Ugandan media personality and events host MC Kats, born Edwin Katamba, has spoken candidly about one of the most painful periods of his life, recounting how he says his HIV status became public without his consent and reflecting on the loss of his second baby mama.
During a recent interview, MC Kats described the emotional toll of seeing deeply personal information appear in the media after he had shared it with someone he considered a trusted friend. He also opened up about the challenges he faced while trying to support his second baby mama, who, according to him, was living with HIV before her death.
His remarks offered a deeply personal account of betrayal, grief, and the realities of living openly with HIV.
MC Kats Says a Trusted Friend Published His HIV Status
According to MC Kats, only three people initially knew about his HIV status after he received the diagnosis.
He said he later decided to confide in a close friend who worked as a reporter for the now-defunct Red Pepper newspaper. Kats explained that he wanted to reassure his friend that singer Fille had accepted his HIV status and that their relationship had not been affected by the diagnosis.
Instead, he alleges that the conversation became the basis of a front-page newspaper story.
“I told a close friend of mine from Red Pepper that Fille was okay with me despite my HIV status. He wrote a headline on the front page saying, ‘KATS GAVE ME HIV.'”
MC Kats said the publication dramatically changed his life, adding that he has kept a copy of the newspaper nearly a decade later.
“I still have that paper in my house nine years later. Do you know the reach Red Pepper had? The paper used to sell out by 10 a.m. You can imagine what my family, friends, and relatives went through.”
He described the incident as particularly painful because he had frequently helped the reporter by providing exclusive stories from Kampala’s nightlife and entertainment scene.
A Personal Betrayal That Left a Lasting Impact
For MC Kats, the issue was not only that his health status became public, but also the way it happened.
He said he had trusted someone he considered a close friend, making the alleged publication especially difficult to process.
Although the disclosure became a defining moment in his public life, Kats has since become one of Uganda’s most recognizable public figures living openly with HIV. Over the years, he has spoken publicly about treatment, awareness, and the importance of reducing stigma surrounding the virus.
His latest comments revisit the emotional circumstances surrounding that chapter rather than introducing new claims about his health.
Remembering the Loss of His Second Baby Mama
MC Kats also reflected on another painful experience from the same period—losing his second baby mama.
According to Kats, she was also HIV-positive. He claimed that although he understood the importance of antiretroviral therapy (ARVs) and was taking his own medication, her parents refused to allow her to begin treatment.
He said the situation left him feeling powerless.
“The most hurting thing around that time was that my second baby mama was sick with HIV. I was educated about the medication and I was taking mine, but her parents were old-fashioned and refused to get her the medication.”
MC Kats added that he watched her health decline despite wanting her to receive treatment.
“I watched that girl practically die, but I had no choice. They refused to give her ARVs. If they had done so, she would probably still be alive today.”
His account reflects his personal recollection of the events. The claims regarding the circumstances surrounding her medical treatment have not been independently verified in the information provided.
Why His Story Matters
MC Kats’ latest remarks go beyond celebrity headlines, touching on issues of medical privacy, trust, and HIV awareness.
His account highlights the impact that unauthorized disclosure of a person’s health information can have on families and relationships. It also underscores the importance of access to HIV treatment, which health experts have long identified as a critical factor in helping people with HIV live longer and healthier lives.
By sharing his experiences, Kats contributes to ongoing conversations about stigma, confidentiality, and the value of early treatment and support.
Behind MC Kats’ public career is a deeply personal story of loss and resilience. His reflections reveal the emotional weight of navigating life after a private diagnosis became public and the heartbreak of losing someone he cared about. While the memories remain painful, his willingness to speak openly continues to add a human perspective to conversations surrounding HIV awareness and acceptance.
Nearly a decade after his HIV status became public, MC Kats says the memories remain vivid, but so does his determination to speak honestly about the experiences that shaped his life.