Hundreds throng Lweza Church to pray for singer AK-47

Ms Margaret Kiweesi (in black gomesi), the mother of AK-47’s children (two are cuddled) is comforted by other mourners. Photo Michael Kakumirizi

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Ms Margaret Kiweesi, described the father of her children as someone who was very respectful, hardworking and loving

KAMPALA. Hundreds of mourners thronged St Joseph Catholic Church in Lweza parish yesterday to pray for deceased singer Emmanuel Mayanja popularly known as AK-47.
Fr Vianney Mugabo, the parish priest, urged artistes to be role models in society because the public listens to them more than anyone else.
“When I first heard Emma’s song titled Nnalongo Tukole, I fell in love with its educative message. It encourages people to work hard. I, therefore, ask his fans to emulate him by working hard,” Fr Mugabo said.
While eulogising his late brother, Joseph Mayanja, aka Jose Chameleone, described AK-47 as a great friend. “I did what I could to help him. He loved and respected me as his elder brother. He was a great friend to everyone. You have gone very soon my brother. May your soul rest in peace,” he said.
Mr Pius Mayanja, alias Pallaso, described his deceased brother as a patient and calm person. “My brother was very calm. He always distanced himself from chaos. I remember a day when he was made to sing at gunpoint in Juba, he did so without hesitation and God helped him go through it unhurt. Emma never insulted anyone,” he said.
Pallaso also applauded Chameleone for helping them join the music industry. “We are not that much educated, but Chameleone brought the microphone to our courtyard. We are surviving because of his efforts. Even those who described us as failures, praise us now,” said Pallaso.
Gerald Mayanja, the deceased’s father, acknowledged that his children are not easy to handle. But he heaped praises on AK-47 for being respectful to his parents and elders.
Mr Mayanja praised his late son for being very generous; “He would come home to visit with only Shs50,000; he would tell me to take Shs20,000 and give him the balance. He cared about us even when he was not doing well financially,”, Mr Mayanja said.
AK-47’s mother Prossy Mayanja proudly spoke of her son as a humble person who never indulged in fights like his older brothers.
Ms Margaret Kiweesi, described the father of her children as someone who was very respectful, hardworking and loving.
“On November 20, 2014, I gave birth to our twins. He was at a show at that time. He was very excited and proud to be a father of twins. I came from the US to celebrate the twins who are now two months old, not to bury. It is unfortunate that he has left me with very young children,” she said.