The late Yokana Mbuuse fondly called Kapere Lufotose
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I More details have emerged about the cause of death of popular Ugandan comedian Yokana Mbuuse, popularly known as Kapere Lufotose, who reportedly collapsed and died on Sunday evening, November 1, 2026, after suffering a sudden medical complication in Buddo, Wakiso District.
According to media reports, Kapere had complained of a severe headache shortly after attending a school event where he had watched his daughter perform. His condition reportedly deteriorated rapidly, with accounts indicating that he bit his tongue before collapsing.
He was first rushed to Zam Zam Clinic for medical attention before being referred to Royale Health Services Hospital in Buddo, where he eventually died.
However, the exact medical condition that triggered the sudden deterioration in his health had not been established by Monday, November 2, as his body was transferred to Mulago National Referral Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
The examination is expected to establish what caused the sudden medical emergency that claimed the life of the comedian, whose death has shocked Uganda’s entertainment industry and left his family, friends and fans mourning.
Although the reported symptoms have prompted questions about what happened during his final moments, no official medical findings have been released to confirm the underlying cause.
A close family member shared that he was rushed to the health facility after complaining of a severe headache, and separate reports from outlets like Sanyuka TV noted he may have been battling high blood pressure and related rent issues. His manager, Kayanja, also clarified that Kapere had not been bedridden or visibly ill prior to the day of his passing, having just gone to visit his children along Entebbe Road before the incident.
Bobi Wine, Ssenyonyi mourn comedian
News of Kapere’s death triggered an outpouring of grief, particularly from the National Unity Platform (NUP), where he was a familiar personality and supporter.
NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, was among the first prominent figures to announce his death, describing him as a dear friend, brother and comrade whose humour had brightened people’s lives.
“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. 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,” Bobi Wine said.
NUP spokesperson and Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi also expressed sadness, revealing that he had interacted with the comedian just a week before his death at the party’s headquarters in Kavule.
“Just last week, we were with Kapere Lufotose at NUP offices in Kavule. It is so sad to learn that he has passed on,” Ssenyonyi said.
From personal struggles to comedy stardom
Kapere rose to prominence as a member of Amarula Family, a popular comedy group that helped popularise Luganda-language comedy through television programmes, stage performances and entertainment shows.
He performed alongside Allan Mujuni, popularly known as Amooti Omubalanguzi, and Nicholas Mpiirwe, alias Messe Bontwe.
His exaggerated facial expressions, unusual dancing style and distinctive comic delivery made him one of the group’s recognisable performers.
His journey into entertainment was largely accidental, following years of personal struggles.
In a February 2013 interview with Daily Monitor, Kapere explained how a chance encounter with a taxi driver changed his life. The driver noticed his unusual appearance and encouraged him to meet Amooti at Jenina’s Bar in Nakulabye.
Amooti subsequently gave him an opportunity to perform, marking the beginning of his comedy career.
His first skit, titled Lufotoose, became popular and helped establish the stage identity that followed him throughout his career.
Kapere had previously revealed that his physical appearance, which exposed him to ridicule while growing up, eventually became his greatest asset.
“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 in the 2013 interview.
Behind the laughter was a difficult childhood. He suffered from a hernia that affected his ability to participate in activities with other children and eventually forced him to abandon school.
He subsequently worked at construction sites before receiving medical assistance from the Mukisa Foundation in Lungujja. After treatment, he learned to make keyholders and also worked as a gatekeeper.
A comedian who ventured into politics
Beyond comedy, Kapere featured in Bobi Wine’s Mr Money music video and maintained a close relationship with the opposition leader.
In 2025, he attracted attention after expressing interest in elective politics under NUP, picking nomination forms to contest for a councillor position in Makindye.
He was married to Lydia Nakandi, popularly known as Mama Trump, and the couple had children.
His death, at approximately 40 according to some reports, brings to an end a career built around turning personal adversity into laughter.
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