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About 20 years ago, celebrated actor and broadcaster Gaetano Kagwa contemplated joining politics.
At the time, he had just become a household name after he represented Uganda in the inaugural Big Brother Africa series.
His participation not only elevated his celebrity status but also led to a grand homecoming, with fans showering him with money and gifts upon his return.
Upon his return to a massive fanbase at home, Gaetano captured the attention of President Yoweri Museveni.
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“At one point, the president of Uganda asked me what I was going to do with all this fame and the following I had,” Gaetano revealed in an interview with Sabrina Agasha.
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At the time, Museveni was leading a national campaign against HIV/AIDS, particularly targeting young people.
Gaetano was subsequently brought on board as an ambassador for the campaign, travelling the country with the president and addressing youth on the importance of HIV prevention.
“Somehow, I was handed the role of acting as an ambassador in this campaign.”
Lured into politics
During this period, he recalls, a prominent individual approached him with an offer to venture into politics, promising financial and logistical support.
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“They thought I would be able to achieve so much, and they said they would give me all the financial and other support I needed. They were very enticing,” he recounted,
However, Gaetano declined, feeling that the compromises inherent in politics conflicted with his personal values.
“I thought about it, but I declined. I said no because I am a people-pleaser, and I love to have fun, but as a politician, you cannot please all the people all the time, and those you do not please will feel some kind of way,” he reflects. “It did not feel right.”
Instead of diving into politics, Gaetano chose to continue his journey in entertainment.
Today, he is a well-established media personality, co-hosting the popular breakfast show "Gaetano & Lucky in the Morning" on 91.3 Capital FM.