news 2 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Police Seek Hit-and-Run Driver After Musician Master Parrot's Death
Veteran Ugandan musician David Sifaayo, known as Master Parrot, has died following a hit-and-run incident on the Northern Bypass. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage to identify the responsible vehicle and driver. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/police-review-cctv-in-hunt-for-driver-who-killed-master-parrot-5482640
The Ugandan music scene is in mourning following the tragic death of veteran artist David Sifaayo, widely recognized as Master Parrot. He was the victim of a hit-and-run accident on the Northern Bypass in Masanafu on Monday evening.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, the incident occurred around 7:30 PM. Master Parrot was reportedly struck by an unidentified vehicle while walking along the roadway. He was subsequently rushed to Mulago National Referral Hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead.
The driver involved immediately fled the scene. Police have launched an investigation and are actively reviewing CCTV footage from the area in an effort to identify both the vehicle and the driver. “Investigations are ongoing,” Owoyesigyire stated.
News of Master Parrot’s passing sent shockwaves through the music fraternity. Fellow artists, including opposition leader Bobi Wine and Uganda National Musicians Federation president Eddy Kenzo, took to social media to express their grief and pay tribute to the artist, remembering him as a pioneer of Uganda’s urban music movement.
Master Parrot was a founding member of the influential Firebase Crew in the late 1990s and early 2000s, alongside other prominent artists. He cemented his status as a recognizable dancehall and reggae artist with a catalogue of over 30 songs, including popular hits like ‘Muliro’ and ‘Mama Wabana’.
In his later years, Master Parrot had largely withdrawn from the public eye, reportedly facing personal challenges. Concern had been raised by fans and colleagues earlier this year after videos depicting him in a distressed state circulated online, with reports suggesting struggles with addiction and mental health issues. His family had previously appealed for support for his rehabilitation.
His body was taken to his residence before a public viewing at the National Theatre. Burial is scheduled for Wednesday in Kamengo, Butembe Sirinya B, along the Mpigi-Masaka Road.