Amooti recalls how Kapere’s comedy journey began with a monkey role

What the report says

Ugandan comedian Amooti Omubalanguzi has reflected on the early days of the late performer Kapere, saying their first meeting happened when Kapere arrived at his home before sunrise seeking a place in his comedy group. Speaking in an interview with Spark TV, Amooti said the encounter came while he was building the Side Mirror comedy group and that Kapere was initially given a small role in a skit because of how he looked.

According to the account, Kapere was first cast as a monkey, a part he reportedly disliked at first and cried over before Amooti encouraged him to continue. The story says that performance became the starting point of his comedy path, after which he improved his craft, took on bigger roles and grew into a recognised entertainer in Uganda. Amooti also said he later came to regard Kapere as a son.

The article says Kapere spent about 15 years with the Amarula comedy group before pursuing an independent career. It also notes that Amooti claimed he helped coin the name “Kapere,” linking it to the square shirt the comedian wore. His death has prompted Amooti to mourn the loss of another comedian he helped nurture and to ask supporters to help Kapere’s widow and children as they continue with family responsibilities. More broadly, the piece highlights how many Ugandan entertainers begin in small stage roles before becoming established performers.