Veteran Ugandan musician Master Parrot, born David Sifayo, has died following a road accident in Kampala, ending a music career that helped shape Uganda’s contemporary entertainment industry.
According to preliminary reports, the singer was struck by a speeding motorcycle on Monday evening while attempting to cross the Northern Bypass in the Masanafu area. He reportedly sustained critical injuries and later succumbed to them. Authorities had not yet released a detailed police report by press time.
The death of Master Parrot has sent shockwaves through Uganda’s music fraternity, with fellow artists, fans, and entertainment stakeholders paying tribute to one of the country’s most influential performers of the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Master Parrot rose to prominence with popular songs such as Muliro and Ekikompola, which became household hits and established him as one of Uganda’s most recognizable entertainers. His energetic stage performances and unique musical style earned him a loyal fan base across the country and beyond.
He was also among the pioneering members of Firebase Crew, the influential music group founded by Bobi Wine. The collective played a significant role in nurturing some of Uganda’s biggest music stars and transforming the local music scene.
Although he later left the group, Master Parrot reunited with Firebase Crew in 2017 and collaborated with Mickie Wine on a remix of Muliro, marking a celebrated return to the spotlight.
His death comes amid growing concern over road safety in Uganda. Road crashes continue to claim thousands of lives annually, with pedestrians and motorcycle users among the most vulnerable road users. Experts have repeatedly cited speeding, reckless driving, and poor observance of traffic regulations as major contributors to the country’s high accident rate.
Tributes continued to pour in on social media Tuesday, with many fans remembering Master Parrot as a trailblazer whose music defined an era and inspired a generation of artists.
As family members, friends, and the entertainment industry mourn his passing, Master Parrot will be remembered not only for his chart-topping hits but also for his contribution to the growth and evolution of Uganda’s music industry.
His death marks the loss of another pioneering figure in Uganda’s cultural and entertainment history.
