Adam Mulwana: Besigye’s ‘Toka Kwa Barabara’ hitmaker dies at 36

Kampala, (UG): Ugandan musician, Adam Mulwana who prominently rose to fame for his song “Toka Kwa Barabara” he composed for opposition stalwart Dr Kizza Besigye during his presidential rallies has sadly passed.

The news of Mulwana’s passing which threw the Ugandan music industry into grief and mourning was shared by his close friends and family members through social media revealing that he passed away in the wee hours of Tuesday morning.

Speaking of the late, Besigye, a four-time presidential contender eulogized Mulwana as an intelligent creative man whom he knew since 2010 as he geared for the 2011 presidential elections.

“I have known Adam since 2010 when I met him. He was introduced to me by Hajj Asuma Semakula. He has died at a tender age. At his tender age, he was intelligent and creative. He was different. In a short period of time, he came up with several songs we used in our political campaigns in 2010 to 2011. Two of the songs became more popular,” Dr Besigye tweeted on Tuesday.

Adding to Besigye’s eulogy, the Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) Principal, Mr Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine described Mulwana, as a political activist who was ‘devoted to the struggle.’

“I have received the very sad news of the passing of my friend, comrade Adam Mulwana, an artiste and political activist who dedicated his life to the cause for the freedom of Uganda. When I last interacted with him, he was as devoted to the struggle as ever, despite his ailing health. Such a pity he has passed on without seeing the kind of country he so much desired to live in,” Mr Kyagulanyi posted on his X handle.

“The best we can do for him is to accomplish the mission for which he sacrificed immensely. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he added.

Adam Mulwana’s Cause of Death

According to preliminary reports from close family and friends, Mulwana succumbed to liver complications at Doctor’s Hospital in Seguku, a Kampala suburb. The singer who had been relatively inactive in the music industry recently, had previously expressed his struggles with health issues.

In one of his last public appearances, he disclosed that doctors had informed him that he was poisoned, though he remained uncertain about the identity of the perpetrator or when it occurred. Mulwana disclosed that he received a call from a diaspora-based female fan who asked to meet him.

“When the lady arrived in Uganda, she asked to meet me at a hangout,” Mulwana revealed, adding; “I found out that my fan had already ordered a Pizza which she was eating. The lady asked me to eat the remaining two slices and also gave me $300 before we parted ways.”

Mulwana’s Life and Music Background

In 2011, Mulwana who described himself as “a paid member of Cream production” started recording songs, specialising in a genre he termed as band music.

Some of his notable songs were; Kampala Ayola and Esala ya Kabaka. He had many other songs which have not enjoyed any airplay.

“I do not have enough money to promote my songs. But even then, the music I make is that of great message, the kind that Ugandans like to turn a deaf ear to. They only want love songs,” he told this publication in 2016.

The last born in a family of five was born in Buziranduulu, Luweero District. And just like his deceased parents, he was a strong supporter of the NRM government.  “My father died for this government,” Mulwana said in one of the interviews with local media.

“I supported NRM until 2006. I lost the love for this government because I realised they were not fighting for the greater good anymore. They are out to please their individual interests,” he added.