Abby Mukiibi Nkaaga, widely known as Hajji Abby or Nabbe, ranks among Uganda’s most acclaimed entertainment figures. This multi-talented artist excels as an actor, comedian, director, producer, and radio host, with a career spanning nearly three decades across theatre, film, television, and broadcasting. His skill in embodying intricate characters, especially military figures, has brought him global notice through Hollywood projects and key roles in African cinema.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Abby Mukiibi Nkaaga (Hajji) |
| Date of Birth | Approximately 1967/1968 |
| Place of Birth | Jinja, Uganda |
| Nationality | Ugandan |
| State of Origin | Central Uganda (Jinja Region) |
| Partner/Spouse | Stella Namatovu |
| Children | 4 Children |
| Occupations | Actor, Comedian, Director, Producer, Radio Personality |
| Net Worth | $500,000 |
Early Life and Education
Born in Jinja, Uganda, to the late Erias Simwogerere and Madina Simwogerere, Abby grew up in the Walukuba housing estates during the 1970s and 1980s. Local cinemas screening action movies with stars like Bud Spencer and Terence Hill sparked his lifelong passion for performance.
He attended schools including Victoria Nile School, Kako Primary School, Makerere College School, and Caltec Academy before studying Music, Dance, and Drama at Makerere University, where he honed his skills in acting, directing, and production.
Career
Abby’s stage journey began in 1988 with his uncle’s group, The Black Pearls, where he started in supporting roles and gained prominence in Ziribasanga Ne Sanyu.
In 1993, he co-founded Afri Talent with peers like Ruth Wanyana and John Segawa after a key departure from Black Pearls. His standout role as the merciless leader Chombe drew praise from UPDF commander General Mugisha Muntu. Over time, he has starred in over 100 plays and directed around 45, including Saagala Agalamidde, Ekitangaala Munzikiza, and The Best of Abby and Patricko.
Entering film in 1996 with Fire of Hope, Abby landed a breakthrough as Colonel Théoneste Bagosora in the 2005 HBO drama Sometimes in April about the Rwandan genocide. This led to his Hollywood debut as Masanga in 2006’s The Last King of Scotland, followed by roles in The Silent Army, The Mercy of the Jungle, Imperial Blue, and Kafa Coh as counsel Golomadi.
Since 1996 at CBS FM, scouted by Daudi Ochieng and Peter Sematimba, Abby has hosted the sports show Kalisoliso Wemizanyo, becoming one of Uganda’s longest-serving radio hosts, later advancing to programmes director. On TV, he hosted Omo Pick A Box and The Good Life, judged Stand Up Uganda, and starred as Mr. Kirunda in the hit series Sanyu (2021-2022), which ran 617 episodes.
Personal Life
Married to Stella Namatovu, Abby and his wife raise four children. His late father’s visit to his dream two-story home marked a fulfilling milestone, reflecting the realization of childhood ambitions from Jinja cinema days. He balances stage personas with everyday family duties.
Net Worth
Abby Mukiibi Nkaaga’s net worth is estimated at approximately $500,000. This wealth accumulates from his extensive career in acting, directing, producing, theatre productions with Afri Talent, television series, radio hosting at CBS FM, and management roles in broadcasting.
Filmography
| Year | Film/Television | Role | Production Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Fires of Hope | – | Missionary video debut |
| 1996 | Ultimatum | – | Early film |
| 1998 | Frontiers of Hell | – | Early film |
| 2000-2004 | Ensitano (The Scuffle) | – | WBS TV soap |
| 2002 | Omo Pick A Box | Host | TV show |
| 2005 | Sometimes in April | Colonel Bagosora | HBO film |
| 2006 | The Last King of Scotland | Masanga | Hollywood film |
| 2007 | The Good Life | Host | Health TV show |
| 2008 | Strength of a Stranger | – | Ugandan film |
| 2008 | The Silent Army/White Light | Michel Obeke | South African film |
| 2008 | Stand Up Uganda | Judge | Comedy show |
| 2009 | Hearts in Pieces | – | Ugandan film |
| 2017 | Bella | – | Film |
| 2018 | The Mercy of the Jungle | Major | Genocide drama |
| 2019 | Imperial Blue | John | Film |
| 2020 | Kafa Coh | Golomadi | Legal drama |
| 2021-2022 | Sanyu | Mr. Kirunda | 617-episode series |
| 2023 | Case Closed | – | Short film |
Awards and Nominations
Key honors include Best Actor at the 1994 Uganda National Theatre Awards for Kabaka Muteesa II in Saagala Agalamidde, a 2014 Distinguished Service Award in Broadcasting, top comedian ranking by Big Eye Magazine in 2015, Best Actor in a TV Series at the 2025 iKON Awards for Sanyu, and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the same event. Additional nods come from UPDF commendations and industry acclaim.
