Rachael Nduhukire wanted to be a teacher 

RACHAEL NDUHUKIRE, 21, is a budding actress, who has acted in various films and series since she was a child but is currently well known for her role as Melissa Kirunda in the drama series Sanyu. She talked to Quick Talk about her budding career.

Congratulations on winning the Africa Monologue Challenge recently; what is the challenge about?

The Africa Monologue Challenge is a pan-African initiative that seeks to collaborate with actors and actresses to change the African narrative through storytelling. We performed original pieces that showcased our artistry and enabled us to represent our countries.

What does winning it mean for you and your career?

Winning the Africa Monologue Challenge meant so much to me as an individual and to my country, because I was the only Ugandan. I was very humbled by the support I received from Ugandans who voted, mobilized and supported me in various ways.

The win enabled Uganda to gain some exposure in Ghana and also gives us the opportunity to film a pan-Africanist movie and host the next Africa Monologue Challenge which will create further exposure for Uganda and its creatives.

For a first-timer, who is Rachael Nduhukire?

I am a 21-year-old Ugandan actress, vocalist and violinist. I am passionate about impacting change globally and while I currently do this through film, I hope to exercise this through international relations in the near future.

When did you start acting?

I started acting in 2010 when I was eight years old. My mum found a casting call and took my sisters and I to an audition. None of us had ever acted before but my parents are very artistic and fervent believers in the art, hence they have always been open to us trying out new things.

After taking us for the audition, I got called back for the role and was cast as Margret in a movie called Journey to Jamaa.

Is acting what you grew up wanting to do?

Honestly, it isn’t. I wanted to be a teacher. I remember I used to gather all my dolls, sit in a room and teach them the alphabet and how to count. I am passionate about imparting knowledge and if I do have an opportunity, I would like to open up a school and educate children.

Are you still in school?

Yes. I study at Victoria University Kampala where I am currently pursuing a degree in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies, because I am passionate about humanitarianism, and seek to impact change.

How do you balance school and acting?

I share my school timetable with the line producer and we create a schedule that allows me to study and work. Although for days that have critical scenes, I opt for online classes and discuss with my classmates after lectures. Having a personal study timetable has also helped me partition my time appropriately and complete coursework.

You depict a young, spoilt, privileged girl in Sanyu… Is that you?

In the beginning I was not very receptive to my character in Sanyu as Melissa because I am somewhat conservative and didn’t agree with
her behaviour. But along the way, I have come to embrace and love the character. She is outspoken, bold and stands for what she believes in.

In as much as she does have some personality traits that aren’t very desirable, a lot can be learnt from her.

Have you received any negativity from people on the streets?

I have received comments from people who do not appreciate the behaviour of my screen character, but most people find the tantrums of my on-screen character interesting and appreciate the execution of the character.

What other film projects have you been part of besides Sanyu?

Besides Sanyu, I have been in Journey to Jamaa, I Found My Way and #Family.

What has been your favourite character so far?

It definitely is Melissa. Her character has challenged me as an actress and pushed me out of my comfort zone. There have been days on set where I have had to unlearn everything I know about acting and relearn; all in a bid to deliver a believable and captivating performance.

With the help of the exceptional directors, crew and fellow cast mates, I have been motivated to go the extra mile and leave everything I have on screen. As a result, I feel more versatile in the roles I can play as compared to before.

What inspires you as an actress?

My inspiration is derived from the people who watch the content that we produce and relate to it. Knowing that the stories I tell through various characters speak to an audience greater than myself is inspiring.

What challenges have you faced so far as a young person pursuing their dreams?

Some of the challenges I faced when entering the industry included low compensation because most projects were funded by the producers, hence the budget was limited. Another challenge I faced was the lifeline attached to actors/ actresses in Uganda; most casting calls and producers stressed wanting young fresh talent which was mostly categorized as from ages eight to 15 years.

From age 16 onward, there was less hope for me as an actress in Uganda because the stories and characters created were either above or below my teenage bracket.

Eventually, I believed that I had outlived my existence in the Ugandan film industry until God blessed me with the role of Melissa in Sanyu.

Lastly, another huge challenge was lack of exposure. Considering that I was still a child by the time I started acting, my parents were very protective and did not allow me to use social media. This limited my ability to showcase my work… people did not know who I was or the projects I was involved in.

What one thing would surprise your fans about you?

I think the most surprising thing about me is that I am an introvert.

How do you spend your free time?

I read novels, listen to music and watch movies.

Who are your favourite actors and actresses?

My favourite actresses and actors in Uganda are Tracy Kababiito, Marion Asilo, Michael Wawuyo Sr., Michael Wawuyo Jr. and Allan Katongole. Internationally, Viola Davis, Timothy Chalamet, Lupita Nyong’o and Denzel Washington.

Your favourite movies of all time?

My favourite movies of all time are Love Rosie and Miss Stevens. In both movies, the characters and stories captivated me!

What is currently on your watchlist?

Obviously Sanyu and The Real Housewives of Nairobi.

Any other talents you have besides acting?

I sing, write and play the violin. I wrote a book in high school but got writer’s block and never completed it.

You are obviously a talented beautiful young lady; are you seeing someone?

Yes. I am in a relationship.

Lastly, what aspirations do you have for your career?

I hope to feature on more projects, both nationally and internationally. I also hope to pave the way for fellow youth who are trying to penetrate the growing film industry by creating and participating in initiatives that promote artistry and create exposure for Ugandan creatives.

jjingoernest1@gmail.com