Known for his hilarious impersonations of President Museveni and his trademark blend of classroom wit and political satire, Mpamire has built a career that straddles both teaching and comedy.
Like in many parts of the region, his content has been warmly received by Rwandan audiences, as he continues to grace various stages and expand his performances beyond home.
On Thursday, July 10, he makes a return to the Gen Z Stand-Up Comedy show, a year after his last performance in Kigali.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE upon landing in the capital, the 42-year-old comedian expressed excitement about his return, describing Rwanda as his second home.
"I'm so glad to be back in Rwanda. Rwanda is my second home, apart from Uganda. I'm glad to be here once again and happy to be hosted at Gen Z Comedy," he said.
Gen Z Comedy has quickly become a staple on Kigali's entertainment calendar, known for its vibrant mix of emerging and seasoned comedic talent. This year's show carries a special theme, 'Kwibohora31,' commemorating Rwanda's 31st Liberation Anniversary.
Reflecting on his connection with local fans, Teacher Mpamire praised Rwandan audiences for their purposeful support of comedy.
'Rwandan audiences purposely come for comedy. They're ready, welcoming, and they support local comedians first, which makes it easier for international acts like me,' he said.
Mpamire will join local comedians, including Umushumba, Pirate, Rumi, Kadudu, Joseph, and Dudu for a night promising laughter and high-energy performances.
Speaking further in his interview, he reflected on the significance of performing during Rwanda's Liberation period.
'It's a nice initiative to perform during this time. As a teacher of nationalism, I know the importance of remembering a country's past and celebrating progress. Rwanda has achieved so much â€" from the cleanliness of Kigali to the discipline of its citizens. I'm always impressed,' he added.
Balancing laughter and the classroom
Mpamire's comedic style is a unique fusion of humour and education, deeply rooted in his role as a teacher at Standard High School Zzana in Uganda.
While he occasionally uses humour to engage students, he draws a clear line between comedy and teaching.
'I follow the teachers' code of conduct. When I'm in class, it's class time. But today's students prefer teachers with a sense of humor, so I drop in small jokes related to the lesson â€" it helps them understand better. But I always know my limit,' he shared.
His journey into comedy began after watching Zambian comedian Ben Phiri, who performed in Uganda as a presidential impersonator.
'I was inspired seeing Ben Phiri act as President Museveni and Nelson Mandela. That's how I developed my own version of acting as the president of Uganda,' he recalled.
But Mpamire's craft evolved significantly after studying at the American Comedy Institute in New York, where he learned the art of writing, researching, and performing structured comedy.
'Before America, I only performed as the president. But my teacher, Steve Rosenfield, taught me to anchor my comedy in what I know best â€" teaching. That's how I became Teacher Mpamire. Now, when people watch me, they can tell I've done my homework,' he said.
Mpamire encourages young comedians to be genuine, creative, and open to growth, especially in the face of criticism.
'If you want comedy as a career, you have to rehearse, research, and be original. Everything in life can be comedy â€" you just have to look for it. And remember, nothing is completely new in this world. What matters is how you make it your own,' he advised.
Watch the full interview below:
Rania Umutoni
