Ugandan comedian Kapere Lufotose is questioning the state of the country’s comedy industry, saying some comedians are struggling financially despite the growth the sector once appeared to be enjoying.
Kapere expressed frustration over what he described as a difficult period for comedians, pointing to colleagues who have recently spoken publicly about their financial struggles.
“We don’t know who’s bewitching us because now my colleagues have started coming out to reveal they are struggling like MC Fish. That’s why I ask, what happened to comedy?” Kapere said.
According to the comedian, the situation has raised questions about whether performers are still attracting the audiences and earning the kind of money they once did.
He also cited comedian Kapale’s return to Uganda and the reported turnout at one of his shows as another example of the challenges facing performers.
“He used to pose in expensive, posh cars but had only 15 people at his show,” Kapere said.
Kapere also used the opportunity to address the relationship between Kapale and fellow comedian Mariachi.
He credited Kapale with playing a role in bringing Mariachi into the comedy spotlight but suggested that the two may have unresolved differences.
“Kapale is the one who brought Mariachi into comedy but clearly something isn’t right and I suggest they forgive each other,” he said.
The comments come amid broader conversations about the sustainability of Uganda’s comedy business, including audience turnout, performers’ incomes and the challenge of consistently filling venues.
For Kapere, those issues point to a comedy scene that may not be delivering the same opportunities for comedians that it once appeared to offer.
His remarks, however, reflect his own assessment of the industry and the experiences he says he has observed among fellow comedians.