Ugandan music star Eddy Kenzo has found himself in the middle of a heated public debate after President Yoweri Museveni made a surprise revelation about his background during the launch of the Yoweri Music Album at Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort.
The event, organized by the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF) ahead of the 2026 General Elections, was attended by top artists, creatives, and the President himself. Museveni praised the UNMF president, Eddy Kenzo, for what he described as honesty and accountability in managing funds given to the federation.
“I applaud the honesty of Kenzo because the money we gave him, he used it,” Museveni told the audience.
But it was what followed that sent shockwaves across the music industry and social media. The President revealed that Kenzo is the son of the late Maj. Gen. Chefe Ali, born Eriya Mwine, a former Chief of Staff of the UPDF (1996–1998) and a man credited with recruiting Fred Rwigyema into the NRA struggle.
“Kenzo is a son of a soldier. He is the son of Chefe Ali. Did you tell them your father, or you are hiding it? They told me he is the son of Chefe Ali. Where are the other children of Chefe Ali? And he even resembles them, they look alike,” Museveni said, sparking murmurs at the event.
The revelation has stirred intense online reactions because Kenzo has consistently presented himself as a product of the ghetto, often recounting how he grew up on the streets and once saying his father was a gateman at World Vision.
Social media quickly lit up with commentary. Kirya Ug wrote in a post that while Museveni assured artists he had already sent in money for their SACCO, he also confirmed Kenzo’s parentage: “Museveni assured everyone that Eddy Kenzo is a son to late Gen. Chefe Ali aka Eriya Mwine, former Chief of Staff UPDF. Kenzo yatugamba mwaana wa ghetto era kaana ka Mbaata.”
As he was ensuring all artists that he had already sent in the money for their SACCO, Museveni assured everyone that Eddy Kenzo is a son to late Gen. Chefe Ali aka Eriya Mwine, former Chief of Staff UPDF (1996-1998) who also recruited fred Rwigyema to the NRA war, Kenzo yatugamba… pic.twitter.com/PIkBc0ig9b
— Kirya Ug ?? (@kirya_ug) September 27, 2025
Another user, Acholi God, reacted with irony: “In Uganda no one is real, atte and also Museveni doesn’t keep secrets, kumbe Eddy Kenzo is one of them ??.”
In Uganda no one is real, atte and also Museveni doesn’t keep secrets , kumbe Eddy Kenzo is one of them?? pic.twitter.com/bNH9c0y16B
— Acholi goddd (@sk_bongomin93) September 28, 2025
For many fans, Museveni’s revelation challenges the long-cherished narrative of Kenzo’s rise “from the ghetto to global stages.” Whether this new twist reshapes his public image or fuels further controversy remains to be seen.
As of now, Eddy Kenzo has not made any public statement about the development.
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