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

Toastmasters Was Endless Fun!

The Toastmasters Weekend oozed with so much verve.

We hosted a conference in Kampala, comprising over 20 membership clubs from Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. The conference programme was lit, curated by a dynamic team, and filled with public speaking contests, networking, guest speakers, partying and lots of synergy.

Receiving my gift for serving as contest chair

Serving as contest chair always gives me so much pleasure and any opportunity to speak, dance and perform poetry, just makes me want to reach the clouds and squeeze them until they also feel the tangible joy of doing what you love, especially before people who already get it and if they don't, they're ready to.

                                           Courtesy photo: Dancing with the Acoli troupe.

Gifting the Guest speaker Tony Otoa, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of Uganda National Oil Company

Co-hosting the awards ceremony-what is not to love! Dancing with the winners and audience members-you can' put a price to that, can you?

It all came together. I joined Toastmasters in 2016 and for seven highly impactful years, started new clubs, served as Public Relations Manager of East Africa and earned my Distinguished Toastmaster Award. Since then, I have exercised those skills in regional and global platforms while continuing with my poetry and writing.

If you are interested in joining Toastmasters, contact our Division Director of Uganda, on +256 741 033260. You may also follow Toastmasters.org.

When I was a Teenager, I made sense of Life Through Poetry

 When I was a teenager and I needed something to make sense, I wrote it down in a poem.

In 1994, during the Rwanda genocide, I was in school and wrote a story and poem about it, and read it to the class.

When I couldn't stand the behaviour of certain girls in my dormitory, I wrote about them in poetry and some even cried.

When I tried to battle with adolescence, puberty and libidos, I wrote it down in poetry.

When I travelled to a new place as an adult, I wrote about the border, the airport security checks and any new words, I learned in that language.

Poetry, while it used to just about me, and how I felt, until I realised that such potency will never remain in a vacuum.

Poetry is stateless and does not conform. It travels where it wants and settles where it wants.

Bless!

Bev.

What Skills For Our Children? Housework vs. The Rest

 A few weeks ago, a journalist from The New Vision newspaper approached me and asked my opinion on the many private boarding schools where students are not required to do housework.

I believe housework is important and instills a level of self-efficiency. Environmental hygiene can also never be over estimated.

Having said that, we should have a balance. What is the goal and vision of the school? Is that goal shared amongst parents and students alike?

While housework and time management are crucial, students should also apply soft skills like empathy, public speaking, leadership and etiquette and have practical guidance on financial management, business ethics, global news.

Without these, many students are raised to become well-behaved wives who clean and cook with extremely low self-esteem and no idea how to run a business.

Bev

The Great Athol Fugard Has Rested

 It is hard to imagine that someone with such a powerful countenance, a relentless passion for social justice, an endless flow of wit from his pen, could ever rest. Athol Fugard, award-winning South African playwright, director, and actor.

He was so incensed by Apartheid that the government even withdrew his passport for a number of years. I had the distinct privilege of  teaching his plays a few years ago to an A level Cambridge Literature class. What fun we had!

(Internet photo)

There is so much to grasp between the pages of the play 'Sizwe Bansi is Dead.' Athol's tangible impact is undeniable. He creates characters and scenes from the most mundane and everyday situations and ignites them into an unforgettable life event. The potent discrimination during Apartheid is so well described and articulated in this play, and leaves anyone quite numb. 

Being a white South Africa, enraged by the Apartheid system, attracted its own backlash and antagonism and yet Athol was consistent in his stance.

No-Good Friday, another of his plays, is highly memorable and intertwines such unimaginable tension during Apartheid in Sophiatown.

Reading Nongogo left us with so many questions about blurred lines, survival and justice. I would have loved to have met this unmatched genius. 

To a great person, rest well.

Beverley N Nsengiyunva

Bless!

Feeling, Is Out! The Poetry Anthology Celebrating Iconic Ugandan Women

 This has been the most celebratory and noteworthy journey of all our poetry anthologies at Babishai. It just kept growing until this monumental time. What a journey worth relishing in. Every single part has been worth it.

 

Prof. Sylvia Tamale                                          Tapenence Kuteesa

 

 

Dr. Isabella Epiu, Uganda’s first PhD anaesthisiologist

Extended gratitude to the poetry contributors, to the photographer, to Braid Art ad Culture Fund, Gilgal Media Arts and the team tat Babishai Niwe Poetry Foundation.

Thanks to the women whom we reached out to who gladly accepted this honour. Thanks to their relatives, as well.

To Kampala Morning Stars Rotary Club, who hosted an early women’ s day meeting and bought a significant number of copies, thank you.

Jackie Asiimwe

There are 65 iconic Ugandan women who are honoured in this poetry anthology and if we had had a lifetime to produce this anthology, then we would definitely have included all the extraordinary women of Uganda.

 

We are victorious. Uganda is victorious. Africa is victorious. he world is victorious. Each of these women has shaped the world in one way or another. We will never stop rejoicing in their accolades.

The online version of this poetry anthology is available here.FEELING

For physical copies, call +256 751 703226 or email babishai@babishai.com

 

Thank you!!

Rev Bev-touching the world one country at a time

 On the last Sunday of February this year, my Pastor Godson Sebuguzi and his wife, Dr. Catherine Sebuguzi, invited me to lead service at God's Fortress Ministries in Komamboga Uganda. What a huge honour!

In my twenties, I used to call myself #RevBev and imagined myself evangelising in every country in the world. There's something satisfying and highly rewarding when it comes to touching the lands of unfamiliar places and speaking to those who carry unfamiliar faces and speak unfamiliar languages. 

