My Brand Permits Me To...

  I had a conversation with Belinda Agnes Namutebi, now pivoting to public health. She told me, not too long ago, that certain elements in my life, may not be suitable for my brand.

I had never looked at personal brands in that way and neither had I ever fretted about them, until the time came when I was required for me to.

One of my distinct brands is to be gracious on social media, towards those who may not deserve my grace. The easy way out of course would be to reduce one's morals and dignity and respond to duplicitous individuals, in the same way that they have treated you. My brand will never permit me to do that. It is almost as if it has a mind on its own. The heart and mind operating at different levels, sort of.

I know many others whom I follow, who also have such high standards of public social media etiquette. They stand for something, and their values are clear. It is easy to notice that they belong to the noble and dignified class of people.

This is hardly about the titles you may have or the number of subscribers or followers, it is more about how you carry yourself and how, when you are seated amongst those who do not share your values, you politely and respectfully walk away without creating a scene.

Besides, there is enough drama on television, which is already well-scripted.

This photo was taken in 2009 during a family holiday to the exquisite Mihingo Lodge, Lake Mburo National Park.

I am The Sulphur That Grows Between The Rocks

 I Was A Teacher That Didn’t Teach

I am not a strong woman.

I am not a rock.

I am the sulphur flower that grows

between the rocks

and stands out 

amongst the irregular biceps and triceps

that created my missteps.

Today, I am that flower that blooms

underneath the heaviness.

The real pandemic was,

a syllabus filled with systemic sensationalism

and a curriculum that encouraged cowardice?

Each time I opened my mouth to speak,

those were only mumblings from manifestations

of a mother of 4 children who needed to eat.

And so I muttered,

Words.

Things.

And gave out faded gold stars from a faded smile.

The children scored As and Bs

and the world applauded them,

because the world likes faded gold stars

and faded smiles

that they can control.

The feisty and friendly children of the world.

International but not intentional.

Parents gawked at me.

The dwarf conifer that couldn’t grow.

I was a teacher that didn’t teach.

My mind was in its own lockdown

Long before the world locked down

And then

  The axis shifted

THE. WORLD. LOCKED. DOWN

They felt what I had felt

Movement without actually moving.

And as the world was locked,

this dwarf conifer

began to stand out amongst the rocks.

Do you see that crevice dweller,

The happy hue underneath the heaviness?

I am the happy hue

The dwarf that grew.

I am a Teacher now

And I start by teaching myself.

I learn how flowers can grow amongst the rocks

I learned how to tolerate droughts

I learned that the worst lockdown

Is when the mind is locked down

And that pandemics are internal.

I am a Teacher.

Creating a curriculum of courage

Synthesizing syllabi from dreams and destiny

Opening young and old minds

to dwell amongst the rocks.

We are not strong women

We are the sulphur flowers amongst the rocks.

                                                                            ……

Copyright:  Beverley Nambozo Nsengiyunva

'How Deep Is This Pothole?' Book Review of Dr. Ian Clarke's Book, by Beverley

 Dr. Ian Clarke's story, from one of his several books, 'How Deep Is This Pothole?' is such a well-delivered and apt description of the different facets of Uganda and Ireland, through the eyes of an Irish doctor. The story shares about Uganda's concealed troubles within its leadership, it shares the true meaning of  care and determination and also reveals how important it is to develop risk-tolerance.

While the primary plot unravels the unfailing courage of an Irish missionary doctor who travelled from Ireland to Uganda and developed a systematic healthcare programme through building hospitals, training facilities and expertise, the subplots are just as important.

Take for example, that when Ian and his wife Roberta arrived in Luwero, which is a district north of Kampala, with their young children, they were met with the changing and rather tumultuous regimes at the time, creating unprecedented risk. In the 1980s, AIDS was also a rising health challenge with untold of fear, unaccounted for deaths and severe emotional consequences amidst the lack of knowledge around its care.

In addition, Ian had a young family who, while fo rthe most part, they grasped his vision and supported him unreservedly, were still growing and had many questions about their individual lives and how Uganda fit into it.

Ian's story is full of heart and authentic grit. It is easy to tell the difference between a person truly invested into his purposeful journey and potential impact in using his skills to positively impact a place, and those just passing by. 

Reading about how he began building his health systems from Kiwoko to Kampala, is mesmerizing. Negotiations with Government agencies, contractors, health workers and facing the brunt of unscrupulous individuals, that could easil have deterred him but didn't.

In the midst of his resilience in developing a unique healthcare plan for Uganda, Ian was diagnosed with cancer, a battle he endured two times, and here we witness the unrivalled importance of a supportive and understanding partner, which he found in Robbie, his wife.

