Aloysius Matovu Joy: Biography, Wife, Health Status, Early Life and Education

Who is Aloysius Matovu Joy? Flash Uganda Media looks at his biography, age, wife, family, tribe, achievements, and relationship with Madelena Ndibalekera, the early life and education of a Ugandan artiste, poet, actor, counsellor, teacher, businessman and HIV & AIDS activist.

Aloysius Matovu Joy is a Ugandan artiste, poet, actor, counsellor, teacher, businessman and HIV & AIDS activist.

He’s one of the famous Ugandans who have declared publicly their HIV/AIDS status.

Aloysius Matovu Joy is the executive director of Alina Talents Entertainment and one of the directors of Bakayimbira Dramactors.

Early Life 

Aloysius Matovu Joy was born in Masaka District, Kumbu Village on June 21 1960. 

Raised in a devout Catholic household, Matovu enthusiastically participated in church activities such as altar boy duty and aspired to become a priest.

However, he failed to attain his dream since his parents were not legally married in holy matrimony, a key requirement for joining the priesthood. 

After realizing that his dream would never come true, Matovu began living a reckless lifestyle which involved having unprotected sex and eventually contracting HIV/AIDS.

He is the older brother to Matovu Aloysius Kizza alias Junior and was born in a family of 52 children. Thirty-five of their siblings including their parents died of HIV/AIDS.

Education Background

Aloysius Matovu Joy attended St. Mary’s College Kisubi, Kampala High School and Makerere University Kampala.

At Makerere University, Matovu studied for a Bachelor of Arts specializing in Luganda Language and Linguistics. He graduated in 1986.

Marriage / Relationship

Aloysius is married with six children.

All his six children and wife are HIV-negative, and they are living together as a happy family.

One of his daughters is Madelena Ndibalekera.

Career and Professional Work Experience

Aloysius Matovu Joy who currently resides in Kampala is a teacher by profession, Linguist by discipline, Actor by occupation, musician and counsellor.

Matovu Joy joined drama in 1979, under Kampala Bakayimbira Drama Actors. He was picked to join the drama by David Katendeto who appreciated his musical talent.

Then after he completed his university education, Matovu began lecturing Luganda, English and Linguistics at Makerere University.

After relocating to London, United Kingdom (UK) Matovu taught English to foreigners in London.

He started living in London after he was diagnosed HIV positive at the time they went to London for a drama show with the Bakayimbira Drama Actors. 

Still in London, Matovu started Alina Talents which aimed at fighting HIV by advocating for HIV prevention through entertainment and encouraged people to use condoms, abstinence, going for circumcision and taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) the right way.

Alina Talent also assists needy children to get school fees, bursaries and counselling services, particularly for HIV/AIDS. 

Political Career

Aloysius Matovu Joy in 2016 attempted to contest for the presidency but pulled out of the race because of the huge amount of money required.

He blamed Parliament for passing the bill which increased the amount to be paid by presidential aspirants to the Electoral Commission (EC) from sh8m to sh20m.

In his argument, he said Parliament and the Electoral Commission conspired against poor Ugandans seeking political offices.

Matovu joined the National Unity Platform (NUP) party in August 2020.

Work experience background summary

Years	Institution	Position
1979 – Present	Bakayimbira Drama Actors	Artiste, Director
	Makerere University	Luganda, English and Linguistic Lecturer
2003 – Present	Alina Talents Entertainment	Executive Director

Health Status

Aloysius Matovu Joy has battled the HIV/AIDS virus for more than 36 years now.

He is suspected to have contracted HIV on the day he broke his virginity in 1985, at 25 years old, while studying at the university.

In 1987, while lecturing at Makerere University, Matovu’s mentor, Prof. Livingstone Walusimbi recommended him for a master’s degree in Canada without confirming his HIV status.

However, he failed to go because the doctor at Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe failed to release his HIV/AIDS result although he had passed the written interview.

In 1993, Matovu contracted tuberculosis, but he still paid a deaf ear to the probable fact that he might have HIV. Years later, Matovu narrates that the cough persisted and in 2001 he began getting continuous fevers.

Although he became suspicious, he did not bother to go for an HIV test.

While in London, UK where he had travelled with the Bakayimbira Drama Actors for a show in 2001, he was admitted to Newham University Hospital, London where he was diagnosed and his CD4 count was as low as191.

Since he had tuberculosis as well, Matovu was put in isolation. The doctors first treated him for tuberculosis and then for HIV.

Matovu instead started a new life in London, he volunteered with some organizations in the UK like Living Well, Black Liners, London East Aids Network, Body and Soul and others. 

In 2005, after living abroad for four years, Matovu went back to Uganda. He was given HIV/AIDS medicines for the last two years and was attached to Mildmay Center to acquire more medicines.

He started counselling people at Mildmay Center and in outreach communities on HIV/AIDS prevention and positive living.

Achievements and Awards

Matovu Aloysius has been a vital player in Uganda’s fight against HIV for more than three decades. He has preached against stigma and discrimination and promoted positive messaging in the community.

Fellow activists in the struggle have taken notice of his work against the disease, providing him with podium appearances at several international events and conferences.

Through Alina Talents Entertainment, Matovu has visited over 50 schools sensitizing learners about the dangers of HIV/AIDS.

Controversies

Aloysius Matovu went public about his HIV status in 2015 while he was speaking at a conference arranged by Reproductive Health Uganda. 

He had not consulted his wife or children about it and they didn’t like his move, but later on, they accepted what he had done and supported him.