ROSEBELL KAGUMIRE, 33, is a renowned blogger and women’s rights activist who is also passionate about development and the media. The bubbly activist told Quick Talk a few things about herself.
Let us start with your educational background…
I attended Kibona boarding primary school up to P5 before completing my primary education in Bushenyi Town School. I was in Kyeizooba Girls’ secondary school for one year and I later went to Bweranyangi Girls’ School for the rest of my secondary education.
I did Mass Communication in Makerere University on government sponsorship and then a master’s in media, peace and conflict studies in Costa Rica at the UN University for Peace.
Mmmm, I can see where the activism comes from. Moving on, what do you carry in your bag on a daily basis?
[Instantly, while giggling] My computer, my phone, my iPad and lipstick. I love lipstick; so, I always have a small toilet bag that has my lipstick and other personal effects in my bag.
And who styles your locks?
It is me most of the time unless I have an event that requires sophisticated styling. I like styling my own hair and I also style my friends’ hair when I have time. I am really into fashion.
Speaking of fashion, who designs your African print outfits [Rosebell is a great fan of African prints]
There is a good tailor at Kara fashions in Bugolobi. I usually go to her with my own designs. She sometimes advises or adjusts the designs to suit my personality and desired look. That is the beauty with African fabrics. They enable you make something unique for yourself.
And what is your current ringtone?
I don’t have a ringtone. It is one of those original tones that come with the phone.
And If I checked on your speed dial who would I find there?
I don’t have any one on speed dial [huh?]
Really?
Yes. I don’t usually like talking on phone. I talk to people online. Most of the people I know are at least on one social media platform. The people I mostly call are my parents [Phinehas Kagumire and Prisca Kinareebire] because they are not on social media.
And what do you enjoy eating?
Oh! There is a lot. I actually like traditional food. I like eshabwe [ghee blended with rock salt], matooke, kalo [millet bread] and food from the north; you know, food like boo and pasted fish. I also like tea especially the one that is spiced with lemon grass, mujaaja [spearmint], ginger and those kinds of herbs, although I also take coffee.
You are quite adventurous with food…
Yes, you know when you travel, you really have to adjust your mind. Food is about your mindset. Of course you can’t like whatever you try but when you keep trying, you find things that you like. That is my attitude towards food.
What is that one thing you can’t live without?
[Thinks for a while…] Something I can’t live without? I must say I am not a kind of person who gets addicted to things. Maybe not being online, but that is because I like to know what is going on in the world, not in people’s lives. Of course I would miss not having some things, but I can live without them.
What would you tell Ethics and Integrity minister Simon Lokodo if you met him now?
Hahaha… I didn’t see that coming! Lokodo. I don’t feel that guy. Ok, I would tell him to chill out and be himself. People are different and his standard of morality does not define other people’s moral standards. Freedom for me is more important than judging people based on such standards.
Ok…
So, I would ask him to chill out and live his life. Usually people who are obsessed with other people’s lives don’t have a life of their own. Maybe I’m wrong, but that is what I would tell him.
What song are you currently enjoying?
[Beaming and moving her right arm to create a wave] On A Wave by Drake. [Quick Talk asks what the song is about] It talks about that state of not being ready to settle down.
Ok. So, should you become ready to settle down, who is your ideal man?
He should be someone who inspires me to be a better person; someone with whom I can have a deep conversation in politics, poetry or soccer.
Someone in touch with his inner self and interested in every part of my life. The connection is very important to me although freedom and independence are key [Wow. That is quite some guy you are looking for!]
Is there any guy with these qualities that you have a crush on?
Well, crushes come and go. They are not supposed to stay; otherwise, you would be a stalker. I will think about it.
Ok. At least you can tell us your favorite color for underwear.
Oh well, Ha ha ha! Definitely purple is one of them, colours that are bright can be good but some days, you may need a subtle colour [smiling] It really depends on the mood.
So, what was the mood today?
Hahaha! No, I would rather leave that out.
pbaike@yahoo.com