The former Rubaga South Member of Parliament, Kato Lubwama, has passed away today.
The deceased drama actor, musician, songwriter, comedian, former radio presenter, and businessman was 53.
Lubwama, who was in and out of the hospital, succumbed to a heart attack at Stana Medical Centre in Bunamwaya, Wakiso District, in the wee hours of Wednesday.
Lubwama served in the 10th Parliament before being defeated by Aloysius Mukasa in the 2021 general elections.
Condolence messages are pouring in from all corners of the world.
“I have lost a friend and a person I shared good memories with,” said Patrick Oyulu, who has known the Lubwama for over two decades.
“In the early to mid-’90s, I lived on Rashid Khamis Road next to the Sikh Gurdwara temple in Old Kampala. My immediate neighbor on the Martin Road side was the Lubwama family,” said Oyulu.
“I got to know Kato Lubwama, his late twin brother Isaac, his sister Nabagala, and their parents. I saw a young Kato hone his skills at Black Pearl’s at the Theatre next to Kisekka Market, just a few blocks from our house,” he added.
“Kato loved theater with a passion, no wonder he was a maestro in the performing arts. He mostly came off as a clown, yet he donned that theatrical image with pride. I kept rooting for him all throughout his life, as a friend, actor, businessman, and my neighbour because I witnessed his humble beginnings.”
Oyulu said Uganda and the performing arts industry have lost a great guy.
Lubwama rolled out lots of educational drama, pointing out issues concerning locals that he asked the government to address.
Lubwama released several songs, including Tulye, Tetunakuta, Bank Yebyama, Abantu Bazibu, Akanaku, and Dimitinya, and on September 25, 2020, Tetunakuta, meaning “We are not yet satisfied”.
The deceased was the director of Royal Theater, which he started in 2010, and also owned Diamonds Ensemble, B24TV, and Image Africa.
Born on August 16, 1970, Lubwama completed his primary seven (PLE) in 1993 at Nabagereka Primary School.
In 1988, Lubwama sat for his Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE), at Old Kampala Secondary School.
Between 1991 and 1992, Lubwama obtained his Special University Entry Examination, Certificate Other, at Makerere University, Kampala.
In 1994, Lubwama obtained a Diploma in Music, Dance and Drama, at Makerere University, Kampala.
Lubwama is survived by his wife, Ann Namuwonge, and six children.
