President Yoweri Museveni left guests in awe at Speke Resort Munyonyo on Saturday when he disclosed that award-winning musician and Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF) president, Eddy Kenzo, is the son of the late Brigadier Eriya Mwine, better known by his nom de guerre, Chefe Ali.
The revelation came during the launch of Yoweri, a music album spearheaded by Kenzo under the UNMF, where Museveni served as chief guest. While praising Kenzo for accountability and transparency in managing government funds, the President paused to share what he called an “open secret.”
“Eddy Kenzo is the son of a soldier,” Museveni announced, turning to the artist. “Did you tell them, or you wanted me to keep it a secret? Where are the other children of Chief Ali? Stand up. Even they look alike.”
The disclosure stirred murmurs across the hall, with many surprised by the revelation of Kenzo’s previously unknown paternal link.
For years, Kenzo, born Edrisah Musuuza, has openly spoken about losing his mother at a young age, surviving on the streets, and working his way to global stardom. However, little had ever been revealed about his father—until now.
Chefe Ali: From FRONASA to the NRA high command
Born around 1955, Brig. Eriya Mwine, known widely as Chefe Ali, is remembered as one of the most disciplined and respected officers in Uganda’s military history.
He abandoned secondary school to join Yoweri Museveni’s Front for National Salvation (FRONASA), becoming part of the Western Front that helped topple Idi Amin in 1979. His courage and commitment quickly elevated him to a trusted position within Museveni’s ranks.
During the NRA Bush War (1981–1986), Chefe Ali commanded the 11th Battalion and led the decisive siege on Simba Barracks in Mbarara in 1985. Beyond battlefield strategy, he uplifted morale with siasa (political education) and revolutionary songs that bonded fighters together.
Rising through the ranks
Following the NRA’s victory in 1986, Chefe Ali climbed the military hierarchy. He commanded several key units, including the 2nd Division in Fort Portal and the 3rd Division in Mbale, before taking charge of the 4th Division in Gulu, where he led counter-insurgency operations against Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).
In 1996, he was appointed Acting Chief of Staff, succeeding Brig. Sam Nanyumba. Admired for his integrity, he was described by Gen. Salim Saleh as a man who “never took a single shilling from the army except his entitlements.”
At the time of his death in July 1999 at only 44, Chefe Ali was commanding operations in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where Uganda was deeply engaged in regional conflicts.
