Police have launched investigations into a fatal hit-and-run accident that claimed the life of veteran Ugandan musician David Sifayo, popularly known as Master Parrot, on Monday evening along the Northern Bypass in Masanafu.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, the accident occurred at around 7:30pm when the singer was allegedly knocked by a yet-to-be-identified vehicle while walking along the road.
Police officers responded to the scene and rushed Master Parrot to Mulago National Referral Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Authorities say the driver fled immediately after the crash, leaving investigators scrambling to establish the identity of both the vehicle and the person behind the wheel.
“The driver fled to an unknown destination after the accident. We have not yet obtained details of the vehicle involved, but investigations are ongoing and we are reviewing CCTV footage to identify both the car and driver,” Owoyesigyire said.
News of the singer’s death quickly spread through Uganda’s entertainment circles, triggering an outpouring of grief from fellow musicians, fans, and longtime friends.
READ: Veteran Ugandan musician Master Parrot dies in Northern Bypass crash
Former Firebase Crew colleague and opposition leader Bobi Wine was among the first public figures to pay tribute, remembering Master Parrot for his humour, friendship, and lively spirit.
“Just got the terrible news that we’ve lost our brother Master Parrot. Old funny conversations and careless hearty laughter are the painful memories you leave with us, my friend. Until we meet again,” Bobi Wine wrote on social media.
Uganda National Musicians Federation president Eddy Kenzo also mourned the singer, posting: “Sad news. Rest in peace, my brother Master Parrot.”
Family members said they initially struggled to process the devastating news after receiving a phone call informing them of the tragedy.
His elder sister, Lydia, revealed that the family only confirmed his death after calling his phone, only for police officers to answer.
“It was around 8pm when I received a call that my brother had passed on, but I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “My husband called his phone, and it was the police who answered. They informed us that his body was being transported to Mulago Hospital.”
Following the postmortem process at Mulago, Master Parrot’s body was transported to his residence in Wabiduku-Balintuma Zone, Kiwatule, where he lived with his mother.
His remains will taken to the National Theatre for public viewing ahead of his burial scheduled for Wednesday in Kamengo,Butembe Sirinya B, along the Mpigi–Masaka Road.
Master Parrot was one of the founding members of the original Firebase Crew, alongside Bobi Wine, Sizzaman, Jajja Nana, Butcherman, and Toolman Kibalama.
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, he established himself as one of Uganda’s most recognisable dancehall and reggae artists, releasing popular songs such as Muliro, Mama Wabana, Oliwa, Kikili Kitya, Ekikompola, Nankya, Mwana Muwala, and Kawal, a collaboration with Jose Chameleone.
In recent years, however, the singer had largely disappeared from the limelight as concerns grew over his wellbeing.
Earlier this year, videos showing Master Parrot in a visibly distressed state circulated online, sparking concern among fans and fellow musicians.
Reports suggested he had been battling alcohol addiction and related mental health challenges, prompting public calls for rehabilitation support.
His mother, Josephine Nakayiza, had previously appealed for help to access treatment services, while fellow musician Qute Kaye, who has openly spoken about recovery from addiction, was among those urging intervention.
As investigations into the fatal crash continue, Uganda’s entertainment fraternity continues to mourn a musician remembered for helping shape the country’s urban music sound.
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