John Segawa Reveals Dark Past Ahead of New Play ‘Irreversible Regret’
Veteran Ugandan drama director John Segawa has opened up about a controversial chapter from his past, revealing that he once worked as a pimp as he prepares to stage a new production aimed at exposing the hidden realities of the entertainment industry.
Segawa made the revelation while discussing his upcoming stage play “Irreversible Regret,” a production he says will examine the struggles, moral challenges, and dangers that can exist behind the glamour associated with show business.
The respected dramatist said many young people admire entertainers because they only see the success, fame, and public image, while rarely understanding the difficult realities that can exist behind the scenes.
Segawa Says His New Play Will Reveal Hidden Industry Realities
Speaking about the motivation behind Irreversible Regret, Segawa said the entertainment industry has challenges that are often concealed from audiences.
He explained that some of the realities faced by people working in the industry are not openly discussed, creating an incomplete picture for young people hoping to enter show business.
During the conversation, Segawa made a personal admission about his own past.
“I myself was a pimp selling girls. It’s very absurd.”
The veteran director said his upcoming production is partly intended to expose issues that people in the entertainment world often hide from their fans.
“I want to expose the ills in the entertainment industry that we, the stars, hide from our fans. I hope it will help young people who admire this industry to understand what really happens behind the scenes.”
Segawa did not provide further details about when this period of his life occurred or the circumstances surrounding the admission.

The Story Behind ‘Irreversible Regret’
According to Segawa, Irreversible Regret draws inspiration from the life story of actress Suzan Kigula, whom he described as one of the original members of Diamond Ensemble.
He said Kigula’s journey represents some of the challenges that can come with fame, public attention, and navigating life in the entertainment industry.
Segawa claimed that after Kigula gained recognition, media reports surrounding conflicts involving her and the father of her child, along with increased public attention, contributed to difficulties in her personal life.
He presented her story as a cautionary example of how fame can bring unexpected pressures.
Referencing Suzan Kigula’s Legal Troubles
Segawa also referenced Kigula’s imprisonment at Luzira Prison over allegations of murdering her husband, saying the case forms part of the inspiration behind his stage production.
The director did not provide further details about the legal matter during his remarks.
His focus was on using the story as a lesson for aspiring entertainers about the importance of making careful decisions while pursuing careers in the spotlight.
Because the events surrounding Kigula involve serious allegations and legal history, details should be understood within the context of Segawa’s account and existing reports.
A Warning to Young Entertainers
Beyond telling a dramatic story, Segawa says the purpose of Irreversible Regret is educational.
The veteran director wants young people entering the entertainment industry to understand that fame and success can come with challenges that are not always visible to the public.
He believes aspiring artists should be aware of the pressures, choices, and risks that may accompany a career in show business.
For Segawa, the stage production is an opportunity to start conversations about issues that are often ignored.
Why His Revelation Matters
John Segawa has spent decades shaping Uganda’s theatre scene, making his comments significant because they come from someone with extensive experience inside the entertainment industry.
His admission and upcoming play highlight a broader conversation about the difference between the public image of entertainment and the realities faced by people working behind the scenes.
While many young performers are attracted by fame and recognition, Segawa argues that understanding the challenges is equally important.
His production aims to present a more complex picture of an industry that can offer opportunities while also presenting difficult choices.

The Human Side
Segawa’s revelation adds a personal dimension to his latest creative project.
Rather than presenting entertainment only as a world of success and applause, he says he wants to explore the struggles and mistakes that can happen away from the spotlight.
Through Irreversible Regret, he hopes audiences—especially young entertainers—will learn from the experiences and stories that often remain hidden.
As John Segawa prepares to bring Irreversible Regret to the stage, he says the production will serve as both entertainment and a warning about the realities behind the industry many people dream of joining.
