Veteran media personality and talent manager MC Kats has opened up about the financial reality behind his decades of service to Uganda’s music industry, revealing that no artist has ever gifted him more than UGX 2 million as appreciation for his work.
Speaking in a recent interview, Kats—real name Edwin Katamba—said that despite playing a monumental role in promoting musicians, hosting events, and shaping some of Uganda’s biggest stars, he has rarely received tangible appreciation.
Kats disclosed that the biggest gift he has ever received was from singer Pallaso, who once gave him an Audi car—though the vehicle was not in perfect condition, it remains the most valuable gesture he has received in his career.
“No musician has ever got UGX 1 million and given it to me. They usually give me 500k, 200k when you find them again. But for all the concerts I have done, I don’t remember an artiste paying me or giving me solid cash of 2 million,” Kats said.
He clarified that he does not feel entitled to any artist’s money because none of them formally hired him; instead, he supported them out of passion and love for the industry.
However, he admits the lack of recognition can be painful at times:
“I know they will ask me, did I ever request your help? So I lament and leave it there.”
MC Kats is one of Uganda’s longest-serving entertainment contributors, having worked in media for over 20 years and helped launch the careers of several successful musicians.