Pearl Magic drama, Sanyu Series is one of the most popular series in Uganda which centres around SANYU, played by Catherine Namugenyi. That’s right, we have finally got a hold of IKON Award-winning actress, Catherine Namugenyi for an exclusive interview with Kampala Edge Times. She is popular for playing alongside Allan Kutos for 4 successful seasons which contained 880 episodes. Ladies, this is the story of the jolly, impeccable, incredible Catherine Namugenyi as she explained her life to John Kenny. Enjoy!
Who is Catherine Namugenyi?
1. Tell us about yourself.
I’m Catherine Namugenyi, a simple, down-to-earth, social, and open-minded Ugandan girl. I sometimes hesitate to add “local” because, while I fully embrace my roots, I still struggle to write it down.
2. Can you tell us about your family and background?
I come from a very loving family. I have two sisters who are married, and my parents have been together for almost 30 years. In fact, I think tomorrow is their anniversary—and it’s also my birthday – 10 February! I was raised in a humble Catholic home with a loving father, mother, and two sisters. It was a women-filled household, which is why I naturally gravitate toward women’s causes. I’m always involved in things that uplift and support women.
3. Where was Catherine Namugenyi born and raised?
I was born and raised in Kampala, Uganda.
4. What’s your educational background?
I studied Environmental Health Sciences at Mulago Paramedical School. When COVID-19 happened, it disrupted a lot, but I pushed through.
Catherine Namugenyi before she was an actress
5. What did Catherine Namugenyi do before becoming an actress?
Before acting, I was a student pursuing Environmental Health Sciences at Mulago Paramedical.
6. What was your experience like playing the role of Sanyu?
It was an incredibly educational experience. I learned a lot—sometimes the hard way. You know how Africans say, “I learned the hard way”? That was me. But overall, it was a journey of growth and discovery.
7. What was the toughest moment in your life?
The toughest moment of my life was in December 2023 when I was in a terrible accident involving a boda boda and a tractor. I spent about two months in the hospital, including a period in a coma. That accident was a wake-up call.
On top of that, I lost my phone, and when it went missing, my accounts were hacked—Equity Bank, Stanbic, Standard Chartered—everything. I lost every single thing I had worked for over five years. While I was still trying to recover my accounts, deal with police reports, and process everything, the reality of my accident fully hit me. That’s when I completely disappeared from the world for a while. It was a really tough time, but thank God I can talk about it now. It was a painful lesson, but I learned from it.
8. How did Catherine Namugenyi overcome that difficult situation?
I took it step by step. My family stood by me. My boyfriend stood by me. I wasn’t alone—it took a powerhouse of people to support me. I also got therapy because I had lost everything, including almost my life. Waking up one day and realizing that my life still mattered, beyond everything I had lost, gave me the strength to keep going. It has been a journey. I won’t say I’m 100% healed, but I’m getting there. My scars are healing physically, and mentally, I’m also making progress. Emotionally, I’m okay, but healing is a process.
What you need to know about Catherine Namugenyi
9. What’s something people might not know about you?
Something people might not know about me—I’m a big lover. I love music. I sing all the time. I sing in my sleep, I sing in the shower, I sing when I’m sad, I even sing when I don’t realize I’m singing.
10. What other talents does Catherine Namugenyi have besides acting?
Ooh, talents! Okay, so talent and skill are different, right? As for talent—I sing, I dance. I’m not a pro, but I dance. If talent is something you love, then yes, I dance. Oh wow, am I out of talent? I sing, I dance… I should get more talent!
11. What’s your relationship status?
I’m currently seeing someone. I’ve been saying that for years now, so yeah, I’m engaged.
How Catherine Namugenyi started her acting career
12. Who inspired Catherine Namugenyi to start acting, and who’s your role model?
Oh my God, I have so many inspirations! Do you want Ugandan or international? Internationally, it’s Zoe Saldana. Locally, it’s Mariam Ndagire. I don’t know if you know her, but she’s a darling to me. She’s my role model—just everything to me. Most of us in the industry actually call her “Mommy.”
13. What’s your biggest achievement in life?
Staying alive! Just kidding.
Honestly, my biggest achievement in life is finding true happiness. Let me be real—finding happiness, true happiness. I’ve read books like The Power of Now and The Mountain Is You—self-awareness is everything. I’ve made millions, I’ve driven cars, I’ve lived in picture-perfect apartments, but real, inner happiness? That’s the biggest achievement.
Who is she off-screen?
14. What are your favorite song, movie, sport, and hobby?
Favorite song? Yo, music is in my blood. I’m literally a DJ in my room! I don’t have a favorite song or even a favorite genre, but if I had to pick, I’d say Sauti Sol.
Favorite movie—Colombiana with Zoe Saldana.
Favorite sport—chess and draughts. I’m all about board games.
Hobby? I do a lot of things. I think I sing. If that counts as a hobby, then yes. If not, I cancel! I also engage in mental health awareness groups, talking to people.
15. Who’s your best friend, and what do you do in your free time?
My sister is my best friend. But honestly, I am my best friend first. She comes second. Then Mommy. In my free time, I write music, I sing, I play musical instruments—I play the guitar, the piano, and a few others I’m still learning. I also pray. Oh, and I watch movies.
How did Catherine Namugenyi start appearing on TV?
16. How did Catherine Namugenyi land a deal with DStv?
Oh God, that came like a star from the sky! I promise you, even I didn’t see it coming.
17. What was it like acting with Allan Kutos, and who’s your favorite actor on set?
Acting with Allan Kutos was amazing—he’s so friendly, down-to-earth, and a great friend. He really helped guide me, and we’re still good friends.
