‘I am the first to drive a Benz’

Nantumbwe’s mini hatchback Mercedes Benz is sometimes used as a moving wardrobe given her roles as Miss Uganda that may involve changing clothes and shoes to suit a particuar event. PHOTOS BY ABUBAKER LUBOWA.

The beauty queen was born 23 years ago to Mr Rogers Nsereko and Ms Angella Nakiyonga who are both running personal businesses. She has previously studied at Buganda Road Primary School, Kabojja Junior School, Kabojja International Secondary School and Vienna College Namugongo. She then attended Greenwich University of South East London where she graduated with a degree in business computing in 2012. Besides representing the country currently as Miss Uganda, she is involved in other personal projects which include music and business (specialising in hair wigs).

What are the reactions of other motorists whenever they see you driving?
The reactions tend to vary. There are drivers who take my pictures, stare and hoot. Then, there are those who wave and say nice compliments as well as others who shout offensive insults at me.

With all that attention, don’t you often get distracted while driving on the road?
Sometimes I do. For instance, when someone waves at me, I do wave back or if someone yells Miss Uganda, I am always forced to look at their direction. One of the things that I have learnt in order to limit myself from being distracted is to always put my windows up.

What is the meanest thing another driver has said to you while you were driving on the road?
One afternoon as I was driving towards Bugolobi, a male driver who I think was drunk shouted, “You prostitute, you are still working?”

And what did you do when he said that?
I was like what? Did he just say that! But then, I chose to ignore him and concentrated on driving.

What do you normally do whenever you are in your car alone?
I listen to slow music.

Are you comfortable driving your car even when it is inscribed with the Miss Uganda label?
Yes, I am very comfortable. The only disadvantage with having these logos engraved on the car is that I cannot drive to certain places because it easily “reports” me.

Who washes your car?
I do it by myself every Sunday because it is like doing an exercise. If I am not able to, my 19-year-old nephew, Daniel helps me out.

When do you normally service it?
I service it according to the mileage. I have had it serviced about three times now ever since I was crowned Miss Uganda. Servicing is done at City Oil, Bombo Road.

And who meets the servicing expenses?
It is Redds.

Did you know how to drive before becoming Miss Uganda?
I knew how to drive just a little bit after a few friends taught me. After I was crowned last year in August, I went to Prestige Driving School and polished my skills for three months. Afterwards, I started driving myself.

What kind of means of transport were you using then before being crowned?
My mother, Ms Angella Nakiyonga, used to drive me a lot and whenever she was unable to, I would use boda bodas.

How was your first experience when you started alone?
It was very scary. I made quite a number of mistakes because I was timid. Fortunately, there was somebody seated in the passenger seat and was very helpful in rectifying some of those errors that I made.

Have you ever got lost while driving?
Yes, I have ever. I got lost in Naguru while I was driving back home to Makindye, a Kampala suburb. The reason was because I was not familiar with the routes in the area.

What did you do when this happened?
At that time, I was in traffic and happened to see a friend on the opposite lane. I made a signal towards his direction and later told him I was lost. He later gave me the appropriate directions back home.

Are you supposed to return the car to the organisers after your reign later on this year?
No, I am not. The car will remain mine. Once that time comes and it is in my full possession. It is rather a silly idea but I would love to add eyelashes on its headlights as well as put the Miss Uganda logo on the bonnet.

What do you love mostly about the car?
I love the fact that it is a Mercedes-Benz A190 and I am the first Miss Uganda to win this particular type of car. The 2011/12 winner had a Toyota spacio while the 2012/13 front runner had a red Toyota Raum.

And the fuel consumption ratio of your car is…
Honestly, I do not know. But what I can tell you is that I normally put Shs50,000 and this can take me for a period of three days. Redds, still takes care of these expenses.

Are there any other people who drive this car besides you?
Yes, the Miss Uganda team does and this even includes Ms Brenda Nanyonjo, the Miss Uganda organiser. She has her own car but at times hers may not be available, so I lend her mine.