KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda’s music industry is mourning the loss of veteran musician David Sifaayo, popularly known as Master Parrot, who died in a tragic road accident along the Kampala Northern Bypass on Monday evening.
The singer, famed for hit songs such as Muliro and Kikompola, was reportedly knocked down by a speeding motorcycle while attempting to cross the bypass in the Masanafu area.
According to eyewitnesses, the impact was severe and the musician died instantly at the scene.
Police officers later transported his body to Mulago National Referral Hospital mortuary pending a postmortem examination and other procedures.
News of his sudden death quickly spread to his residence in Wabiduku, Kiwatule, triggering an outpouring of grief from family members, friends, fellow musicians and fans across the country.
A Star of Uganda’s Golden Music Era
Master Parrot rose to fame during the late 1990s and early 2000s, a period widely regarded as one of the most vibrant eras in Uganda’s music industry.
Known for his distinctive sound, energetic stage presence and catchy lyrics, he became a household name through songs such as Muliro and Kikompola, which dominated airwaves and dance floors across the country.
His music earned him a loyal fan base and secured his place among the notable artists who shaped Uganda’s contemporary music scene.
In recent years, however, Master Parrot had largely disappeared from the public eye amid reports of personal and financial struggles.
Earlier this year, videos circulating on social media showed the musician in a visibly distressed condition, sparking concern among fans and prompting calls for support from members of the entertainment fraternity.
Despite those challenges, many continued to remember him for the talent and creativity that made him one of the country’s most recognizable performers during his peak years.
Following news of his death, tributes began pouring in from fellow artists, industry stakeholders and fans, many of whom described him as a gifted entertainer whose music left a lasting mark on Uganda’s entertainment landscape.
Messages shared across social media platforms celebrated his contribution to the industry and recalled the memorable songs that defined an era for many Ugandans.
By press time, police had not yet released an official statement detailing the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.
Further details regarding funeral arrangements were yet to be announced by family members.