Charity gig held to aid debilitated Ugandan producer

Kumapeesa, who won the Audio Producer of the Year award at the Uganda Entertainment Awards earlier this month, was discharged from hospital three weeks ago because his family could not afford to pay the young producer’s hospital bill. The family is also struggling to pay for his medication.

His mother, Jennifer Kisakye, said Kumapeesa’s doctor had advised her to take him home and return for check-ups every three or four days in order to cut costs. Kisakye said, however, that Kumapeesa’s health was gradually improving.

“My son is getting better,” she said. “He can now recognise me and he can smile and move his hands.

“We decided to go home because we realised that the more he stayed in hospital the higher his hospital bill would become.”

Kumapeesa’s hospital bill currently stands at $7 232.

Several musicians and media personalities, including famous Ugandan dance group Triplets Ghetto Kids, have run campaigns in an effort to assist the music producer in settling his hospital accruals. Musicians Jose Chameleon, Bobi Wine and Bebe Cool entertained fans at Sunday’s charity concert in Kampala and contributed $1 400 each.

The 23-year-old Kumapeesa, whose real name is Dan Mukisa, was attacked three months ago at his home in Uganda's capital by yet-to-be-identified assailants. His best friend and musician Geoffrey Nkwanga said police were still investigating the incident.

Well-wishers can assist Kumapeesa to pay his hospital bill by sending money to +256 779 103 031 – which is registered to his mother.