Now, as he prepares for his first-ever solo concert, Orugyendo Rwa Kachaina (Kachaina’s Journey), on December 21, 2024, in Mbarara, the story of his rise offers lessons in resilience, creativity, and determination.
Born on February 14, 1980, in Kasanda District, Kachaina is the fourth of ten children of the late John Nchwanga and Becungwire Loyce Nyamwija.
His formative years were marked by hardship and unpredictability. He began primary school in the late 1980s, but his education was abruptly cut short after a superstition convinced his father that success in school could bring harm to the family.
He had come first in his class and his old man had been told the young boy could be bewitched. He fell for it and pulled the boy out of school.
“I attended Kababeizi Primary School until 1990, then transferred to Ndeeba Primary School for Primary Three,” Kachaina recalls.
“I performed so well that I took first place in class, but people convinced my father I would be bewitched, so he pulled me out of school. That marked seven years of being a dropout.”
In 1997, the introduction of Universal Primary Education (UPE) offered Kachaina a second chance. He enrolled at Manyogaseka Primary School, juggling his studies with selling chickens to fund his education.
“I attended school on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, while trading chickens the other days. Despite the challenges, I managed to score a strong second grade with Aggregate 14,” he shares.
His flair for entertainment became evident during this period. As an entertainment prefect and later head boy, he cultivated his leadership skills and honed his ability to bring joy to those around him.
From Photography to Fine Art
After completing primary school, Kachaina joined Kalamba Hill Secondary School for his O-Level education (2002–2005). While there, he explored various creative avenues. Using a Yashika camera gifted by his brother, he worked as a part-time photographer, capturing memories at local events.
“I was also an artist, creating fine art and running a small studio in school,” he says. “In addition, I learned how to cut hair and would assist in salons to earn extra money.”
Kachaina’s nickname originated during his primary school days, when his interactions with visiting Chinese delegations earned him the moniker “Kachaina,” a playful reference to his resemblance to a young Chinese person.
The name stuck, eventually becoming his professional identity.
In 2007, while working as a photographer, Kachaina discovered his comedic talent at a party. Inspired by songs like Judith Babirye’s Yesu Bera Nange and David Lutalo’s Kapapala, he decided to mime them for entertainment.
Borrowing costumes from friends, he captivated the crowd, and his comedy career began.
"It was at a party and I was as a cameraman, with my Pentax camera, the idea came in for me to mime these songs , so I borrowed dresses from some girls at a bar and started miming," he recalls.
His big break came when he was invited to perform at Baguma Gardens in Kampala, sharing the stage with the late Harriet Kisakye. His talent was undeniable, and his reputation grew as he performed across western Uganda and beyond.
Rising to Stardom
In 2009, Kachaina ventured into radio, volunteering at BFM in Bushenyi before becoming a paid presenter. Shortly after, he transitioned to TV, becoming the first face of TV West’s Twag Comedy, a Runyakitara show.
Despite his growing fame, Kachaina remained committed to education. In 2017, after a 12-year gap, he enrolled for A-Level studies at Walden School in Mbarara, where he pursued History, Entrepreneurship, and Fine Art.
In 2019, he joined Bishop Stuart University for a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, graduating in 2022. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Diplomacy and Global Studies at Victoria University.
Over the years, Kachaina has performed for notable audiences, including First Lady Janet Museveni during a Go Green campaign in Mbarara and international dignitaries at the Julius Nyerere Convention Centre in Tanzania.
He has rubbed shoulders with high-profile figures such as President Yoweri Museveni, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, and former Prime Ministers Amama Mbabazi and Ruhakana Rugunda.
The Legacy of Kachaina
As a comedian, artist, and entrepreneur, Kachaina takes pride in using his platform to inspire others. He supports vulnerable individuals, including those battling addiction and disabilities, and aims to give back through projects like the upcoming Kachaina Media School, which will train young people in practical skills.
His concert, Orugyendo Rwa Kachaina, promises to showcase his journey from a struggling chicken vendor to a regional star.
