Rest In Peace! Here Is What You Didn't Know About Uganda's Great Comedian Kapere Lufotose

Ugandan entertainment has lost one of its most recognisable comedy figures, Yokana Mbuuse, popularly known as Kapere Lufotose. While many people remember him for his funny facial expressions, unusual movements and ability to make audiences laugh, his journey to fame was filled with rejection, hardship and determination. Kapere turned the very physical features that once exposed him to ridicule into the foundation of a successful entertainment career.

Kapere died on November 1, 2026, at a hospital in Buddo, Wakiso District. His management confirmed the sad news, although the exact cause of his death was not immediately disclosed. His passing has left many fans remembering a performer who brought laughter to television screens, comedy stages and music videos for years.

Behind the comedian's cheerful personality was a difficult childhood. Kapere reportedly lost his mother while he was still an infant and was raised by his grandparents in Nansana. During an interview, he recalled meeting his father when he was in Primary Three, but the encounter did not give him the parental support he had hoped for. He said his father warned him against troubling his grandmother, leaving him to grow up largely without his father's involvement.

His education was also interrupted by health challenges. Kapere revealed that he developed a hernia, which forced him to abandon school. With limited opportunities, he turned to construction work to earn a living. His situation later improved after receiving medical assistance from the Mukisa Foundation in Lungujja. Following treatment, he learnt to make keyholders and also worked as a gatekeeper at the organisation.

Interestingly, Kapere's breakthrough in comedy came through an unexpected encounter with a taxi driver who encouraged him to look for comedian Allan Mujuni, popularly known as Amooti. He eventually found Amooti at Jenina's Bar in Nakulabye, where he was given an opportunity to perform. At first, Kapere was confused by the audience's reaction because people laughed even before he had said much. He later understood that his facial expressions, body movements and natural comic appearance were part of his talent.

One of his early performances, known as Lufotoose, helped establish the stage name that would follow him throughout his career. He later became an important member of Amarula Family, working alongside Amooti and Nicholas Mpiirwe, popularly known as Messe Bontwe. Amooti reportedly praised him as a quick learner who contributed ideas during rehearsals. Kapere also appeared in Bobi Wine's music video Mr Money, where he played a wealthy man trying to win a woman's affection through gifts and possessions.

Away from comedy, Kapere built a family with Lydia Nakandi, popularly known as Mama Trump. Their love story reportedly began during an Amarula Family performance at Queen's Palace in Jinja, where Kapere paid her entrance fee after she was stopped by a bouncer. They started living together in Makindye in 2013 before later formalising their marriage at Miracle Centre Cathedral in Rubaga. The couple had four children, and Kapere spoke about his determination to give them the paternal love and support he missed while growing up.

Kapere's influence also extended beyond entertainment into politics. He supported the National Unity Platform and in June 2025 collected nomination forms as he sought the party's backing to contest for a councillor position in Makindye. Following his death, NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, remembered him as a friend and comrade whose humour helped people through difficult moments. Kapere's life leaves behind a story of a man who faced rejection, illness and limited opportunities but refused to allow those challenges to define him. He will be remembered not only for the laughter he brought to Uganda but also for the determination with which he built his name.