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 ‘SANYU’?
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, and my parents have been together for 30 years. In fact, I think tomorrow is their anniversary—and it’s also my birthday—9th February! I was raised in a humble Catholic home with a loving father, mother, and two sisters. It was a Black women’s energy powerhouse, where it was all about togetherness regardless of the situation. It was all about not going through things alone—we had each other. That’s why I naturally gravitate toward women’s causes. I’m always passionately involved in activities 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 a year ago when I was in a terrible accident involving a motorcycle and a tractor. I spent about two months in the hospital, including a week in a coma. That accident was a wake-up call.
On top of that, my phone was hacked, and all my accounts were compromised—exactly three banks in Kampala, where I thought my life savings were safe. I reported it to the police and went to all these banks to trace my money, but all they could tell me was, “We have nothing to do for your situation; you’re not the first this has happened to, and you won’t be the last.” 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. I got to understand that healing isn’t just a season in life but a journey.
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, within our generation is rare lately because it’s all about the picture-perfect life on social media. Life now is about “fake it until you make it.” A lot of people struggle mentally and have no one to talk to, yet they show happiness on social media. I’ve read books like The Power of Now and The Mountain Is You—self-awareness is everything. I’ve made millions in my career, I’ve lived the picture-perfect life—the apartments, the luxury—but have you ever sat down and asked yourself, “I have it all, but am I happy and content with my life?” That’s the biggest achievement for me as a person. I got to learn to appreciate life beyond what only the eyes get to see.
Who is she off-screen?
14. What are your favorite song, movie, sport, and hobby?
Favorite song? Music is a part of me. I can literally be a DJ indoors for myself only. I don’t have a favorite song or even a favorite genre, but if I had to pick from within, I’d say Sauti Sol. And yes, all their albums.
Favorite movie? Colombiana.
Favorite sport? Draft and chess, plus a few others, because I’m all about board games.
Hobby? I do a lot of things. If I’m to list a few—swimming, dancing, working out, reading, editing, and so on. I also engage in mental health awareness groups and organizations.
15. Who’s your best friend, and what do you do in your free time?
Honestly, I am my best friend first, then my big sister, and then my mum and dad. In my free time, I read books, meditate, travel, do handmade crafts, write music, sing, and play musical instruments—like the piano, guitar, and a few others I’m still learning. I also pray and watch a lot of movies and series, along with everything related to film production, like behind-the-scenes footage of every film or series I get attached to.
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 Abby Mukiibi and Lwanga Timothy! Those guys always brought the energy and are the most down-to-earth men you’ll ever meet around here. Until now, I can still stand and say they are genuine people.
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 and chicken. Or rice and chicken. Or anything with chicken, really!
What would I change about myself? My sleeping schedule. Just kidding!
I seriously need to change something about myself that has landed me in problems that aren’t mine, but I never learn. It’s called being empathetic. If I could, I’d change how deeply I feel my friends’ emotions. I wind up in the middle of issues I’m definitely not supposed to be involved in, but the moment a friend gets close to me and opens up about their emotional pain, from that moment, it’s “ours.” And then I end up in trouble when being nice does me more harm than good.
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 an inter-school piano competition at Sheraton Hotel Kampala, and we had to play different songs to win. I was so nervous—I was sweating, my heart was pounding, and I couldn’t leave the washroom.I don’t know why I couldn’t even breathe well, yet air was in abundance—I almost fainted! Then they called my name. A spark of electricity ran down my spine, and all my head could shout was, Run away! 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 and played my piano piece—I think it was Swans on the Lake from John Thompson’s piano 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? Because it’s not just one Ugandan movie! I can’t choose.
I’m not only proud of Ugandan films, but I’m so proud of the entire Ugandan film industry. At least every filmmaker that has worked hard to pull it off deserves their flowers.
I’m so proud of a film called My Bitter Friend by Seeta Junior School Mukono. I was there and saw what they went through to bring it to life. They’re all just kids in school with big dreams, and I’m so proud of what they endured throughout the entire shooting schedule—balancing it all with studying because, of course, they all had to pass the term and upgrade.
