Who is Kato Lubwama? Flash Uganda Media looks at his biography, age, wife, family, tribe, achievements, and relationship with Ashraf Ssemwogerere, Mariam Ndagire, Abby Mukiibi, Andrew Mukasa, Ann Namuwonge, the early life and education of a Ugandan politician, comedian, theatre actor, musician, songwriter, former radio presenter and businessman.
Kato Lubwama aka Bisso or Bidugu was a Ugandan politician, comedian, theatre actor, musician, songwriter, former radio presenter and businessman.
He served in the 10th Parliament from 2016 to 2021 as a Member of Parliament for Rubaga South.
Kato mostly took part in educative drama, pointing out issues concerning people to the Government as well as revolutionary plays based on changing societies.
Early Life
Kato Lubwama was born on 16, August 1970 in Nkozi, Mpigi District, Uganda.
His performing career began in Primary 4 at Nabagereka Primary School with a one-man show called “Obumpwanchu mpwanchu.”
He followed this with a series of performances, including “Ensi n’abantu” which took place at the same school.
Kato Lubwama joined Black Pearls Ltd. in 1985 after entering Old Kampala SS for secondary education.
He appeared in several Black Pearl productions, most notably “Divided Family,” where he played the pivotal part of “Chancellor,” which helped him gain recognition among theatregoers.
Here, he got to know Ashraf Ssemwogerere, Mariam Ndagire, and Abby Mukiibi, among other contemporary people.
His theatrical works, including “Ekyaama mu Firiigi,” “Cheque ya muntu omu,” “Abalodokaayi,” and “Engabo ya Ddako,” are a testament to his writing and directing prowess.
Death
At the age of fifty-two, Kato Lubwama passed away at his Mutundwe residence in Kampala, Uganda, on June 7, 2023.
It was stated that he had undergone several operations and medical procedures for related health issues before his purported heart attack death.
His longtime business partner and event promoter Andrew Mukasa, often known as Bajo, announced his passing.
His wide circle of acquaintances flocked to his Martin Road residence in Kampala to offer their final condolences.
Among them were Mohammed Nsereko, the MP for Kampala Central, as well as performers Mesach Semakula, Mariam Ndagire, Andrew Benon Kibuuka, and others he engaged with throughout performances.
Days before he passed away, Lubwama denounced the constant physical altercations among musicians in his final interview. “Once there is no dignity and discipline, it is over for our industry,” he declared.
Education Background
In 1983, Kato Lubwama finished his primary school education at Nabagereka Primary School.
He then attended Old Kampala Secondary School and in 1988, he received his Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE).
Lubwama received his Special University Entry Examination Certificate from Makerere University Kampala after studying from 1991–1992.
Lubwama then graduated from Makerere University Kampala in 1994 with a diploma in music, dance, and drama.
Education background summary
| Years | Institution | Status /award |
| 1983 | Nabagereka Primary School | PLE |
| 1984 – 1988 | Old Kampala Secondary School | UCE |
| 1991 – 1992 | Makerere University | Special University Entry Examination, Certificate |
| 1994 | Makerere University | Diploma in Music, Dance and Drama |
Family Background
Kato Lubwana was born to Salongo Senjjabya Matiya Lubwama (father) and Nalongo Margaret Lubwama (mother).
He had a twin brother, Isaac Wasswa who also passed away years ago. He also has a sister, Nabagala.
Marriage / Relationship
Over his life, Kato Lubwama had been married several times.
Kato disclosed in an interview that his first two marriages had failed. After experiencing infidelity from one of his prior spouses, he decided to give up polygamy.
Ann Namuwonge, Kato Lubwama’s wife, and their six children survive him. Some of the children, though, are from Lubwama’s previous marriages.
When the couple was growing up in Old Kampala, they went to St. Matiya Mulumba Church together.
Career and Professional Work Experience
Entertainment career
Following graduation from university, Kato Lubwama formed the Diamond Ensemble with Ndagire and Ssemwogere.
Their debut play, “Akafubutuko,” used imagery, symbolism, and intensity to create a theatrical work that signalled a new trend in Ugandan theatre.
Many other plays, including Emisanvu, London Shock, Emmanduso, Bakisimba mu Ddwaniro, Kikunta e Kkungu, Maswanku Abamegganyi, and Tsunami, were produced by the Diamond Ensemble.
In addition, Kato Lubwama composed songs like Dimitiriya and Ekisolo kyebayita Omuntu, and established a musical group called “The Diamond Production” featuring well-known performers like Betty Mpologoma and Martin Angume.
His compositional abilities would ultimately affect the genre of contemporary band music.
On his album Abantu Bazibu, he recorded and published songs such as Bank Yebyama, Dimitinya, and Ekisolo.
His other songs are; Tetunakuta which he released on September 25, 2020, Akanaku, and Tulye among others.
In addition, he wrote TV dramas and co-hosted the morning show Kalisoliso on Buganda Kingdom-owned CBS FM with Abby Mukiibi Nkaaga.
Comedian Kato Lubwama also performed on the weekly comic program Akandolindoli at the Bat Valley Theatre in Kampala.
Political career
Kato Lubwama was a successful candidate in 2016 for the role of Member of Parliament, serving the Kampala constituency of Rubaga South.
He was among those who opposed the amendment of the Presidential age limit.
Kato Lubwama joked that his first term in office was for him to eat and then his second term would be for him to eat with his supporters.
Unfortunately, Lubwama was unable to return to parliament for a second term.
In the general elections of 2021, he was defeated by Aloysius Charlton Mukasa, a candidate for the National Unity Platform (NUP).
Work experience background summary
| Years | Institution | Position |
| 1994 – 2023 | Diamonds Ensemble | Director |
| 1999 – 2023 | Image Africa | Director |
| 2016 – 2021 | Rubaga South constituency | Member of Parliament |
Other Career accomplishments
Furthermore, Kato Lubwama founded B24 TV, a small television station in Rubaga, Uganda.
He also rose to fame on YouTube, making frequent appearances on Kasuku’s channel as well as other online platforms, most notably UnKut on NBS TV.
In addition, Kato Lubwama was a businessman. He was involved in multiple industries, including the maize flour industry.
He also belonged to professional organizations such as the Committee of Defense and Internal Affairs and the Federation of Performing Artists of Uganda.
Achievements and Awards
With a successful career as a dramatist, Kato Lubwama had a following in the arts and was a well-known figure in Uganda for over thirty years.
President Museveni awarded medals to 363 individuals on June 9, 2017, at Heroes Day ceremonies held at St. Augustine Catholic Parish Grounds in Zirobwe Sub County, Luweero District, and Lubwama was one of the recipients of these medals.
By making investments in entertainment and theatre spaces like the former Royal Theatre on Martin Road, Kato Lubwama hoped to change the perception of theatre and artists in Uganda.
Controversies
Kato Lubwama was a controversial person who was well-known for criticizing the Ugandan government and being vocal.
He ran as an independent in the 2021 General elections, claiming that the corrupt officials at DP were the reason he quit the party.
They established a pressure organization called “Solida,” which is a play on the word “solidarity,” intending to restore DP to its former splendour.
A voter from Lubaga South named Habib Buwembo disputed the results of the 2016 elections because Lubwama had colluded with Makerere University to accept him in 1992 for a diploma in music and drama, despite not having reached the requisite mature age of 25.
Buwembo argued that Lubwama was 22 years old at the time, three years younger than the required age for mature entry.
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