Ugandan musician Ronald Mayinja has opened up about a painful chapter in his music career, revealing how allegations that he was living with HIV/AIDS were allegedly used to ridicule him and damage his public image.
The singer recalled facing repeated accusations during his early days in the entertainment industry, saying some individuals turned the illness into a tool for humiliating him and undermining his progress.
Mayinja stressed that he has no prejudice against people living with HIV, but said the accusations hurt because they were allegedly being used to discredit him rather than show concern for anyone’s health.
“They used to accuse me of having HIV/AIDS. I don’t look down on people who are sick, but they used it as a way of putting me down and undermining me,” he said.
Despite the experience, the musician said he eventually managed to rise above the remarks and continue building his career.
But his account also included a touching encounter that gave the story a different dimension.
Mayinja recalled meeting a young boy after one of his performances in Nakivubo. According to the singer, the child broke down in tears after seeing him, prompting Mayinja to approach him and ask what was wrong.
The boy reportedly explained that he was living with HIV, having been born with the condition.
Mayinja said he comforted the youngster and assured him that everything would be fine.
The child then reportedly told the singer that he had been advised to take anyone he encountered who was battling the same illness to the health facility where he received treatment, so that they could also access medical attention.
The encounter left Mayinja reflecting on the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS and the importance of treating people living with the condition with dignity and compassion.
His experience also highlights the difference between using a health condition to shame someone and offering support to people who need understanding and medical care.
While the accusations against Mayinja were presented as attempts to undermine his reputation, the singer’s recollection of the young fan’s experience offered a more personal reminder of the real people affected by HIV-related stigma.
For Mayinja, the encounter became a memorable moment that connected his own painful experiences with a message of encouragement for people living with HIV.