Uganda’s Grammy-nominated superstar Eddy Kenzo has been the subject of growing speculation after claims surfaced linking him to the late Brig. Gen. Eria Mwine, famously known by his bush-war name Chefe Ali. The suggestion that the celebrated singer could be the son of one of the NRA’s forgotten heroes has stirred curiosity across the nation.
Born in 1960 in Namutamba, Mityana, Chefe Ali was a disciplined and respected officer whose story is rarely told despite his significant role in Uganda’s liberation struggles. He studied in Mbarara before joining the Uganda National Liberation Front (UNLF) during the fight against Idi Amin. Later, he became part of the NRA, commanding the 11th battalion that captured key territories including Mbarara Barracks, Nakulabye, and Makerere in the decisive battles for Kampala.
Chefe Ali later commanded the 4th battalion in Northern Uganda during operations against Joseph Kony’s rebels. Unlike many officers accused of corruption, he maintained a reputation as a clean, principled soldier. However, his integrity allegedly made him a target of internal power struggles, favoritism, and sidelining within the UPDF.
In 1997, Chefe Ali’s life came to a tragic end after he fell mysteriously ill at his home in Kazo, Mbarara. He was rushed to Kololo hospital, where he endured a painful death under circumstances widely believed to have involved poisoning. No autopsy was carried out, leaving his death clouded in mystery.
Today, his name is being revisited not only for his forgotten military contributions but also for the alleged link to Eddy Kenzo’s lineage. While no official confirmation has been made, the claim has sparked conversations that connect Uganda’s music royalty with its military history.
For fans, the burning question remains: Could Eddy Kenzo’s strength, resilience, and global success be rooted in the legacy of Gen. Chefe Ali?
What is certain is that the story of Chefe Ali deserves to be told — not only as a possible chapter in Eddy Kenzo’s personal history but as a reminder of the unsung heroes whose sacrifices shaped Uganda’s destiny.
