The comedy sector of Uganda’s entertainment industry received tragic news yesterday, December 12, with the unexpected passing of veteran comedian Nicholas Mpairwe, known as Messe Bontwe. Messe gained fame through the comedy group Amarula Family and their Side Mirror TV series that aired on WBS TV in the early 2000s.
Together with the late Paddy Bitama, Amooti Omubalanguzi, Daniel Irish Kanyerezi, and other comedians, Messe was a founding member of the Amarula Family, where he often portrayed an Indian character.
In addition to his comedy, he was a radio presenter and DJ, having worked at Dembe FM and Super FM, the latter owned by Peter Ssematimba. In 2021, he left active radio and moved to the US, where he has now sadly passed away.
Reports indicate that Messe died from a heart attack. Many entertainers have publicly shared their condolences with his family. His remains are currently in Phoenix, Arizona, awaiting repatriation to Uganda.
“RIP DJ Messe (Nicholas Mpairwe) My heart is heavy with the loss of my dear friend and former Amarula Family founding director, who passed away in Texas, USA. DJ Messe, a proud son of Kaiho, Rwensinga Parish, Rwampara District, will be deeply missed.
May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Minister Balaam Barugahara wrote.
https://x.com/BalaamAteenyiDr/status/1867184198290952466
His unexpected death occured just before a concert by his former Amarula Family partner, Amooti, who is set to celebrate 25 years in the comedy industry on December 13 at UMA Showgrounds.
