During the commemoration of the World Aids day last year, veteran artiste and Alina Talents executive director ALOYSIUS MATOVU JOY declared that he was HIV positive.
His testimony of living with the virus, for 16 years now, caught many including fellow artistes off-guard. Matovu talked to Yudaya Nangonzi about what he is doing to give back to society.
“Can Philly Lutaaya’s courage be echoed in Bakayimbira’s Matovu?” Well that is the feeling for now. A close friend to the legendary Lutaaya, Matovu says he has always felt challenged to meet the high standards reached by the Swedish singer.
In 1988, singer Philly Bongoley Lutaaya made headlines when he announced that he was HIV+. Yet recently, Matovu was invited by Lutaaya’s daughter Tezirah Lutaaya to write and recite a poem about his father.
“Now, when I read that article … I want to show people that the journey has now started and no looking back,” the 55-year-old actor says.
On July 29, he worked with Alina Talents and the 1st infantry division of Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) to launch a campaign to sensitise students. Dubbed Soldiers for Life, the one-year campaign targets higher institutions and schools in Buganda, Bunyoro and Busoga, using drama to teach about the dangers of HIV.
Speaking to students of Old Kampala SS last week, during the launch of the school tours, Matovu said many youths are sexually active but are clueless on what to do, including those that are HIV positive.
“As you see me here, I am HIV positive but I’m not ill. What is troubling me now is diabetes,” he said. “Doctors tell me that my virus is undetectable because I adhere to my medication which I call my daily bread,” he said.
Capt Yusuf Katamba, the coordinator of the campaign, said it was initiated following the huge number of young people that turned up at the Kakiri military hospital for treatment of malaria and other illness, only to be found with HIV.
“We have decided to move into schools to ensure that we reduce on the infections. The numbers are alarming and we can only stop this through a pro-active strategy of edutainment,” Katamba said.
He added that the campaign will run for a year and later assess its impact on whether to roll it out to other parts of the country. Globally, an estimated 37 million people are living with HIV, the virus that causes Aids.
Statistics from ministry of Health indicate that out of the 83,265 new infections, 3,487 (4 per cent) were children below 14 years while teenagers between 15 to 24 years were 29,509 (35 per cent).
SWEET ENEMY DRAMA
At Old Kampala, students were treated to 45-minute play titled; ‘Sweet enemy in schools’. Written by Andrew Damba, also part of the 28-member cast, the play portrays the vicious cycle of sexual immorality and HIV/Aids in schools.
Damba told The Observer that he conceived the idea after reflecting on many sexual escapades he observed among students.
“As a teacher, I feel I have done some substantial work for the youth through this play. It will not only guide students but also teachers and school proprietors,” said Damba, now a tutor at NTC Mubende.
UPDF political commissar Col Felix Kulayigye urged students to use each minute they spend at school to gain knowledge to develop the country.
“When someone says you are beautiful, say thank you and then tell him, so what? When they call you a dude, say thank you and say you have heard it before because sugar mummies are now after young boys,” Kulayigye told students. “No one is worth your attention except your academics because the future is much better than the present.”
At the end of the day, Maj Benedicto Kyamanywa, the in-charge of laboratory testing for the campaign, said they tested at least 249 students. Schools lined up so far for the play are; Kings College Buddo and Namagabi SS as they wait for more invites.
What students say?
Ronald Baguma, S5C
Relating the HIV/Aids prevalence to us the youth through a play was the best idea. The play was very moving. I conclude that abstinence is the best cure to HIV/Aids for school-going children. To fellow students, I believe we can hold on until we get married.
Jaudah Nalumu, S6A, 18
I have learnt not to engage in early sex most especially when you are still in school. To my fellow girls, once you get pregnant, seek a counselor and avoid abortions.
Steven Kalibbala, Head prefect, S5C, 21
The play has been very educative and full of fun. Students should know that whatever they are telling us is out of experience. I think if we adhere to their message, we shall realise the future of Uganda.
Jessica Grace, S5V, 18
I have learnt to befriend teachers with an aim of helping me during revision and guidance but not engaging in love affairs.
nangonzi@observer.ug