Renowned Ugandan artist Eddy Kenzo’s foster mother, Hajat Nambagereka Hadijjah, has spoken publicly for the first time about what she knows regarding the singer’s biological roots.
According to Hajat Hadijjah, she raised the “Sitya Loss” hitmaker for nearly eight years after he was found living on the streets of Masaka.
Her comments come in the wake of a major revelation by President Yoweri Museveni, who, during the launch of Kenzo’s “Yoweri” album in late September 2025, announced that the singer’s biological father was the late Brigadier General Chefe Ali, a former National Resistance Army (NRA) commander. The announcement sparked widespread speculation and debate on social media and in entertainment circles.
In an exclusive interview with a local TV station, Hajat Hadijjah recalled how Kenzo—then known as Edgar—first entered her life.
“I remember when Eddy was just a little boy, about eight years old. My son, who was a footballer in Masaka, brought him home. Eddy was living on the streets back then. His name was Edgar.”,she disclosed.
She says from that point on, she took him in and raised him like her own.
“He was just like my son. I cared for him, supported him, and watched him grow. Eventually, he started searching for his biological family.”,she said.
Kenzo’s search led him to a man named Kiwalabye Hassan, but Hajat says the journey was far from straightforward.
“After a long search, Eddy connected with Kiwalabye Hassan. At some point, I asked Kiwalabye why all his children were Muslims, but Eddy wasn’t. That’s when he shared a complicated story.”,she shared.
According to her, Kiwalabye revealed he had married a woman who already had a child, a boy named Monday. The couple later separated. Years later, someone brought another boy then called Mpalayi Johnbclaiming he was their son.
“Kiwalabye said that after some time, he realized Mpalayi John wasn’t really his son. That boy later became a Muslim and took the name Ediriisa Musuuza the name we now know as Eddy Kenzo.”,she added
Hajat says that when President Museveni publicly stated that Kenzo is the son of the late Brig. Gen. Chefe Ali, it struck a chord.
“When the President made the announcement, I remembered something Kiwalabye once told me. He had hinted that maybe—just maybe—Chefe Ali was Eddy’s real father.”,she admitted.
Based on what she’s seen and heard over the years, Hajat believes the story is likely true.
“It makes sense. The pieces fit. After everything I’ve heard, I believe it’s very possible.”,she commented.
She further revealed that Eddy Kenzo took steps to find the truth through DNA testing.
“Eddy went to the gravesite of the late Kiwalabye Hassan and took a DNA sample. The results showed Kiwalabye wasn’t his biological father.”
Later, a second DNA test was carried out with the children of the late Brig. Gen. Chefe Ali.
“That test came back positive. It confirmed that Eddy is related to Chef Ali’s family.”
In closing, Hajat Hadijjah expressed deep pride in the man she raised.
“Eddy Kenzo is a good man. People should let him live his life in peace. I’m proud of the person he’s become. His background may be complicated, but what truly matters is his character and the good he’s done for the community.”