As for my favorite actor on set? That has to be Abbey Mukiibi or Lubanga Timothy! Those guys always brought the energy—cheering, hyping up scenes—even when they had to act like they were asleep!
18. What’s a life lesson Catherine Namugenyi wishes everyone knew?
Honey, be happy. Please. Be happy and be grateful. Life will throw all sorts of things at you, but at the end of the day, when you go to bed, just be grateful. And let me tell you something—the more grateful you are, the more blessings you attract. Trust me on that one!
19. What’s your favorite food, and what would you change about yourself?
Favorite food? Ugali or rice and chicken. Or rice and chicken. Or anything with chicken, really! What would I change about myself? My sleeping schedule. Jesus, I love sleep! If I could, I’d change how much I sleep because, whew, I sleep a lot!
What does Catherine Namugenyi find so unforgettable?
20. What’s your favorite childhood memory?
I think it was at Sheraton Kampala when I was in Primary Five or Six. There was a piano competition, and we had to play different songs. I was so nervous—I was sweating, my heart was pounding, and I couldn’t leave the washroom. Then they called my name. I had to go next. I was panicking so much I even thought about pretending to be sick just to get out of it. But I finally walked up, played my piece—Gold Songs No. 5 from John Thompson’s music book—and guess what? It turned out great! I laughed at myself later because I was freaking out for nothing.
21. Which Ugandan film is Catherine Namugenyi proud of?
Oh, why are you doing this to me? I’m so proud of My Bitter Friend by Genius Schools. I was there and saw what they went through to make that film. They’re all just kids in school with big dreams, and I’m so proud of what they achieved.
22. What’s your most memorable acting experience?
Oh wow. This was back in 2021—I had to do a romantic scene with Oscar. I had never done that before in my life! And then, everyone on set was watching—the director, the crew, all eyes on me. I was supposed to kiss Oscar, but I just couldn’t do it! I was sweating, and shaking, and everyone was trying not to laugh. The director even asked, “Am I the problem?” It was the most nerve-wracking but hilarious experience ever.
23. What’s your favourite conversation?
Oh, no, there are a lot, a lot. Okay, in case I’m to get a few, let me just say, all the artist and the Swangz Avenue. Oh, oh, Zafarani, Winnie Nwagi, Vinka, when we were driving, you know? You know? Okay, let me just say, for example, the ones, because I’m all, I’m not about—I’m about the production too, yeah, uh-huh.
What else does Catherine Namugenyi do?
24. What cause is Catherine Namugenyi passionate about outside acting?
I’m very passionate about mental health awareness. I’m so, so passionate about mental health awareness. I do volunteer—I do volunteer in some charities that maybe talk to girls or talk to people who are through a hard time. That’s great awareness. I really look forward to working with you more.
25. How does Catherine Namugenyi handle public pressure?
I stay humble. I don’t know if that makes sense. I stay as understanding as I can because different people approach you with different emotions. Someone is angry that you did this to Oscar, someone is mad you didn’t talk to your dad, someone is excited. Though, I’m glad most of the people that approach me, you know—and the rest, I had a lot of public pressure. Starting The Sunny Project, it actually took me into a depression for a little while. But you know, the more you learn. Yes, so I handle public pressure by being as humble and understanding as I can, yes. I self-reflect a lot, actually.
26. What’s the biggest misconception about Catherine Namugenyi?
Oh, yes. Oh, my God, the biggest misconception about me—people think I brag. I’m a planned kid. I don’t talk to anyone just because blah blah! I speak words. There’s a lot of misconception, you know? And you remember, we’re different, and you can never finish what everyone thinks about you. So I stay true. Those who get to know me, know me. Those who don’t, I stay peaceful, you know? Yeah.
27. How does Catherine Namugenyi balance work and personal life?
Oh God, I run mad sometimes because my work actually conflicts with my personal life at some point, but I handle it. Remember, the more experience you get, the more you learn. This is like a learning kind of field. Yeah, on a daily, I make sure I make a timetable throughout my day. Oh God, I can’t wait for the days when I afford a personal assistant because I will enjoy them running mad like me. Sometimes I miss programs. Sometimes I’m late for events. Sometimes I disappoint maybe a charity that was expecting me. But I really juggle through. I keep trying. I keep trying.
Does Catherine Namugenyi have a life outside TV?
28. How do you relax after a long day?
I get down, and get a warm bath in a bathtub. I get some wine or juice. I get that ambient music. I get my book or an audiobook. I get off social media. Hey, of course, eating! So, come and be told—nice things after a long day: a cold, fresh bath, some music, some fruits on a balcony, you know, some silence and meditation, yeah.
29. What’s the funniest moment you’ve experienced on set?
The funniest moment—we acted a scene, and I had a hole on my butt like the costume had a hole on the butt. And then by the time everyone was tired, by the time we noticed, it was in post-production. We had to redo the scene. I had a hole on my butt for like two minutes in a scene! You bend over, you pick a cup of tea, you change—and you have to act like you’re the CEO with a hole on your butt. The whole crew was—they laughed. No one even had time to get mad at the costume department first. So funny.
30. What’s next for Catherine Namugenyi?
Big dreams are next for me, honey! Learning, adventuring, you know, self-awareness, goals this year. Big dreams, big collaborations, you know, breaking boundaries. This year, we are not thinking within Uganda. We are thinking past Hollywood. We are thinking the entire entertainment industry all over the world, you know? So big dreams are next for me. Big dreams, big dreams. Take care. Thank God I’m here.
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