The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has come to the aid of Ugandan actor Arnold Mubangizi, famed for portraying President Yoweri Museveni in the film 27 Guns. Mubangizi had recently made headlines after revealing his struggles with financial hardship and personal challenges.
The CDF’s donation was delivered to Mubangizi by his military assistant, Col Christopher Muwumba, at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs. Mubangizi expressed gratitude for the gesture, saying the funds would greatly help him, especially in caring for his mother, who suffered a stroke.
Col Muwumba encouraged the actor to reach out to the CDF’s office whenever he felt overwhelmed instead of suffering in silence.
Gen Kainerugaba, who is also the Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations, was moved to act after learning of Mubangizi’s plight, posting on X that he had ordered his office to “take care of him immediately.”
Film director Loukman Ali also confirmed the support, sharing screenshots of Mubangizi’s messages of thanks to the General.
In media interviews, Mubangizi said his role in 27 Guns brought unexpected hostility, with some people mistaking him for a political figure and accusing him of being a spy. He revealed that he had received death threats, was attacked in 2019 while playing football in Kireka, and had even contemplated suicide due to mounting pressures.
Mubangizi’s experience mirrors that of several actors worldwide who face backlash when audiences blur the line between fiction and reality.
