Ugandan singer Qute Kaye has dismissed claims that he left Uganda simply to seek greener pastures, saying his stay in the United Kingdom is driven by a personal goal to study mental health and become a professional counsellor.
The singer, who has lived in the UK for several years, says he has been pursuing training in mental health and counselling, drawing motivation from his own life experiences and the challenges he has overcome.
Speaking about his progress, Kaye revealed that he had recently completed a Level II course in counselling skills. He previously obtained a diploma in advanced cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), a form of psychological treatment that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviour.
“I have been here for some years but if I’m being honest, I have been studying to understand more about mental health and the other year I got a diploma in advanced cognitive behavioral therapy,” Kaye said.
“Right now, I have finished the second one about two days ago which is Level II in counseling skills and I’m advancing more for level III and level IV to become a counsellor,” he added.
Kaye explained that his interest in the field is closely connected to his personal experiences. He hopes the knowledge he gains through his studies will eventually help him support people dealing with challenges similar to those he has faced.
The singer previously struggled with drug addiction before being taken in by Pastor Robert Kayanja, who helped facilitate his rehabilitation. Following his recovery, Kaye left Uganda but has returned occasionally for personal engagements.
His latest pursuit marks a different direction from his music career, with the singer working towards a future in which he can use his experiences and counselling training to help others.
Kaye also acknowledged that the UK offers opportunities for studying and pursuing counselling that he believes would be harder to access in Uganda. That access has further encouraged him to continue with his education.
His comments do not mean he has abandoned music. Rather, they highlight another ambition he is pursuing alongside the life he built as an entertainer.
Kaye says his next goal is to progress to Level III and Level IV counselling skills training as he works towards becoming a counsellor. His statement describes an ongoing educational journey, rather than confirmation that he is already professionally qualified to practise as one.
For the singer, the move to the UK is therefore about more than earning money abroad. He says it is an opportunity to deepen his understanding of mental health and prepare for a role in which he hopes to help others navigate difficult experiences.