Ugandan music star Bebe Cool has sparked conversation after revealing that his two sons, Caysan Ssali (13) and Dean Ozil Ssali (9), now attend modest schools in Masaka, despite his wealth and ability to educate them anywhere in the world.
The Gagamel boss disclosed that he made a deliberate decision to withdraw his children from Kabojja Junior School one of Uganda’s top private institutions and place them in simpler, more rural schools. His intention, he says, is to teach them humility and real-life survival skills.
“I took them out of Kabojja Junior and enrolled them in schools in Masaka one is now at Kimanya Secondary School, and the other is at a smaller local school,” he shared. “They were born in the U.S. and had never returned since, but I brought them back because I want them to grow up with a better understanding of life.”
Bebe Cool reflected on his own upbringing, crediting his mother, Ms. Samalie, for shaping his character by sending him to local village schools rather than luxurious urban ones.
“My education started at Makonzi Primary, not a fancy school—and that experience made me who I am,” he said.
He emphasized that raising children in affluent, gated communities can create a disconnect from the realities of life, noting that such environments often deprive kids of valuable life lessons.
“They don’t know what it means to eat simple meals like potatoes or matooke, or to hustle. I want my boys to learn those things, to be prepared for life even when I’m not around.”he said .
The singer’s decision has taken many by surprise, especially given his public image as a controversial and sometimes arrogant figure. However, the move has earned him praise from many who see it as a grounded and thoughtful parenting approach one that prioritizes long-term character building over comfort and prestige.
