In Uganda’s vibrant comedy scene, names like Pablo, Salvado, and Anne Kansiime often command the spotlight. Yet, behind the curtain, a quiet architect has been nurturing talent and building a legacy as a mentor. Timothy J. Nyanzi—a stand-up comedian, writer, and director—is the unsung hero of Ugandan comedy.
Timothy’s journey began in 2012 during his university days at Makerere. A serendipitous visit to a friend’s room introduced him to Chris Rock’s Kill the Messenger and Trevor Noah’s Daywalker. These shows ignited an unrelenting passion for stand-up comedy. Determined to master the craft, he immersed himself in online tutorials, comedy specials, and write-ups, while studying legends like Dave Chappelle, Eddie Murphy, Anthony Jeselnik, Steven Wright, and Milton Jones.
After graduation, Timothy worked at Golf Course Hotel, but his passion for comedy never wavered. Eager to perform, he approached Laftaz Lounge for stage time but was turned away due to perceived unreadiness. Undeterred, he joined a comedy clinic organized by Kenneth “Pablo” Kimuli and Herbert Segujja, where he connected with peers. However, stage opportunities remained scarce, limited to small one-off gigs.
Refusing to give up, Timothy teamed up with Arnold Mubinyo and other aspiring comedians—including Umar Gocher, Lyshia Juliet, Noi Noi, and Titus Goloba—to form The Punchliners in January 2014. The group performed regularly at Waikiki Lounge (formerly Effendy’s), where Timothy developed his distinctive style: sharp one-liners, deadpan delivery, and intellectual humor.
As The Punchliners grew in prominence, Timothy’s mentorship abilities emerged. Having faced rejection, he made it his mission to uplift budding comedians. His keen eye for talent, combined with his vast knowledge and ability to mentor across different comedic genres, helped comedians refine their material and discover their unique voices. Under his guidance, performers like Nancy Kobusheshe, Colins Emeka, Maggie D’Bwaiserian, and Daniel Kalera blossomed.
Timothy’s influence extended further when he began working with established platforms. In 2015, The HaHa Show at Theatre LaBonita enlisted him to scout and nurture talent. His contributions to the show, which later evolved into Comedy Files, helped comedians like Mad Rat and Chiko and The Talkers find their footing. Around the same time, he lent his expertise to Cotilda Inapo’s Queens of Comedy, where emerging acts like Akite Agnes gained recognition. His works with The Punchliners continued to churn out acts like Laptop and OJ, Okello Okello, Don Andre, Akau Jambo and Maulana.
By 2017, the success of The Punchliners was both a blessing and a curse. Overwhelmed by demand, the group’s quality began to decline, eventually leading to its disbandment. Undeterred, Timothy launched Uganda’s first dedicated Comedy Open Mic at Kubby’s in Naalya. The monthly showcase gave a platform to a fresh wave of talent, including Reign and Sunny, Hilary Okello, and Uncle Mark.
The closure of Kubby’s in 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily slowed his momentum. However, in 2022, Timothy introduced New Material Night at The Green Bistro in Bukoto-Ntinda, creating a space for seasoned comedians to refine their jokes and for newcomers to break into the scene. The intimate venue birthed acts like Jacques Rwothomio, Alphonse Obalim, Jordan Nasasira, and Elvis Faki while also pioneering Uganda’s first improv comedy night. In February 2024, Timothy relocated the show to Red Basket on Dewinton Rise, reviving the Open Mic Night format. Every Monday, audiences enjoy free performances, witnessing comedians craft and refine their material.
Today, Timothy J. Nyanzi is a revered figure in Uganda’s comedy community. His unwavering dedication to mentorship and his selfless contributions to the art form have shaped a generation of comedians. His legacy is not just in his own performances but in the countless lives he has touched, proving that true greatness often works quietly in the background.
