Uganda’s flashy socialite culture has produced some of the country’s most unforgettable big spenders — from Mike Ezra to Bryan White. These were the faces that lit up Kampala’s nightlife with money rains, luxury cars, and jaw-dropping parties. But just as fast as they rose, most vanished — leaving behind tales of scandal, fraud, and faded glory.
For over two decades, Kampala’s social scene has been a stage for Uganda’s rich and famous (and sometimes, the not-so-rich pretending to be). Many of these figures lived life in the fast lane, with questionable sources of wealth. Their stories remain a reminder that in the world of Kampala’s glitter, fortunes can fade overnight.
1. Mike Ezra — The Pioneer of Kampala’s Money Craze
In the early 2000s, Mike Ezra redefined what it meant to be rich in Uganda. Rumors swirled that he arrived with over $300 million (UGX 10 billion). Ezra spent like a king — sponsoring sports teams, making outrageous donations, and turning Kampala’s nightlife into his playground. But his empire crumbled as fast as it rose. Today, reports suggest he lives a quiet life in Kenya, far from the spotlight that once adored him.
2. Sipapa (Charles Olimu) — The Street King Turned Inmate
Known for his loud lifestyle and love for controversy, Sipapa became infamous for flaunting wealth allegedly earned from “gold dealing.” His reputation, however, was tainted by repeated allegations of theft and violence. The once-celebrated socialite’s downfall came when he was jailed over robbery-related charges, marking the end of his chaotic reign.
3. SK Mbuga — The Fall of the Business Mogul
Sulaiman Kabangala Mbuga, famously known as SK Mbuga, rose to fame with luxury cars, lavish parties, and his now-defunct STV channel. But things took a dark turn when he was arrested in Dubai over accusations of defrauding UGX 23 billion in a complex international deal involving his wife, Angella Vivian Chebet. Since his release, Mbuga has remained largely silent, a shadow of his former flamboyant self.
4. Jack Pemba — From Power Couple to Prison Walls
The name Jack Pemba once dominated Kampala’s celebrity pages. He was the man who threw his wife Sheebah Kasami a birthday party so grand it featured Koffi Olomide as the guest performer. Yet, his empire collapsed when he was jailed in 2021 over a UGX 2 billion debt, ending his reign as one of Uganda’s top spenders.
5. Bad Black (Shanitah Namuyimbwa) — The Queen of Scandal
If there’s a socialite who rewrote Uganda’s tabloid history, it’s Bad Black. She famously embezzled UGX 11 billion from her then-lover, British pensioner David Greenhalgh, spending it on parties, cars, and cosmetic surgery. Unlike her fallen male counterparts, Bad Black remains unapologetic — once boldly saying she “studied the art of stealing.” Today, she’s reinvented herself as a social media personality and influencer.
6. Bryan White (Brian Kirumira) — The Don Who Vanished
With his Bryan White Foundation, Brian Kirumira — better known as Bryan White — became a household name for handing out cash to musicians and fans. His generosity made him a hero to some and a fraud to others. His empire collapsed amid sexual assault allegations and vehicle fraud cases. After fleeing to Dubai, he briefly resurfaced in Uganda, only to face controversy again when a woman reportedly linked to him died under mysterious circumstances.
The Glitter That Fades
From Ivan Ssemwanga’s extravagant lifestyle to the mysterious silence of others, Uganda’s socialite culture remains a rollercoaster of wealth, fame, and downfall. In Kampala’s world of flashing lights and fast money, one truth stands out — no king (or queen) reigns forever.
