KAMPALA-UGANDA – October 2, 2025 — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has shocked the nation after revealing that Ugandan music star Eddy Kenzo (Edrisa Musuuza) is the biological son of the late Brigadier Eriya Mwine alias Chefe Ali, a decorated National Resistance Army (NRA) commander and former Acting Chief of Staff of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
A Surprise at Munyonyo
HE Yoweri K Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni
While addressing guests at Kenzo’s album launch in Munyonyo, Museveni turned to the artist and declared:
> “Kenzo is a son of a soldier. He told me he is the son of Chefe Ali.”
The revelation instantly set off a wave of public debate, linking Uganda’s internationally celebrated musician to one of the most respected fighters of the NRA bush war.
Chefe Ali: The Disciplined Commander
Brig. Eriya Mwine, popularly known as Chefe Ali, was a senior bush war commander who played a key role in the overthrow of Idi Amin and Milton Obote. He commanded the 11th Battalion, leading major operations such as the siege of Simba Barracks in 1985.
After 1986, he rose to senior posts in the UPDF, including commanding divisions in Fort Portal, Mbale, and Gulu. In 1996, he was appointed Acting Chief of Staff of the UPDF.
Chefe Ali died in July 1999 at Kololo Hospital after a short illness, remembered for his integrity, discipline, and incorruptibility.
Kenzo’s Long Search for Identity
Kenzo, who lost his mother at a young age, grew up in Masaka under the care of a man he believed was his father, Hassan Ssenyange. But recent DNA tests revealed that Ssenyange was not his biological father.
The President’s statement now points to Chefe Ali as his true father, though no official DNA report has yet been made public to conclusively confirm the link.
Facts vs. Uncertainties
Maj. Gen Eriya Mwine key commander of the NRA
* Chefe Ali’s life, military career, and death in 1999 are fully documented.
* Museveni openly made the claim at Kenzo’s album launch.
* Kenzo confirmed DNA tests disproved Ssenyange as his father.
* No verified DNA results have been released proving Chefe Ali’s paternity.
Eddy Kenzo- Federation President
Reactions and Implications
Many Ugandans welcomed the revelation as historic, celebrating Kenzo’s connection to a fallen war hero. Others, however, cautioned that without scientific proof the story remains incomplete. Analysts also note the timing of the announcement, with Museveni’s disclosure carrying potential political undertones.
What’s Next?
Ugandans now await:
1. The possible release of a verified DNA report.
2. Statements from Chefe Ali’s family.
3. Deeper investigation into Kenzo’s childhood and his late mother’s ties to the soldier.
For Kenzo, the journey from an orphan in Masaka to a global music star — and now, potentially, the son of a celebrated NRA commander — has taken a dramatic new turn, reshaping how his life and legacy may be remembered.
