Gen Kainerugaba Meets Visiting American Hollywood Star Nick Cannon

The Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and visiting American movie star Nick Cannon last evening held mutual discussions to promote Ugandan tourism prospects in the United States and offer support to youth projects in the country.

The meeting was held at Protea Hotel in Entebbe shortly before Cannon flew out of the country aboard KLM Airways after his two-day visit to Uganda. Cannon, who is also a singer, rapper, producer and television show host was in Uganda at the invitation of Wells of Hope Ministries, an organisation that supports children of incarcerated parents. Wells of Hope ministries, founded by Mr. Francis Ssuubi, was introduced to Cannon by Dr Bahhiyah Muhammad from Howard University in the US who has already been doing some work with the organisation.

Cannon, 38, is a student at Howard University pursuing a doctorate in sociology and criminology under the supervision of Dr Muhammad. On Wednesday he visited Wells of Hope primary and secondary schools in Nakaseke district where some of these children are educated. On Thursday, he visited the source of the River Nile in Jinja before winding up his short visit to the country. Describing Uganda as exceedingly beautiful, Cannon said he will be back in Uganda in June to support the construction of another Wells of Hope secondary school. “I have been to Africa before in Morroco, Nigeria and South Africa, but nothing compares to Uganda in terms of scenic beauty. I will encourage other American stars to visit Uganda,” said Cannon, who was married to renowned American Musician Mariah Carey from 2008 until their divorce in 2016.

A great Guy

“I welcome you to Uganda, my brother. This is your home, and we are most honoured to host you. Please come again because there are many beautiful parts of Uganda you have not had time to visit this time around,” said Gen. Kainerugaba. Nick Cannon is known for his role in films like ‘Whatever it Takes,’ ‘Love Don’t Cost a thing,’ ‘Drumline,’ and television series ‘Real Husbands of Hollywood’ among others. He is currently working on a project that focuses on how families and children of prison inmates can bond together with the inmates. Wells of Hope takes care of children whose parents are either on life sentence or whose prison sentence is more than 10 years.

The children are supported with education and psycho-social support. During the same meeting, Gen. Kainerugaba donated Shs 10 million to the organisation to support its operations. “We are humbled and very thankful for your generous and timely support, General,” said the organisation’s head, Francis Ssuubi.

Meanwhile, Gen Kainerugaba hailed the American superstar for loving Uganda.

The General particularly hailed the American born superstar saying he was “honoured to hang out with the great American actor and singer Nick Cannon”.

“He is a great guy, lots of fun. He loves our country so much. Till we meet again brother,” read the photo caption, the General shared on his Twitter account.

Just last year in October, Gen Kainerugaba met with visiting American celebrity couple Kanye West and Kim Kardashian.

Cannon, on his charity mission, checked in at Wells of Hope Academy in Nakaseke district, central Uganda to hang out with the children there and their instructors.

“I am an entertainer, an artist. I have done several different things – Hip Hop music, movies, television, comedy – but none of that work is as important as being here today and being here with you all,” he says inside one of the facilities at the school. The footage is posted on Twitter.

“The entire journey has been so eye-opening,” Cannon adds, expressing his eagerness to learn more about the school.

“It’s intriguing to hear more stories and get to know you all.”