Shamim Malende, the smart, sassy lawyer at NUP

Oh, no veil!

I just wanted to feel more comfortable, but I have the [People Power red beret].

Anyway, good afternoon, Shamim.

Good afternoon; how are you doing?

Tell me about Shamim.

My name is Shamim Malende, aspiring Woman MP Kampala district on the NUP ticket. I am a lawyer working with Malende & Co. Advocates and I am its proprietor. I am one of Hon Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu’s lawyers. I am also a People Power lawyer and help to represent oppressed Ugandans [pro bono].

I am versatile and can associate with every person because I have been raised in all spheres of life from the upper class, to middle class and the ghetto.

You have worked with KCCA?

Yes; after opening my own law firm, I secured a job as legal counsel. It was a well-paying job but I did not enjoy what I was doing.

Why?

The department I worked under was involved in persecuting hawkers and vendors. I would look at all these people and feel bad but it was the job I was paid for. The money was good but I was not feeling comfortable… so I was there for about six months and resigned to concentrate on the law firm.
 
Why then did you choose politics and People Power?

Firstly, I looked at People Power as more inclusive, as long as you believe in change. They also denounced all forms of violence and demeaning people. NUP also plays politics of reconciliation and forgiveness, even the leader of People Power is an inspiration.
 
How do you find the political space so far?

[She sighs heavily and then smiles] It is really challenging but worth it. But one thing I have learnt is that political space means you are now for the people and that the people are your bosses, you are their servant.

There is also a lot of danger, because you don’t have privacy and life is risky. Sometimes people follow your moves, threaten you with phone calls but all you do is keep in your lane.

Aren’t your relatives scared for you?

Of course so many are scared, but when I was joining politics, I consulted my parents and asked for their blessing, which they gave. They also talked to me about the dos and don’ts of the game and how they wouldn’t want me to be there, but it was my choice.

They said if anything happens to me, it will be God’s will. There was a lot of skepticism from relatives and sheikhs but they knew me as someone who doesn’t give up on what she wants.

Well, we wish you the best. How did you meet Bobi Wine?

I used to do a lot of legal services for people; so, one time I was contacted by parents of some boda boda guys that had been arrested for demonstrating and were members of People Power. By then I had not joined the movement. I went to court to represent them but did not know they were part of People Power.

It was the same time that Hon Kyagulanyi had come for a certain case. In the process, they noticed me and when the court ended, Chairman Nyanzi called me and was pleased with how I was representing their people. He was impressed by how I offered sacrifices when I was not part of the party; so, he told Bobi about my potential.

I went to their office and we were introduced and they asked if it was okay to join their legal team and I accepted. I was introduced by Robert Kyagulanyi to many other people like Benjamin Katana who is the head legal. After sometime, [Bobi Wine] elevated me to deputise Katana.

What else do you do apart from being a lawyer and politician?

We have a charity organization; so, I engage in charity walks, reachouts to the unprivileged, including widows and orphans. I also engage with the youth and women. Apart from that, I still have leisure where I visit my parents, spend time alone for self- evaluation, watch movies… I also like local music.

Who are your favourite local artistes?

Bobi Wine, of course [She bursts into loud laughter]. I also like Jonan Luzinda and King Saha.

I notice you are not talking about the man keeping you smiling.

[Looking surprised]: I am not searching, but I am not married. But when time comes, it will be made official and the person will be shown to the public.

I’m confused; not married and not searching?

[Laughing] Okay, I don’t want to talk about this now, but when time is right, I will give you one hour for that interview, because when I start talking about him, I don’t want to stop. I want it to be exclusive.

But who is your ideal man?

I love reality, honesty and transparency. The challenges you have gone through don’t matter, but being open is the best. He should be God-fearing but being open is the best. I don’t care about your mansions or the looks. I think it is basically the things that eyes can’t see.

Although relationships are so short-term these days!

I think it all starts with the choice of person; we need to select people we are compatible with. Let me tell you, even when the person loves you, however much, when you are not compatible, you can never stay together. Compatibility makes adjustments easy and things will not go wrong. Most of the people today tend to rush for the physical and finances, but remember the physical fades and if it is what you like, you start questioning yourself after some time. But prayer matters in choosing a partner.

What would surprise readers about you?

I think I am not an outgoing person.

And that one thing you do that is considered ‘manly’?

I think I am too decisive and independent that I most of the time don’t ask for help even when I need it.

Isn’t that pride, though?

Not really; anti men are created to be keepers and providers and women are to be given. I am so solution-oriented like a man; when I get an issue, I will solve it immediately rather than crying for a week.

Your best moments so far…

There are so many; but emerging as one of the best students in my A-level and then studying law on government sponsorship, graduating and pursuing LDC which is not easy. Moments are countless, but also getting my own practice is one of them.

What are you reading currently?

I am reading two books: The Struggle For Freedom & Democracy Betrayed by Miria Matembe and Why We Get The Wrong Politicians [by Isabel Hardman].
 
Why do you think Kampala needs you?

I am well-informed when it comes to the law. Most of the candidates sent to parliament spend their first kisanja pursuing the law in order to understand how it works, but I am a legal mind which makes me exemplary.

I also belong to this generation of Kyagulanyi and I believe he is the next president and we have to come up with a different kind of politics, which is substantial. This generation does not need the many degrees one has but what you can do for them and understanding them.
[Quick Talk thanks her for her time and leaves].

MALENDE FACTFILE 

Born in 1986 to Hajj Jamal Ahmed Sebuta Malende of the Mamba clan and Jane Frances Nassuuna. She went to Busaale primary school where she sang in the church choir, before joining Buziga Islamic Theological Institute in 1998 for O-level, and Aisha Girls High School in Mbarara for A-level.

At Aisha, she emerged one of the best students in the country (6th) with AAAA. She joined Makerere University in 2001 on government sponsorship to study Law and graduated in 2005 and proceeded to LDC in 2006, becoming an advocate in 2008.

After hustling for jobs like many graduates, she worked with her father for a while, earning only her transport, then tried other ‘side gigs’ until she set up her own practice in 2014.