The End Justifies the Means: The Rise of Edris Musuuza from disadvantaged youth to a senior Presidential Advisor

By Ingrid Mpanga

It’s indisputable that in our beloved motherland, Uganda, most of us are born with the odds stacked against us and so was the case of the ghetto boy, Edris Musuuza whose story stands as a testament to the belief that the end justifies the means.

Born into a life of hardship, Musuuza’s journey from the slums of Kampala to international acclaim as a musician and now as a Senior Presidential Advisor on creatives is a tale of determination, resilience and strategic foresight.

Early Life and Challenges

Edrisah Musuuza’s childhood was marked by struggle. He was born in Masaka, Uganda. His mother died when he was about 5 years old, and he spent the following 13 years living largely on the streets of Masaka and Kampala. Initially, Kenzo aspired to be a professional footballer and joined Masaka Local Council FC’s camp at the age of 9. He received a sports bursary while at Lubiri Secondary School in Kampala, but he didn’t complete his studies.

Growing up disadvantaged, he was no stranger to poverty and adversity. However, even in the midst of these challenges, Musuuza displayed an early form being street smart. With limited formal education and limited resources, he began to hone his musical craft, performing at local events and small gatherings. His talent was undeniable, but opportunities were scarce for someone of his background.

Breaking Through the Music Industry

Undeterred by the various challenges he had to face, Musuuza relentlessly pursued his musical dream. He understood that in order to break through the barriers of the music industry, he needed to be both strategic and patient. His early works, characterized by raw emotion and authenticity, slowly began to garner attention.

His passion and quest to improve the creatives industry led him to establish the Uganda National Musicians Federation to which he is the president.

As a member of Big Talent Entertainment, he made his breakthrough after the release of his single Stamina and later received international attention after the release of his single, “Sitya Loss” in 2014 with an accompanying viral video that featured the Ghetto Kids.

Musuuza won a BET Award in 2015, and multiple All Africa Music Awards, capturing the hearts of not only Ugandans but African wide, earning him recognition beyond the country’s borders.

As his music career soared, Musuuza has faced personal battles that would have derailed many.

A highly publicised relationship with fellow musician Rema Namakula ended in turmoil when she left him for a Doctor, a decision she believed was a step up from the life they shared. The breakup was not just a personal blow but also a public spectacle that could have easily tarnished his image and career.

Instead the very uncanny and heart broken Musuuza made a musical comeback when he sang a musical hit as his rebuttal song called “Semyekozo”. This song was in response to the song Rema Namakula sang expressing her challenges in their relationship called “Sili Muyembe”, meaning she isn’t a mango fruit that he should wait for her to ripen before making a decision to further their relationship and decried the long wait as he neglected her while other suitors chased her.

From Heartbreak to Strategic Political Ascension

Instead of letting the heartbreak and public scrutiny of his personal life define him, Musuuza chose a different path. He channeled his pain into his music, using it as a form of therapy and a means to connect with his audience on a deeper level. His songs during this period resonated with many, drawing from his personal experiences of love, loss and resilience.

Musuuza’s response to the challenges he faced was nothing short of strategic genius especially his union with

Phiona Nyamutoro, the Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development in Uganda with whom they have sired offsprings.

Upon the presidential appointment that has elevated the status of Musuuza from a musician onto the political arena, his lover took to her Twitter account to celebrate his appointment stating;

“Congratulations on your well deserved appointment, proud of you as always.”

She also thanked his Excellency the President for making this appointment.

Musuuza continues to beat the odds proving that the end always justifies the means and every cloud indeed has a silver lining if one just plays their cards right.