MARGARET SSENTAMU-MASAGAZI is the executive director of Uganda Media Women Association (UMWA) and also the founder of Mama FM. Quick Talk found the veteran journalist at her Kisaasi-based office.

Hello, Margaret!
Hello. You are most welcome [Quick Talk explains to Masagazi the kind of interview she should expect…]

When were you born, Margaret?

[Laughs] What do you want with my years? I used to mention my age but I was advised to stop it. [Well, from experience, Margaret, if you have mentioned your age even once before, then it is out there, anyway. So, go ahead and drop the digits…] My age aside, ask me anything else you want.

Hahaaa….Okay; tell me about your family.

I was born in Masaka to Edward Patrick Ssentamu and Theresa Nakalema Ssentamu. They are both [deceased]. I am the sixth child and the eldest daughter in our big family. [In case you were wondering, Margaret is a sister to Makerere University VC, John Ddumba-Ssentamu.]

Moving on to your educational background…

I went to St Theresa Bwanda, Kimaanya and Nkoni primary schools. I then joined Trinity College Nabbingo for six years before joining Makerere for a degree in political science and sociology.

I did a PGD in journalism at UMI and a PGD in Mass Communication at the University of Nairobi, before going back to Makerere for a Master’s in Women and Gender Studies. I have also done several short courses in various disciplines.

Wow! That is such a big profile. If I checked your handbag right now, what would I find there?

At this time? My spects, money purse, handkerchief, perfume. Those are the basics… Oh, a small notebook and pen. I always have those in my bag.

Can you live without your phone?

[Smiling] Of course I can live without a phone, but it is responsible to have it. If I forget it, I send someone to bring it if I can’t go back for it. It is a necessary tool for communication [yeah; how did we ever live without those noisy things?]

And who is on speed-dial?

Sibimanyi ebyo [I don’t know those things]. It is my daughter [Sarah] who does most of my phone settings.

What is your current ringtone?

It is my daughter who changes them [Okay, Sarah…leave your mum’s phone alone!] Right now I have the normal ones that come in the phone but she usually puts gospel songs for me as my ringtones.

How many children do you have?

I have two. Sarah and Moses. Very important names in my life. I had them after a long time of trying for children, but they finally came. Sarah is 24 and Moses is 23 [She speaks with such pride!] Here are my cuties [shows Quick Talk a photo of her two children on her phone. Their father is Nasser Kiggundu Masagazi.]

How is it parenting older children?

They now set rules for me. They watch my diet and are so protective of me [Aww…] They really put me under pressure with their excessive control.

And what is your favourite song?

Hahaha…now which song really? They are so many. I like Julie Mutesasira and Judith Babirye. Dr Hilderman has this song that I like so much. It is called Abite Ebikutte. I really like that song and Judith Babirye’s Favour.

A gospel music freak, I can see. So, where do you buy your clothes?

I am not so particular. I buy them anywhere. But when I enter a well-stocked shop with some good money on me, I end up buying so many things that I end up not even wearing. [Sounding unhappy:] It is not a good habit.  

Oh, you are what they call a shopaholic!

I should work on that. But I usually give them out, anyway.

And your favourite dish?

These days since I watch my diet, vegetables are what I eat most and of course fruits. But hey, I am a mukyala omuganda; so, chicken and matooke is my best dish.

What job would you like to do for just one day?

Of course I enjoy being in media. By the way, I used to be a good news reader. But, I would like to live with teenagers, to guide and counsel them.

Which comedian cracks your ribs the most?

Comedian? The bad thing is that they are vulgar. We once went to a comedy show at Imperial Royale as a family and these guys only spoke obscenities throughout the show. Can you imagine we paid a lot of money for that? Anyway, for me Abby Mukiibi and Patriko Mujuuka are good comedians.

When was the last time you danced?

Eh! I am going to dance tomorrow at my nephew’s wedding. Last Sunday was the kasiki [stag night] and I opened the dance. Everyone was cheering me on as I showed off my dance moves. I love dancing, by the way.

What is the last book you read?
As a novel? As what?

For leisure.

Huh, I read mostly reports [Huuu!] I no longer have time for novels. The little time I have is for watching soaps.

Which soaps do you watch?

It is only one, actually. Forbidden Passion on NTV… I should tell you that I have been married to this work for a very long time. But come mid this year; I will be a different Margaret. I will attend more parties, weddings, funerals and find time to eat out.

[Could Margaret be retiring from UMWA, come mid this year? What is changing? Well, she’s not saying.]

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