay the casting director and buy land in Mukono. However, when COVID-19 hit, he sold the land to survive and moved out of his Shs 700k rented house.
“Life has become incredibly difficult since I appeared in 27 Guns. I received just Shs 10 million shillings… I’ve endured considerable discrimination and struggle to find work because people assume I either have a lot of money, am a spy, or the president’s child from outside,” he revealed in a recent media interview.
Additionally, his story took a darker turn when he was assaulted by strangers in Kireka for his role in the film. The attack left him with head injuries and triggered a stroke in his mother, who now remains bedridden.
The 35-year-old actor, who started acting at 16, says the stigma has kept filmmakers away. He also previously contemplated suicide due to relentless hardship.
Turning to Jesus
“I tried to cut my wrists and just bleed out, but I survived. I’m only holding on now because I gave my life to Jesus,” Mubangizi shared.
This heartbreaking story caught the attention of Gen Muhoozi, who responded with a decisive tweet:
“Before I turn off the tap for a long time, I must help one last person — the young man who portrayed my father in 27 Guns. I read somewhere that he is suffering. How can that be? I hereby instruct my office to assist him immediately!”
About the Author