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, there are a lot—both internationally and nationally! If I’m to name a few locally, I’d say all the artists under Swangz Avenue—Zafarani, Winnie Nwagi, Vinka, Elijah Kitaka, among others. But honestly, I don’t just focus on artists alone; I aim for the entire music production quality. I’m all about the full creative process—from the musical instruments to the vocals, to the sound engineering, to the video production quality. The entire process requires a lot of skill, talent, and hard work, and that’s what truly inspires me.
What else does Catherine Namugenyi do?
24. What cause is Catherine Namugenyi passionate about outside acting?
Music is my first love—I can’t even blink when it comes to it! But aside from music, I’m very passionate about mental health awareness. I volunteer with some charities that offer support to young people going through tough times. Raising awareness about mental health is something I deeply care about, and I look forward to working with more organizations to support this cause.
25. How does Catherine Namugenyi handle public pressure?
I maintain solitude and calmness by staying humble. I try to be as understanding as possible because different people approach me with different emotions—some are excited, some are critical, and some just want to have a random conversation. In the beginning, public pressure hit me hard. It even took me into a brief period of depression, but I learned to handle it by studying a bit of psychology. Self-reflection helped me a lot. Now, I handle pressure by staying grounded, reminding myself of my purpose, and appreciating the people who genuinely support me.
26. What’s the biggest misconception about Catherine Namugenyi?
A lot of people assume I don’t talk to others or that I’m standoffish. There’s even this downtown saying that I’m a “planned kid,” whatever that means. Some see me as this strong warrior, but in reality, I’m an emotional person—probably beyond repair! (laughs). But I’ve learned that you can’t control what people choose to think about you. Those who take the time to know me understand who I really am. And for those who don’t, I stay at peace because I believe in one love for all people, regardless of background.
27. How does Catherine Namugenyi balance work and personal life?
Oh God, it’s not easy! My work sometimes conflicts with my personal life, but I manage. The more experience you gain, the more you learn to handle it. Honestly, I can’t wait for the day I can afford a personal assistant to help with the workload! But for now, I make sure to always set aside time for my music sessions and prayers, no matter how busy my schedule is. Sometimes I arrive late for events, but I keep pushing. The word ‘quitting’ doesn’t exist in an African child’s vocabulary!
Does Catherine Namugenyi have a life outside TV?
28. How do you relax after a long day?
First things first—freshening up! A warm bath for at least an hour is therapy for my body, mind, and soul. Then, I grab a drink and snack, sit down with my planner to stay ahead of my schedule for the next day. I love listening to ambient music, reading a book, or playing an audiobook. I make it a point to disconnect from social media once I’m home. Of course, food is involved too—maybe some fruits on the balcony, just taking in some silence and meditating when I have ample time.
29. What’s the funniest moment you’ve experienced on set?
Oh, this one is unforgettable! We were shooting a scene, and my costume had a hole at the back. The craziest part? We had been filming for 12 hours straight, and no one on set noticed! It only got caught in post-production. We had to redo the entire scene, along with its continuity bits in other people’s scenes. It was hilarious because I had been acting all serious—like a CEO in the scene—while unknowingly walking around with a hole in my pants! The whole crew burst out laughing when we realized. No one even had the energy to get mad at the costume department. Definitely one for the books!
30. What’s next for Catherine Namugenyi?
Big dreams! Learning, growing, and levelling up. This year, I’m focused on self-awareness, entrepreneurship, and breaking boundaries. We are not just thinking within Uganda—we’re thinking globally, past Hollywood, across the entire entertainment industry. I’m looking forward to major collaborations and limitless possibilities. God willing, this is the year of expansion!
What films is Catherine Namugenyi currently working on?
Films I’m working on currently—there are many. I have been on projects like Daniel and Lean, Better Friend, and others. They usually tell us to let a project first Premier, then start posting about it. I hope you understand. But there, I haven’t got on another series before, because I’m still having a little trauma with the four years we completed with Sanyu Series. So I’m doing a lot of feature films, a lot of short films. I’m voicing some animations. There is a documentary coming up and a reality show that I’ve been contacted about from DSTV, though I’m not allowed to talk the info together, but thanks for asking.
