By Preparations for the final send-off of celebrated Ugandan comedian Nicholas Mpiirwe, popularly known as Messe Bontwe, are underway as his body makes its journey back to Uganda from the United States. Mpiirwe, a founding member of the iconic Amarula Family comedy group, passed away on December 12, 2024, reportedly due to a heart attack.
The news of his body’s arrival was confirmed by Grace Sekamate, a former member of the Eagle Production ensemble and a close friend of the deceased. Sekamate, who initially broke the news of Mpiirwe’s passing, shared updates about the funeral arrangements on his Facebook page.
“We are here to let you know that our brother’s body, Nicholas Mpiirwe, well known as Messe Bontwe, has today, January 14th, 2025, left the United States of America. Nicholas’s body will arrive in Uganda on January 16th, 2025, and will be handed over to the Executive Funeral Services and the family,” Sekamate wrote.
According to Sekamate, Mpiirwe’s body will be received in Uganda and taken to a funeral home for an overnight stay. On January 17, a service will be held at Munyonyo Church of Uganda before the body is taken to his residence in Kabuuma for a vigil.
On January 18, a special tribute event will take place at the National Theatre, where members of Uganda’s art and entertainment fraternity will pay their last respects to the comedian. His body will then be transported to his ancestral home in Rwampara District on January 19.
The final burial will take place on Monday, January 20, at 2:00 PM in Rwampara, where friends, family, and fans are expected to gather for his last rites.
Nicholas Mpiirwe was a beloved figure in Uganda’s entertainment scene. As a co-founder of the Amarula Family, he played a pivotal role in popularizing local comedy with his witty, relatable performances that resonated with audiences across the country. Known for his larger-than-life personality and ability to bring humor to even the simplest situations, Mpiirwe’s contributions to Uganda’s comedy industry were groundbreaking.
His untimely death at the age of 48 has left a void in the hearts of many. Tributes have poured in from fans, colleagues, and the entertainment industry, celebrating his legacy as a pioneer in Ugandan comedy.
Mpiirwe’s return to his homeland for burial symbolizes the enduring impact of his work on Uganda’s cultural landscape. As the nation prepares to bid farewell to one of its brightest comedic talents, his memory will continue to bring smiles to those who cherished his humor and creativity.
Further updates on the funeral proceedings and tributes from notable figures in the entertainment industry are expected in the coming days.
