Comedian Messe Bontwe, Amarula Family Member, Dies in California
Nicholas Mpirwe, better known as Messe Bontwe, has died. The comedian and media personality passed away in California, USA, and the news was confirmed on Thursday. No details about the cause of his death have been shared yet.
Messe was a huge name in Ugandan comedy, especially for his role in the legendary Amarula Family. Alongside Allan Mujuni (aka Amooti Omubalanguzi), Paddy ‘Bitama’ Ssali, and Daniel Kanyerezi (Irish Kyebandula), he helped shape the comedy scene back in the early 2000s.
If you grew up watching Side Mirror on WBS Television, you know the impact Messe and his crew had. Their skits, poking fun at everyday life with sharp humor, became a staple in many homes. The show didn’t just make people laugh — it set the stage for live performances that solidified Amarula Family as comedy royalty in Uganda.
In 2021, Messe decided to step back from comedy, saying he felt he was “too old” for it. But he didn’t disappear — he made waves as a radio presenter at Dembe FM and Super FM before moving to the United States.
His death is a tough loss, not just for his family and friends, but for Ugandans everywhere who grew up laughing at his jokes or tuning in to his radio shows. Messe was more than just a comedian; he was part of the fabric of Ugandan entertainment, and he’ll be deeply missed.