“This is about more than just comedy,” he explains. “It’s about showing the world that your background doesn’t determine your future. With persistence, education, and faith, anything is possible.”
Kachaina’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and an unyielding belief in the power of talent and education.
As he steps onto the stage for his first solo concert, he embodies the idea that laughter truly is a universal language—and a tool for transformation.
The Next Media has partnered with Kachaina in his Orugyendo rwa Kachaina show.
_______________________________________
Below is excerpts from the interview
Where and when do you get the name ‘Kachaina’?
They called me Kachaina earlier when I was in primary as entertainment prefect when the Chinese used to come in schools, I used to be their middleman and because I was lanky, some people started saying that Shana aka Akaitsigazi nakachiana (maybe this young boy is a Chinese)
You have worked on radio and on TV, did you go to school for it?
In 2009 I started going to BFM in Bushenyi to greet on radio and in 2010 I shifted from Bugongi where I had put a studio and rented near BFM. I became a volunteer presenter and finally they started paying me.
A few months later, TV West went on air and I was the first person to appear on it under Twag Comedy, a weekly Runyakitara film.
After 12 years without an A-Level certificate, I decided to proceed with studies and indeed joined Walden School in Mbarara where I did History Entrepreneurship and Fine Art plus iCT and attained 11 points.
In 2019, I joined Bishop Stuart University for a Degree in Journalism and Communication. I’m now doing a Masters in Diplomacy and Global Studies MDG at Victoria University.
When was your first time performing for a huge crowd?
When I was brought to perform in Ekinihiiro, a Vision Group annual celebration for Radio West. In the morning I was the one on the front page of Orumuri, a defunct Runyakitara newspaper but here I performed for free.
This was followed by when I performed for First Lady Mrs Janet Kataaha Museveni in 2016 on the Go Green Campaign in Mbarara, Booma grounds.
Any international stage you have performed?
The last time I performed for huge people internationally was when I represented Uganda in the Global Alliance to End Aids in Children by 2030 in Tanzania at the Julius Nyerere Convention Centre. I was invited by UNAIDS where I met almost the world's biggest NGOs like WHO, Global fund among others.
Have you met and worked with any huge profiles in and out of the country?
Some of the big people I have met in this country include President Museveni at the Thanksgiving of Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa but I never got a chance to shake his hands, still want that opportunity. At the same function, I met great people like Amama Mbabazi, Ndugu Ruhakana Rugunda, but I’m also a friend to current Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja.
Are there some comedians or stars you admire and wish to meet?
People I want to meet include Mr Bean, former US President Barack Obama because of his diplomacy, President of Ukraine and President Donald Trump because they were comedians and of course Trevor Noah.
What things do you pride in through your career as a comedian?
Entertainment is full of temptations but I’m happy that I’m not sick from any disease yet temptations would have made me. I have also been involved in many terrible accidents. I thank God for the gift of talents he gave me that such talents have made me achieve a lot like education.
Without education, I would be limited, I am married and blessed with a good wife and children. Some people even have a lot of wealth but no children. I don’t rent in Mbarara, I built a house for my family.
Anyone that you think could have been inspired by you or benefited from your popularity?
Oh yes, I have been able to give a hand to people disturbed by drug abuse like Capt. Emma, a media personality, and people with disabilities like Derrick Ajunwamukama, I supported Atuhaire from Buhweju who is now at Mayhill. Fighting TB and leprosy, and many others.
Finally, talk to us about ‘Orugyendo rwa Kachaina’, why now?
Well, Orugyendo rwa Kachaina concert on the December 21 is aimed at showing like seven things to the world. First, a thin line between your background and success, education can be at any age regardless of the age, persistence, exemplary lifestyle as a celebrity, using talent of comedy to transform the world besides making people laugh and of course entertainment”
What is that one thing people don’t know about Kachaina?
People should know that Kachaina can make people laugh for more than four hours on the same stage.
What is the next step after ‘Orugyendo rwa Kachaina’?
Kachaina Media School will open that will teach the world and train them practical skills.The Ministry of Health is finalising my goodwill ambassadorial appointment and also many contracts to do some social work at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. God is good.