Daudi Mugema, the gospel singer known for his song Katonda w’abanaku Teyeebaka (“God of the Poor Never Sleeps”), was found dead in a hotel room in Gulu City. Authorities have not yet confirmed what led to his sudden death.
Mugema, who had traveled north reportedly to meet with Gen. Salim Saleh, the head of Operation Wealth Creation and a brother to President Yoweri Museveni, was discovered unresponsive in his room. He was later pronounced dead at Gulu Regional Hospital. A formal autopsy is expected to determine the cause.
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Gen. Saleh, based in Te-dam Cell in Gulu’s Layibi-Bardege Division, has for years drawn artists and entertainers seeking support. Operation Wealth Creation is a government initiative focused on boosting livelihoods, and many musicians—particularly since the 2021 elections—have sought funding from the general for personal or professional projects.
Mugema had previously benefited from such support. In a 2025 interview, he said he had waited nearly three months before receiving financial help from Saleh.
“He gave me money that helped me settle. I was able to build and finally have my own place,” Mugema said at the time.
But Saleh has voiced frustration over the steady flow of artists arriving at his home, calling the trend unsustainable. In late 2024, he told musicians to leave Gulu and directed Uganda National Musicians Federation president Eddy Kenzo to take charge of coordinating their needs.
Mugema’s death follows a years-long battle with cancer. In 2024, he traveled to Istanbul, Turkey, for specialized treatment. That trip, he said, was made possible through help from Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and Turkish Ambassador to Uganda Fatih Ak, who helped him secure travel documents.
“This morning, our brother Daudi Mugema and I have met with the Turkish Ambassador to Uganda,” Lukwago said in an earlier report.
”We would like to express our profound gratitude to my good friend, His Excellence Fatih, for expediting the processes required for the transfer of our brother to Istanbul, Turkey for specialized treatment of his cancerous leg.”
“I’m glad to note that all is now set for our brother to set off. More prayers needed.”
Mugema had previously described how he first became ill.
“I was imprisoned at a safe house in Kireka,” he said in a 2024 interview on Sanyuka TV. “They made me dip my feet in a basin with some chemical. It burnt me badly. That’s when things changed. I couldn’t work anymore.”
News of his death has prompted an outpouring of grief online. Fellow musicians and fans shared condolences, remembering his voice, his struggle—and the message of faith he never stopped singing about.
