Iryn Namubiru breaks silence on family rift, betrayal, and industry struggles
Her troubles began in 2013, when she was arrested at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport after drugs were found in her luggage. She later discovered that her then-manager, Tedius, had orchestrated the setup.
Renowned singer Iryn Namubiru has opened up about one of the most painful chapters of her life, revealing that she has not spoken to her mother in 11 years.
Speaking on the latest episode of Tusker Malt Conversessions, Namubiru shared shocking details about betrayal, family conflicts, and the struggles that forced her to step away from the spotlight.
Her troubles began in 2013, when she was arrested at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport after drugs were found in her luggage. She later discovered that her then-manager, Tedius, had orchestrated the setup.
While she swiftly cut ties with him, the real heartbreak came from her mother’s reaction. Instead of standing by her, Namubiru said her mother’s behavior raised suspicion.
“She was at first indifferent, then became overly defensive before even being confronted, acting like a guilty party,” she revealed.
Shocked by the betrayal, Namubiru conducted her own investigations, listening to recorded phone calls that, according to her, confirmed a devastating truth.
“I have written everything down in a manuscript,” she disclosed. “I haven’t published it yet, but if anything happens to me, I will instruct the release of the recordings and written accounts of everything I have endured.”
Why she stepped away from music
Beyond family struggles, Namubiru also reflected on her difficult journey in the music industry.
“I have been dead (figuratively) for over 11 years now,” she admitted, revealing how betrayal, industry politics, and public scrutiny drained her passion.
“People you count on, people you trust—your heroes—can end up being the same people who destroy you,” she said.
She also spoke about online attacks and defamation, revealing that she has been tracking negative comments, saving them, and even tracing IP addresses of individuals spreading conspiracies against her.
“People say words don’t kill, but words do—especially in a society like ours where you cannot talk about certain things,” she noted.
Surviving the 2018 Lake Victoria tragedy
Namubiru also recounted her near-death experience during the 2018 Lake Victoria boat accident, one of Uganda’s deadliest maritime disasters.
Despite several warnings to stay home that day, she went ahead with a friend’s invitation. When the boat capsized, she said she heard a voice telling her:
“You will reach, don’t panic, don’t scream, you won’t die.”
“If this is not God, then I don’t know,” she reflected on her miraculous survival.
A stunning musical comeback
Despite the pain she has endured, Namubiru proved that her angelic voice remains as powerful as ever.
She closed the Tusker Malt Conversessions episode with a soul-stirring performance of Tebiba Bingi, leaving fans in awe. She also performed six of her greatest hits, including Nkwagala Nyoo, Nkuweki, Nsonyiwa, Birowoozo, and Kabi Ki.
Speaking about the vision behind Conversessions, Elizabeth Mutamuliza, Head of Beer at Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL), highlighted its goal of showcasing the real stories behind Uganda’s top musicians.
“With Season 3, we wanted to go beyond the music—to explore the passion, struggles, and sacrifices behind the artistry,” Mutamuliza explained.
As Tusker Malt Conversessions continues, audiences can expect more breathtaking performances and raw, untold stories from Uganda’s most iconic musicians.
