Ugandans were left in shock after President Yoweri Museveni made a shocking revelation that singer Eddy Kenzo is the son of the late Chefe Ali, one of the National Resistance Army (NRA) commanders in the 1981–86 bush war and not Kiwalabye Hassan as Kenzo used to say.
“I’m very happy with the honesty of Kenzo, because the money we gave him, he used it. Kenzo is the son of a soldier. He’s the son of Chefe Ali,” Museveni said as the audience gasped.
The President even turned to Kenzo, asking: “Did you tell them your father or you’re hiding it? Don’t you see they even resemble each other?”
The Confusion
For years, Kenzo has openly spoken about his father as Kiwalabye Hassan, who passed away in 2020. Kenzo himself confirmed the death at the time and mourned him publicly, calling it a painful loss.
Now, Museveni’s statement linking him to Chefe Ali (Enock Mwine) — a bush war commander known for his daring operations — has thrown the public into confusion. On social media, many are questioning: Was Kenzo misled about his real father? Did Museveni reveal a hidden truth? Or is this a political slip?
Who Was Chefe Ali?
Chefe Ali remains a relatively shadowy figure in Uganda’s bush war history compared to well-known names like Gen. Salim Saleh or the late Gen. Elly Tumwine. Historical records place him as a loyal fighter who played a key role in mobilizing and securing supply routes for the NRA rebels.
If Museveni’s claim is accurate, it means Kenzo — a former street child who rose to become one of Uganda’s biggest music exports and leader of the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF) — carries bloodlines directly tied to the NRM’s armed struggle.
The revelation has left more questions than answers. Did Kenzo grow up unaware of his true father? Why did Museveni choose this moment to disclose such information? And how does this reshape Kenzo’s personal story — from being a celebrated self-made star to being the son of a fallen NRA commander?
