Singer real name Edirisa Musuuza, better known by his stage name ‘Eddy Kenzo,’who also doubles as the president of the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF), has urged Ugandan artists to take advantage of the masses they perform to, to spread awareness of HIV/AIDS prevention from spread and reduce the new infections.
While appearing for an interview with Emuk Benjamen during the launch of iknowKati campaign at A’lure suites in Mutundwe, the senior presidential advisor on creatives said their partnership with Reach A Hand Uganda (RAHU) is a noble cause and will go a long way in ending the spike spread of HIV/AIDS virus in the country.
The partnership between RAHU and UNMF dubbed “IKnowKati” campaign is aimed at raising HIV awareness among young people in Uganda, hence reducing the new infections and as well as managing the virus within those who live with it so that they live a happy and productive long life.
“As musicians, I believe we are the most effective people to spread awareness messages regarding HIV/AIDS education, including preventive methods and protective measures of getting infected and spreading HIV/AIDS to others respectively. Musicians are well suited for the job because we command quite a sizable number of fans, music lovers and let’s say, all categories of people all over the Uganda, so, artist ought to inform, educate the masses of the dangers of HIV/AIDS as well as making them aware of the available preventive measures as through our music which is enjoyed by a number of Ugandans.”
The singer acknowledges the fact that by informing the masses of the available preventive measures and the dangers the virus comes with, “we shall surely be reducing the number of people getting infected.”
He added, “We are trying to make people aware that it’s always good to do checkups before you engage in a sexual relationship with that new person you are falling in for. We are telling you that hey look, you better test them for HIV, it is not a crime to first test them to know their HIV/AIDS status.”
Speaking about what the federation has considered in line with the campaign, Kenzo revealed that the federation has set up a desk, led by singer Sophie Gombya, where artists living with HIV can privately seek medical attention.
The ‘Weekend’ songster applauded RAHU for making a good choice by considering musicians to do the job of awareness creation towards HIV/AIDS prevention among other agendas aimed at stopping new infections.
Kenzo further on, called upon all musicians and public figures to always make it a point to regularly test for HIV/AIDS, a good conduct he said will ensure they live healthy, meaningful lives, one with purpose!
