KAMPALA, Uganda — Veteran Ugandan media personality Edwin Katamba commonly known as MC Kats has opened up about his personal journey living with HIV, saying that years after his diagnosis, he still grapples with unanswered questions about how he contracted the virus.
Speaking in a recent interview, the television presenter said he often wonders who may have infected him, adding that the question remains deeply emotional for him.
“When I meet God, I want to ask Him who infected me with HIV,” Kats said.
The entertainment personality said he learned of his status at what he describes as the peak of his career, when he was one of Uganda’s most visible media figures.
According to Kats, the fame and fast-paced lifestyle at the time created a false sense of invulnerability.
“That was the time I was all over the place; in bars, on TV, and I was selling like a hot cake. I felt like I was too cool to get HIV,” he said.
Looking back, he said that mindset prevented him from fully appreciating the risks he was exposed to during that period.
Kats also recalled previously suspecting a specific encounter as a possible source of infection, but said those assumptions were later challenged after the individual tested negative, leaving him with further uncertainty.
Beyond his personal reflections, the media personality spoke about how HIV testing has evolved over the years, noting that self-testing kits have made diagnosis more accessible and private compared to earlier years when individuals had to visit health facilities.
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He said fear of being seen at testing centres had once discouraged him from seeking early confirmation of his status.
Kats added that improved access to testing tools has now reduced stigma and barriers that previously prevented many people from knowing their HIV status.
He encouraged Ugandans to undergo regular testing, saying early detection helps improve health outcomes and reduces fear and uncertainty.
MC Kats, who has publicly lived with HIV for several years, continues to use his platform to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage people to seek treatment and support without shame.
