People saw his hair fall out, his body shrink and finally, die in december 1989 as a result of HIV/AIDS – a disease which has claimed millions of people in Uganda.
Musician Philly Bongole Lutaaya did the unthinkable in September 1989, at a press conference in Kampala, he openly exposed his HIV status at a time when the disease was highly stigmatised.
Lutaaya didnt stop at that, he went ahead to carry out Music and Educational tours across the country thus, promoting understanding, compassion and respect for people living with HIV.
His memorable farewell album Alone and Frightened released on September 1989 further, boosted the campaign.
People started to see the disease as a reality, unlike the previous years, when the disease was mainly associated with witchcraft.
Condom use, testing and treatment became acceptable. The government also stepped up its efforts to combant the disease. Such efforts, included; rolling up public health messages and the establishment of the Uganda AIDS Commission among others.
As a result of the efforts to cambant the epidermic since Lutaaya's years, prevalence rates have reduced from 30 percent in 1992 – the highest in the world by then - to the current 6.4 percent according to The Independent magazine.
Lutaaya's music remains popular up-to-now. Recently, in a project to celebrate his life, several Ugandan artists including Bobi Wine and Chameleon re-recorded and perfomed his music.
His christmass album recorded in sweden in 1986, remains the most memorable especially during christmass season in Ugandan christian families.
Lutaaya's other popular hits are Ugira Tulinda, Baasi Namakwekwe, Bw'oba Osiimye, Philly Empisa Zo Zikyuseko and Flora Atwooki among others.
His AIDS campaign efforts have made him a role model and a hero to many ugandans.
Recently, the Ugandan North American Association created a Philly Bongole Lutaaya award recorgnising his leadership role in increasing HIV/AIDS awareness in Uganda.
