Uganda’s music industry is mourning the death of veteran dancehall artist David Sifaayo, popularly known as Master Parrot.
The former Leone Island and Firebase Crew musician died in a road accident along Kampala’s Northern Bypass on Monday night.
Reports indicate that the singer was struck by a speeding vehicle while attempting to cross the road in Busega at around 8:00 p.m.
Videos shared on social media showed boda boda riders gathered at the accident scene shortly after the crash.
The riders accused police of taking too long to respond after being alerted about the incident.
They later helped officers remove the body from the road and place it onto a police patrol vehicle.
A close friend of the deceased, Yusuf Nampala, said he first learned about the tragedy through former schoolmates.
“I got a call from Abu Kawenja and Solo Kayemba, both our OBs from Makerere, saying they had heard about Sifaayo’s death and wanted me to confirm,” Nampala said.
He immediately called the musician’s phone to verify the reports.
“A police officer answered and told me the phone owner had died in an accident and that they were taking the body to City Mortuary, Mulago,” he added.
Nampala revealed that Master Parrot had been living with his family in Kiwatule.
He also noted that the singer had left Leone Island many years ago to pursue his solo music career.
“Sifaayo left Leone Island a long time ago and went solo. He had been staying with his mother and family in Kiwatule,” Nampala said.
“I do not know much about the accident. We shall get more details from the police report.”
Born and raised in Makerere-Kivulu, Master Parrot was among the notable figures in Uganda’s dancehall music scene.
He released several popular songs and was associated with both Jose Chameleone’s Leone Island and Bobi Wine’s Firebase Crew.
Although he later stepped away from the spotlight, he remained a familiar figure in Kampala’s entertainment circles, particularly in Kamwokya.
By Tuesday, the Uganda Police Force had not yet released an official statement regarding the crash.
His death adds to Uganda’s growing road safety concerns.
Police statistics show that the country recorded 25,107 road crashes in 2025, including 4,434 fatal accidents.
Authorities have repeatedly cited speeding, reckless overtaking, poor vehicle maintenance, and unsafe road conditions as leading causes of road fatalities.
Friends, fans, and fellow musicians have since paid tribute to Master Parrot, remembering him as a talented artist whose contribution to Uganda’s music industry will not be forgotten.
