I look up to God for healing - Mamuli Katumba

By Carol Kasujja & Isaac Baligema

Ailing artiste Mamuli Katumba is seeking sh400m for a kidney transplant. He is battling diabetes and hyper tension as well. Mamuli's plight came to light in May when he got bedridden. 

Carol Kasujja talked to him in Nansana where he's putting up at Pastor Isaac Ogwal's home. Below are excerpts of the conversation.

Mamuli, why are you at home not hospital?

I go to Mulago Hospital when my drugs are finished. Besides, my pressure is now normal so I can be managed from home. I am so grateful to pastor Isaac Ogwal for bringing me to his home. There is peace here.

Mamuli Katumba's wife has been by his side throughout his suffering. Photo/Isaac Baligema

Since you are staying at a pastor’s home, does that mean you gave your life to Christ?

I am born again. I confessed this year that Jesus is my personal savior. I have gone through a lot, there is nothing bigger than God.

You look restless, what is disturbing you right now?

I have a serious backache, my legs are hurting, my left hand is paralyzed, I sleep on one side, I cannot stand on my own.

I spend sleepless nights because when something scares me, I can shake like for 20 minutes. We have done tests but they are all showing diabetes and kidney problem.

One thing I am glad of I do not have HIV/AIDS. All my results from Mildmay and Mulago show that I am HIV free.

You are a handsome man, didn’t women disturb you?

Mamuli Katumba performing during his hey days. Photo/Isaac Baligema

Oh my God! I do not how many women I disappointed because they wanted me and I did not want them. I remember when I would finish performing; I would find all kinds of women waiting for me back stage. What they did not know I was shy.
If I did not hide from women, I would have died sometime back with the late Kasozi. But what also helped me, I married when I was still young. I got my first wife when I was 18years.

Is it true you have so many women and children?

I have three official wives, Teddy Katumba,Harriet Katumba and Nandaula.As a muganda man, I will not tell you how many children I have. Just know I have so many children. They will even feel bad if I start counting them for you.

Do you smoke or drink?

I have never smoked nor drunk anything alcoholic. I grew up in a Muslim family.my father was not a Muslim but most his relatives were Muslim that is how I was controlled.

You started singing sometime back, what do you have to show?

Those days we used to sing big hits but we never had money. We had fame and respect. Very few musicians of my regime have money. Most of us are poor. Promoters used to cheat us. During our time, they were only few musicians with cars; It was Elly Wamala, Paul Kafeero and Moses Matovu. But these days, an artist can do one song and he gets rich the following month.

How do you spend your leisure time?

I love farming but during weekends I like visiting the beach with my children. As a comedian, I also love watching drama.

What message do you have for your fans?

I thank all my fans for standing with me in this hard time, may God bless whoever gave me something. Let’s keep the love. If we raise the money and I go to India, I will be back on my foot very soon.

Why do you think musicians never turned up for your charity walk?

There is no togetherness in the industry. But I do not blame them. Today it’s me tomorrow it is someone else. This thing of helping it is about someone’s heart, you cannot force people.

How much have you raised so far?

So far we have sh20m. Yet we need sh400m. I call upon everyone who can help me to send me mobile money on 0772-496217.or send to my account number in pride microfinance 21-73-16-00-15-47-8.The account is in my name.

Also related to this story

Friends to fundraise for singer Mamuli Katumba

Artistes shun Mamuli Katumba fundraiser