Uganda woke up on June 24 to the heartbreaking news that folk-singer-turned-activist Daudi Mugema had been found lifeless in his room at Sanyu Guest House in Gulu City. The 39-year-old had travelled to the north four days earlier, seeking a private meeting with Operation Wealth Creation coordinator General Salim Saleh. Sources say he was hoping for financial assistance to settle mounting medical and personal debts. Authorities are conducting a post-mortem, with the cause of death yet to be officially confirmed.
Farewell, Just as Daudi Mugema Wished
According to close friends, including fellow musician Ronald Mayinja, Mugema had made specific wishes about how he wanted to be mourned. He requested that his body lie in state at the National Theatre and that fellow artistes perform live music to celebrate his life. That wish was honoured in full. On Tuesday night, Mayinja, Mesach Semakula, Hajji Haruna Mubiru, Sophie and Sam Gombya, and many others gathered at the National Theatre for an all-night vigil concert. Fans, family, and fellow creatives came in large numbers to pay their respects.
At dawn on Wednesday, Mugema’s body was transported to his ancestral home in Kabuwoko, Kyotera District, where a Muslim burial is planned for Thursday.
Humble Beginnings, Powerful Voice
Born in 1986 in Kyotera District, Mugema’s story was one of persistence, talent, and transformation. In his early days, he worked at a pool table in a bar in Entebbe known as Jazz Bridge. His life changed when band singer Charles Ssekyewa discovered him singing and invited him to Kampala. There, he honed his vocal skills in jam sessions and eventually launched a solo career.
His music, deeply rooted in traditional kadongo-kamu style, gained massive popularity for its bold social messages. Songs like “Katonda W’abanaku” (God of the Poor), “Mpayo Chance”, “Komanda”, and “Kaalaala” resonated with ordinary Ugandans, addressing themes of poverty, corruption, and political fatigue.
Songs That Stirred the Nation
Mugema wasn’t just a singer—he was a cultural commentator. In 2016, he released the song “Wumula”, urging President Yoweri Museveni to step down. This landed him in legal trouble in December 2017, when he was arrested and charged with “offensive communication.” He spent several days in remand before the case was eventually dropped for lack of evidence in 2018. That moment cemented his image as a courageous voice for the voiceless.
A Mysterious Illness and a Public Battle
In early 2024, Mugema revealed that he was suffering from a mysterious illness that caused severe swelling in his limbs. He launched a public appeal for help, and well-wishers—including musicians, politicians, and fans—contributed to his medical fundraising. He travelled to Turkey for advanced treatment, undergoing assessments in multiple hospitals. Despite extensive testing, doctors could not diagnose his condition.
Upon his return to Uganda, his condition gradually improved. By March 2025, he was able to walk again without support. He attributed his recovery to the emotional, financial, and psychological support he had received—particularly acknowledging the help of Gen Salim Saleh, Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, and fellow artists like Eddy Kenzo, David Lutalo, and Mesach Semakula.
A Trending Farewell
Within hours of his death being reported, social media was flooded with tributes. Hashtags like #RIPDaudiMugema and #KatondaWabanaku dominated timelines, and fans shared clips of his past performances. Many remembered him not just as a singer, but as a man who used his voice to fight for dignity, equality, and justice.
Politicians, musicians, and fans alike called for greater support for Ugandan creatives, especially when it comes to health emergencies. The Uganda Musicians Association (UMA) called on the government to create an official medical fund to assist artistes during critical times.
Legacy and Final Words
Daudi Mugema leaves behind four studio albums, four children, and an unfinished memoir that was expected to reflect on his life in music and activism. His work influenced a generation of socially conscious musicians and revived kadongo-kamu in a modern era.
Music historian Dr. Sophie Nanyonga praised Mugema’s unique contribution: “He redefined what it meant to be a folk singer. He reminded us that music isn’t just for entertainment—it is also a weapon of truth.”
In one of his final interviews, Mugema left Ugandans with a line that now feels prophetic:
“Siwakoma ku kuyimba—ndi eddoboozi ly’abantu abatagamba.”
“I do more than sing; I am the voice of the voiceless.”
His voice may be gone, but his message lives on.
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