Former Amarula Comedian Messe Embarks on His Final Journey
Messe was remembered as a cheerful, sociable, and hardworking individual whose humor touched many lives.
Family, friends, and well-wishers gathered at St. Stephen's Church of Uganda in Munyonyo to bid farewell to Nicholas Mpiirwe, fondly known as Messe Bontwe, who passed away on December 12, 2024.
Messe was remembered as a cheerful, sociable, and hardworking individual whose humor touched many lives.
The ceremony began with heartfelt hymns sung by the church choir as mourners prayed for Messe's soul.
Retired Reverend Godfrey Luswata delivered a sermon based on John 14:1–4, urging those gathered to prepare themselves spiritually to rest in the Lord’s presence.
“He is lying here because he worked for it,” Reverend Luswata said. “Let this be a wake-up call to all of us—do good in the presence of God and fellow humans.”
Messe’s life was celebrated through anecdotes from those who knew him best. Colonel Edith Asiimwe, a close friend, described him as a "stress reliever" who found joy in making others happy, a trait that defined his career as a comedian.
His widow, Doreen Ampiire, reflected on their shared dream of seeking a better future in America, recalling their prayers for a visa.
“We prayed, me and him, for the American visa. I didn’t know it would turn out like this,” she said with emotion.
Peter Ssematimba, Messe’s former employer, highlighted his commitment to providing for his family, which led him to make the difficult decision to move abroad.
Born in October 1975 in Lubaga to Mr Posiano Kamagara, Messe faced early challenges in his education.
He attended Police Children’s School, later Nakasero Primary School, and eventually returned to his village for further studies.
Returning to Kampala, he joined Kololo Secondary School but soon realized his entrepreneurial spirit and comedic talent would lead him down a different path.
Messe first worked as a DJ before rising to fame in the early 2000s as a member of the Amarula Family comedy group.
His humour earned him a place on radio stations, beginning with Dembe FM and later Super FM.
In 2021, Messe retired from comedy, citing age, and moved to the United States to support his family.
Despite the challenges, he settled in Phoenix, Arizona, where he worked tirelessly to provide for his four children.
Messe’s final resting place will be at his ancestral home in Kayiho Village, Rwensingo, Rwampara District.
He is survived by his widow, Doreen Ampiire, and their four children, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, love, and resilience.