He began by creating a health plan, and transcended those borders into real estate across borders, by establishing himself in Zanzibar.

The true definition os unstoppable. I learned so much about Uganda and its systems, from Ian' story and I hold deep admiration for those who hold onto their visions  with relentless pursuit.

Published in 2010, Dr. Clarke has broadened his vision, since the books was published, even serving as member of Parliament in Makindye in subsequent years, with his family building their careers in the health industry and real estate.

The book is available on Amazon.

Review by Beverley N Nsengiyunva

Resigning With Grace

I have received numerous questions about my absence from the international school where I used to teach. It is heartwarming that you miss me.

I resigned from that international school. The staff were kind enough to hold a farewell lunch for me and also gift me with a precious bag, which I still use today. 

If you do not see me in any place and are questionins my absence, it is because I resigned. At every single place, I have given 3 months' or 6 months' notice. I still have copies of all the emails of resignation and photos of every final day at that work place.

At every place I have worked, whether on permanent basis or contract, I have given at least 3 to 6 months notice. This helps people prepare for any transition. No matter the situation, it is important to write an official and polite resignation and keep your copy as evidence. 

If you do not see me in any place at all, where \i used to work, whether it was in an office, a school, or an online platform, the reason is simple, I resigned about 6 months in advance and without a doubt, there was a farewell that was held for me. I have all the photos.

This photo was taken in 2014, when The Monitor Newspaper interviewed me at home, about my taste for bold colours and African fabric.

Bless!

Bev

This map of Africa

I have received so many questions about this map of Africa on my head and if I wear it to official functions. Thanks.

It was in December last year, that I lost my second earring from this set of Africa. I was not going to lose them both, which is why I innovated and started to wear it across my forehead. From December 2024, I have worn it to every physical and virtual event-each and every day-even on our long road trip over Christmas.

I have not travelled outside Kampala or Uganda this year as yet, except virtually through my public speaking training sessions.

I wear  this Africa when I am emceeing, when I am being interviewed by researchers. If you see me without it, or another earrin, then that photo or video was taken before December of 2024.

Because I own my style and I am deeply respectful of  various protocols, for example, when I am training participants across different faiths and cultures, I respect their protocol. If I am in a place that is strict on particular formal dresscode, I will adhere to that. I just leave the earring on and because I always deliver with aplomb, it works well.

Kindly note-many people have met me and have said they would like to try it and I encourage them. Certain styles go along with specific personalities though-kindly take note. I know that when we delve into our personal fashion preferences, we will find that additional touch, which suits us perfectly.

Bless!

Bev

The Poet, Where Every Rhyme Means Death, by Michael Connelly

I bought this book at a second hand book store, where, if you are a book lover like me, you will find the most incredible deals. 

The author,  Michael Connelly, is well known for his crime fiction and the title jumped right at me.

'The Poet, Where Every Rhyme Means Death.' With a plot intertwined with the rising number of 'cop suicides,' and a trail that leads a crime reporter to unprecedented twists as he investigates, starting with his own brother's suicide.

With the elements that make great crime; unexpected twists, poorly hidden romance, fruitless pursuits and close calls. As always, it is the person you least expect, the one you have been trying to solve the crime with, the one whom you shared the most valuable details of the mystery, giving them a headstart without knowing.

This gripping from start to finish and is good for long road trips, plane rides, boring meetings and when you just want to stay at home and read a good book.

ROPE-the play with all the right modern buttons

 ROPE is the play that hit the National Theatre Stage in Kampala, with al the right modern buttons. Written by Lloyd Lutara and directed by Kaya Kagimu, this play gave me the feel of exactly what we have been doing for the last five years; speaking into our phone cameras and confessing to deeds which are best left to the ears of a man or woman ordained to receive that level of sorrow and iniquity.

Beverley, Kaya Kagimu and Brenda Ibarah (cast member)

Kaya Kagimu is honoured the 'Feeling,' the poetry anthology celebrating iconic Ugandan women.

ROPE is a tale of how people have been dealing with their self-loathing, their dark deeds and their burdensome identity crises. Through unsolicited advice or confessions on phone cameras. They then post on social media to real and perceived audiences. 

In this modern story of well-written monologues, it is one we have heard many times and yet it feels fresh. A wife and husband are faced with moral dilemmas, unsatisfied sexual desires, in-law interruptions and so they seek for help in unconventional and often questionable places. 

The results of this are as bizarre as they are pitiful, scarred by emotional and physical abuse, wretchedness, unspeakable betrayal and helplessness.

What Lloyd Lutara ahs done is masterful and thanks to the support of a wonderful director, production team and cast, ROPE was definitely worth watching.

The play is still on sale at National Theatre in Kampala, along with his other publications.

Review by Beverley N Nsengiyunva