Uganda Must Laugh: The Doctor Who Prescribes Laughter
The Ugandan comedy scene continues to rise as one of the most vibrant segments of the country’s entertainment industry, and at its heart is a man with a unique prescription for happiness. Dr Hillary Okello, fondly known as Dr Hillary, is a trained medic who chose the path of humor over hospital rounds, trading the stethoscope for a microphone. His mission is simple yet profound — to heal through laughter.
Offstage, Dr Hillary is quiet, observant, and meticulous, qualities that reflect his medical background. But once he steps on stage, his transformation is instant. He becomes an energetic storyteller, weaving humor into everyday Ugandan experiences and leaving his audiences in uncontrollable laughter. His jokes are more than punchlines; they are reflections of life’s absurdities that everyone can relate to.
“Comedy has become full-time now,” he says with a smile. “But the medical discipline helps me stay organized and grounded. Once a medic, always a medic.”
From Kampala to the World
The Ugandan comedy scene is increasingly finding its place on the global map, and Dr Hillary is among the faces leading that charge. From his early days performing at open mics in Kampala to gracing stages in Botswana and South Africa, his comedic journey has been one of persistence and passion. This December, he headlines a show in Harare before embarking on a world comedy tour that will take him to over ten African countries and five European cities, including London, Oslo, and Berlin, before heading to North America and Australia.
“It feels amazing to take Ugandan comedy to the world,” he says. “Laughter truly travels. When people from different countries connect with Ugandan stories, it shows how powerful humor can be.”
His comedy style remains deeply rooted in Ugandan life — from chaotic taxi rides to family dynamics and village ceremonies — yet universally relatable. “I focus on shared human experiences,” he explains. “I may start with something Ugandan, but by the end, everyone sees themselves in it. That’s the magic.”
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Comedy with Purpose
Dr Hillary’s comedy is more than entertainment; it’s thoughtful commentary wrapped in humor. Whether he’s poking fun at politics, relationships, or cultural quirks, there’s always a layer of truth that leaves the audience both laughing and thinking. “I use humor to say serious things in a way people can laugh, reflect, and still go home happy,” he says.
Asked about the current state of the Ugandan comedy scene, he responds with optimism. “We’ve come far — the talent is undeniable. What we need now is more structure, better industry support, and platforms to take our craft global. I want to see Ugandan comedians on Netflix and touring the world.”
Inspiration and Legacy
Dr Hillary draws inspiration from both Ugandan and international legends. Locally, he looks up to Salvador, Pablo, and Anne Kansiime, pioneers who gave comedy a professional face in Uganda. Globally, he admires Trevor Noah, Kevin Hart, and Dave Chappelle for their ability to mix truth with humor and connect with audiences across cultures.
For him, comedy is about connection — the shared joy of laughter that unites people beyond backgrounds or borders. “Uganda is rich in humor, heart, and humanity,” he says proudly. “We laugh through everything. Hopefully, we can change how the world views Africa — one joke at a time.”
The Return to Theatre Labonita
For those eager to experience his craft live, Dr Hillary has something special lined up. He returns to Theatre Labonita this Friday, November 7, for a night of unfiltered laughter, sharp storytelling, and surprises. Fans can expect a performance that blends wit, truth, and authentic Ugandan humor.
“Expect pure laughter, clever storytelling, and that signature Ugandan humor that makes us laugh at our own realities,” he teases. “This show is for all of us — Uganda must laugh!”
As Uganda’s entertainment scene continues to evolve, the rise of personalities like Dr Hillary signals a new golden age for comedy. The Ugandan comedy scene is no longer confined to local clubs — it’s global, bold, and full of heart, reminding everyone that laughter, indeed, is the best medicine.
