Ugandan international artist Edrisa Musuuza, popularly known as Eddy Kenzo, has revealed that he spent 35 years of his life without knowing his biological father. The revelation came to light when President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni disclosed that Kenzo is the son of the late Brigadier Chef Ali, one of the NRA fighters who helped Museveni seize power in 1986.
The announcement was made during the launch of President Museveni’s new album at Speke Resort Munyonyo. While praising Kenzo for his integrity in managing the finances of the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF), Museveni unveiled the long-kept secret about his parentage.
During the ceremony, Museveni noted that some of Brig. Chef Ali’s children were present and that their resemblance to Kenzo was striking.
Following this, Kenzo confirmed to the media on Sunday, September 28, 2025, that he had indeed conducted a DNA test on the remains of Hassan, the man he had long believed to be his father. The results revealed that Hassan was not biologically related to him.
Kenzo explained that his mother, originally from Rwanda, later settled in Masaka, where he was born around 1989–1990. After the deaths of both his mother and grandmother, he grew up in Hassan’s household, believing him to be his father. However, persistent rumors questioning Hassan’s paternity pushed Kenzo to seek the truth through DNA testing, which confirmed the doubts.
Despite the revelation, Kenzo said he has no intention of forcing himself into Chef Ali’s family. “I grew up on my own. My life has only known the culture of Ugandans who raised me to be the man I am today,” he remarked.
Brigadier Chef Ali is remembered as one of the key fighters who opposed Idi Amin’s regime before joining Museveni’s rebellion. He commanded the 11th Battalion, which captured Mbarara Barracks before advancing to take Nakulabye and Makerere, paving the way for Museveni’s eventual victory in 1986.
Kenzo, celebrated for hits such as Sitya Loss and Semyekozo, emphasized that not knowing his father did not hinder his ambitions or achievements. “Who I am today is because of the life I lived, not the names or roots I never knew,” he said.
Author : Justinmind HARERIMANA
