By BigEyeUg Team
Singer Daudi Mugema was pronounced dead in a hotel in Gulu City, where he had reportedly traveled to seek financial assistance from Gen. Salim Saleh, the Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC).
According to CBS FM, Mugema was found unresponsive in his hotel room, with the cause of death yet to be confirmed.
Authorities are investigating, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming days.
Daudi Mugema had recently made News for his recovery from a severe health condition that caused swelling in his limbs, linked to cancer. In 2024, Mugema sought medical treatment in Turkey, where initial suspicions of cancer were ruled out after extensive tests at three hospitals in Istanbul failed to pinpoint the exact cause of his illness.
Despite the uncertainty, Mugema’s condition improved significantly, and by March 2025, he announced he could walk unaided, crediting his recovery to the financial, emotional, and psychological support of well-wishers, including Gen. Salim Saleh, Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, and musicians like Mesach Semakula, Eddy Kenzo, and David Lutalo.
However, Mugema’s health struggles were compounded by financial difficulties. In May 2024, he publicly appealed for support, revealing that his condition had worsened following his arrest for political reasons, during which he alleged he was tortured and exposed to harmful chemicals, leading to persistent swelling and pain in his legs.
His trip to Turkey for specialized treatment was marred by challenges, as the individual who facilitated the journey reportedly abandoned him, leaving Mugema to cover medical expenses alone.
Mugema’s presence in Gulu is believed to be linked to his ongoing quest for financial assistance. Gen. Salim Saleh, a retired Ugandan military officer and brother to President Yoweri Museveni, has become a pivotal figure for many in Uganda’s creative industry seeking economic support.
Based in Gulu City, Saleh oversees Operation Wealth Creation, a government initiative aimed at poverty alleviation and economic empowerment. His residence in Te-dam Cell, Bardege Parish, Layibi-Bardege Division, has become a magnet for musicians and comedians, particularly since the 2021 general election, as they seek funding for projects or personal needs.
Mugema had previously benefited from Saleh’s support, revealing in 2025 that the general provided him with significant financial aid after a two-and-a-half-month wait. This assistance enabled Mugema to establish a permanent residence and stabilize his finances.
However, Saleh has expressed frustration over the influx of artists flocking to his home, lamenting their lack of organization and the strain on his time. In December 2024, he publicly urged musicians to leave Gulu, directing Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF) president Eddy Kenzo to manage the situation.
Details of Mugema’s death remain scarce. Reports suggest he checked into a hotel in Gulu, hoping to meet Saleh for further financial assistance, possibly to address lingering medical or personal challenges. The exact circumstances leading to his death are under investigation, with authorities yet to release an official statement.
