Andrew Kyamagero craves the day he will leave the media

He is an award-winning news anchor with NTV Uganda, counselling psychologist, proud traditional Muganda man, pan-Africanist, and a certified transformational speaker. Quick Talk met him at the Kampala Serena hotel recently.

Thank you for accepting the interview, Andrew!

You are welcome. I hate doing interviews with the print media. Some writers lack rhythm and tone; they write what they hear. It fails me to understand their intentions for conducting interviews.

So. what prompted you to accept this interview?

The Observer has not been taken by trendy reporting. They have remained steadfast with their writing style, and I like that.

Were you particular about the interviewer?

I called some people to ask what you do, and I read a couple of your stories. I wanted to be sure that I was in the right hands.

Hahaha… You took it far…

Yeah, it was serious. I needed to know you are not a [quack], your writing tone, and how long you have been in journalism. After all the checks, I found it worth having an interview with you [Quick Talk can’t help but feel flattered.] It is well. Briefly describe yourself.

I am a multi-talented person, husband to one woman, Linda Ndagire Kyamagero, and a father of two biological and eight foster children.

You are one journalist who doesn’t write often.

I have written in the Daily Monitor but on Sundays. Recently, I took a sabbatical. When I return, I will write about only two things: family and men.

Why the two topics?

Family is under attack with neo-colonialism mindsets and education. Marriages are no longer strong because each one of us feels we can walk out and forget the implications on children. Men also need to be engaged in nurturing, disciplining, and mentoring their children.

Take Quick Talk through your media journey.

I started with Radio Buddu in 2008. I joined Spirit FM and left after six months because I was bored. After all, the station was too religious. I joined Vision Radio [now XFM] then Touch FM. We started Galaxy FM and I worked there for three years.

In 2015, I applied to read news at NTV. I did screen test but I was informed the TV goes with looks and maturity. I was intellectually bankrupt [then] yet TV requires a national outlook on things. I got on air with Flavia Tumusiime.

At what point do you cross to news anchoring?

One day, Maurice Mugisha approached me to contact the lunchtime news anchor, Malcolm Musiime, who was away – 40 minutes from the bulletin. Mugisha was distressed but I was ready to step in for him.

I went to my car and wore my black suit, white shirt, and a multi-colored tie. I sat in the newsroom and 10 minutes to the bulletin, Musiime was nowhere.

I walked to Mugisha and asked for the script. He was hesitant but I made it. By the time the bulletin ended, the HR asked whether I was interested in anchoring and I reminded her that my 2018 demo was still there with NTV. She laughed it off.

Did Malcom eventually show up?

He had a health issue and I read the news for a week. When a window came to replace a news anchor, I did a screen test and stood out.

Is your tagline Omuntu Wa Wansi copyrighted?

Oh, yes. If anyone uses the words in media with a particular font and spelling, we shall go to court.

How many jobs have you done to earn a living?

I tried teaching and it was boring. I was once a ballet instructor, and [I also] sold juice. [Ballet instructor. Okay…]

What’s the hidden meaning behind your surname?

I am the only boy and last born of seven children. My father John Ssebowa and mother, Rose Kirabo – both alive by God’s grace – called it a wrap after me. [Kyamagero means miracle in Luganda.]

How old are you?

Hahaha, I am old enough [when Quick Talk insists:] Data protection is a new measure and you must be cognizant of whatever you share with the public.

Do you think your thoughts about being a traditional man were misconstrued online?

No. That’s the exposure of people’s intellectual capability. Some people may feel more exposed to the English world than the cultural context. I can’t belittle their thoughts because they are not deeply exposed to my culture.

But the rage and memes that followed…!

Those who reacted are damaged divorcees. The men who found my thoughts offensive were not groomed to be responsible men. In my culture, whether I am employed or not, I must meet the family’s needs [Kyamagero said during a recent TV program that his wife should feel privileged that he comes home at all…among other controversial statements about marriage.]

There was a trending video of you cooking, in spite of your macho statements.

That video was picked off my Facebook page. It was a live session on Women’s Day and my wife was two days postpartum. It is only a fool with a shallow mind who won’t help a wife in such a condition.

Is it true you don’t own a microwave?

We purchased our first microwave because my son had issues at birth. Every night, we had to warm something for him. When he outgrew that stage, we gave the microwave to our then askari.

How does your wife react to your social media life?

My beautiful wife has only two social sites; WhatsApp and Pinterest. She said that sacrifice was done because my life was in the limelight. Some friends send screenshots but she keeps saying, “my husband is a strategic communicator”.

Doesn’t she call asking about some comments?

I always tell her that I am well because I don’t read comments on social media. Even when you tag me a thousand times, I neither read nor respond.

How did you meet Linda?

While at Vision Group, I attended a conference in Angola about petroleum and gas where she made a presentation on the geological studies on oil in Africa. I loved her brain. After her speech, I told her that I would marry her. She looked at me and said: “Dream on”. Here I am, living my dream with a ring on her finger!

What inspired your civil marriage?

The bureaucracy is too much in churches. We wanted the church way as advised by our parents, but changed our minds because a civil wedding was even more affordable.

Your Roman-themed wedding was unique.

I just love disruptions and unique things. Rome is one of the places we love. Her dress has 17 rubies that were stitched by designer, Anita Beryl. She chose to monitor every detail of putting them together. I wore like a Scriba and looked great.

Who names your children?

I have Mandela Kyamagero and Jaqueline Zaza Kyamagero. Growing up, I believed in Nelson Mandela. My son will be a peacemaker while Zaza will be outspoken and aggressive like the one during apartheid in South Africa.

Your dad wanted you to become a priest…

Yes, I am an ordained clergyman. I studied Theology at Durham University, UK and I handed him “his” documents. It wasn’t my calling. My dad has never watched me anchoring news because he believes that I will revert to what he wants. I wish Mzee Ssebowa luck on that. [Laughs.]

What schools did you attend?

I went to Hormisdallen PS, Kirinnya. When I led a strike in P4, I was expelled and joined Kirinnya COU PS where I completed P7. I was at Mwiri College (S1 and S2). There was a strike and I was victimized. I proceeded to St John’s Ntebetebe (S3 and S4), and Bethel Covenant College for A-level.

I hold a degree in Journalism from KIU and a diploma in Political Science from the African National Congress Academy in South Africa. At Kyambogo University, I obtained a bachelor’s in Community Psychology and a bachelor’s in Guidance and Counselling.

I hold an advanced diploma in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy from Australia. Currently, I am pursuing a master’s in Strategic Communication from Amity University in India.

So many degrees!

The day you stop learning is the day you die. I believe I will leave the media soon and become a psychiatrist.

What’s your love language?

[Instantly] Quality time.

Would you move into a house constructed by a woman?

[Raises eyebrows] In the modern context, one would accept. In the cultural context where I strongly subscribe, I wouldn’t. We can put up that house for rent and she earns a living out of it, but we need to build our home as husband and wife.

Whenever you have irreconcilable issues, this woman will kick you out. A man builds a house and a wife makes it a home.

Which MP strikes you in the current parliament?

Kira Municipality MP Ssemujju Ibrahim Nganda. He speaks the truth and he is a loyal leader.

Please share your favourite verse in the Bible.

1Peter 5:8 [Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.]

nangonzi@observer.ug