I feel I am part of something real and that it is just an extension of whom I was always supposed to be.

2025 is the year when I am launching new products. The first was my website, in January, an unveiling of a powerful and creative side of me. Here's the link. BEVERLEY N NSENGIYUNVA

In March 2025, it is the release of 'Feeling,' the women's poetry anthology celebrating iconic Ugandan women. This is such a celebratory year and I am grateful for each person that has ridden along with me, walked with me, jumped and danced with me and created with me.

Feeling-The Great Unveiling of our Poetry Anthology Book Cover

 The Great Unveiling!

Heartfelt and Beautiful Greetings,🏆

Unveiling the cover of 'Feeling,' the upcoming and much anticipated Babishai Niwe Poetry Foundation Poetry Anthology Celebrating Iconic Ugandan Women.🇺🇬
We'll soon be releasing both the virtual and physical versions.

Extending gratitude to you for your continued support. More details out soon, also on social media💙

The cover photograph was taken by professional photographer, Edward Soyinka Echwalu💯

Contributors to the Anthology include:-
Zoey -Thestoryteller, George W Kiwanuka, George Gumikiriza, Nakintu Pamela Mwanje, Alwedo Michelle Ivy, Andrew Herbert Ouma, Kagayi Ngobiand Beverley N Nsengiyunva 🏆

This project has been supported by East Africa Arts (British Council) and Trust Indigenous Culture and Health, through their BRAID Fund.

Bless!
Bev.✈️

Connect Through Dancing

 I sometimes get nervous when people ask me  to mentor them. I feel like it's a trap. Whichever decision I make, I am trapped. If I say yes, I have pulled myself into a relationship that I often have little control over. What are the rules for mentorship, anyway?

If I decline, then there are people who will make me walk the plank. There are those gatekeepers who hold this offensive narrative that every single minute of someone's free time should be spent on volunteering or mentoring.

These days if you explain that you'd rather spend Saturday and Sunday with family, then once again, the gatekeepers will make you walk the plank, just because you have made a choice that does not involve them. When did we give away our power that people have control over every single minute of our time? At the rate that some people volunteer, it is a wonder that they have time for their jobs or family at home?

The reason that I sometimes decline mentoring is because of that. There are few clear guidelines. Sometimes the people I am mentoring are non-communicative and I am pleading with them to follow their goals. 

Thankfully, there are times when I mentor people who are hungry. They are so hungry, that they make mentoring a joy. I am also able to share a dedicated time line to our relationship. It may slide into coaching as well. With coaching though, there is usually a fee and it is well-framed and based on specific expertise.

Mentorship, especially in Uganda, is growing, which is good. It means that there is a need for sound leadership and there are dedicated groups of people willing to learn. On that note, if we have dedicated ourselves to lead and guide others, then let us do so when we are able to.  It is impractical to mentor over 100 people sometimes three times a week and be effective.

Since it is voluntary, ask yourself if it is the right time for you, if you are resourcefully able to and how long it will last. Take note that there are those who take advantage of experienced leaders and make them fall into this trap of mentoring for the common good, when actually this mentor is exhausted, depleted of all mental and almost physical strength, holding onto the last fragments of their own will.

There are some mentorship spaces that are dynamic and have passed the tests. Girls for Girls Mentorship is one of them, which I follow. I spoke at one of their sessions and my expectations were clear, which was fantastic.

There are many that mentor and both mentees and mentors are able to fully replenish the other. It is good to give of yourself, please do. Only when you actually have something to give and the time to do it.

Take time to rest. We should be celebrated for choosing time to play, to be with family and to work on our own goals. We should spend time dancing, reading, or maybe just laying down and staring into the starlit sky. We don't do that enough.

Here below I was dancing  at a wedding in Kigali, December 2024.

Bless!

Bev

My Website is Here! Yay!

 It's here! My website!

I wanted to launch it at least two years before I turned 50.

It started with a few people telling me that as I grew my brand, I needed to set up a website. All I could think of was, Why would I do that when I can hardly keep it together with all the social media channels, children, my dreams and my writing?

And then I began waking up early, by 3am and 4am and the path of my inward journey began to reflect as an outward projection of fulfillment and extremely high vibration, with frequencies connecting with people who felt as desirous as I did, to live without limitations.

I still didn't know when this website would begin, if it ever did. It was not until Florence Katono MBA, CAP approached me last year and said, "Bev, it's time." Where are you going to put all the work, the accolades, the writing and the life-changing blog posts you've collected over the years?

I remember in 2015 when the New Vision named me as one of Uganda's Top 40 under 40 women, for my extensive work in promoting poetry in Uganda and beyond.

My husband too, who also designs websites, kept nudging me towards the need to put it together, since he had already designed work websites for me.

And then a stranger approached me by the name of Ms. Owora, a Ugandan living in the U.S who had seen my work over the years. She shared her services, professionally and not forcefully. We began talking and the discussions grew into the website. My website. Please follow the link and enjoy the journey like I did.

There are several poetry collections and anthologies. Remember 'Boda Boda Anthem: A Kampala Poetry Anthology?' You can purchase it and read at your leisure.

BODA BODA ANTHEM

Thanks to wonderful people who gave feedback on the website:
Emmanuel Nsengiyunva, Dr. Sara Kaweesa (PhD), Florence Katono, Christine Nalubowa Sempanyi, Eric Semwanje, Hatim Katamba, Omondi-Odero Daniel, Joe Tugume, Elizbeth Asiimwe and Loyce Adong.

Here's the link! Bless!

BEVERLEY NAMBOZO NSENGIYUNV