Renowned Ugandan singer Eddy Kenzo, born Edrisah Musuuza, has responded to recent remarks made by President Yoweri Museveni, who claimed that Kenzo is the son of the late NRA fighter Brigadier Chefe Ali, real name Eriya Mwine.
During an event held at Speke Resort Munyonyo on Saturday to launch President Museveni’s music album, the President praised Eddy Kenzo for his integrity, particularly regarding his handling of funds for the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF).
Museveni then made a surprising statement publicly suggesting that Kenzo might be the biological son of the late Chefe Ali. He also pointed out the resemblance between Kenzo and some of Chefe Ali’s known children, who were in attendance.
“Eddy Kenzo is the son of a soldier ,did you tell them ,or you wanted to keep it a secret ?.Where are the other children of late Chefe Ali ? Stand up. Even they look alike” .,Museveni said,turning to Kenzo.
Speaking at a press conference the following day, the “Sitya Loss” hitmaker addressed the revelation.
Kenzo expressed that he prefers to remain cautious about such claims due to the emotional ties he has with the family that raised him.
The BET Award winner shared that he was born around 1989 or 1990, according to a close friend of his late mother. His mother, originally from Rwanda, settled in Masaka, Uganda.
Throughout his childhood, Kenzo only knew his maternal grandfather. After both his mother and grandfather passed away, he lost all connections to that side of his family.
Kenzo explained that he was raised believing Hassan Ssenyanga, his mother’s husband, was his biological father. He grew up alongside his half-siblings, Mande and a sister, with whom he remains close. However, persistent rumors about his paternity eventually led him to exhume Ssenyanga’s body for a DNA test, which confirmed they were not biologically related.
Despite learning about a potential connection to Brig. Chefe Ali’s family, Kenzo said he has not pursued the matter further.
“I’ve always lived a life of independence, growing up on the streets. The only identity and culture I’ve known is that of the Baganda who raised me,” he said.
For context, Brigadier Chefe Ali was one of the original 27 NRA fighters who launched the 1981–1986 bush war that brought President Museveni to power. He is remembered for leading key operations, including the capture of Mbarara Barracks and the eventual advance on Kampala.
Eddy Kenzo concluded by saying he respects the possibility of a new family connection but doesn’t feel emotionally linked to it at this time.