Women in power and their signature look

The concept of style is a tricky one for people in the public eye because unlike fashion it has a depth of character. There is so much that goes into choosing a signature look. A signature look tells the world what kind of work you do, how seriously you take it, and what kind of woman you are.

Janet Museveni
The First Lady of Uganda and Minister of Education and Sports has mastered the rules of dressing for her shape, age and status. It always helps to have the money and master the rules. She understands that proportion and colour are what matter when dressing as a public figure, and keeps it simple. She goes for elegant embroidered jackets worn over shirts and flowing skirts. Her “Janet cut” hairstyle and simple jewellery (pearls and pins) make her look effortlessly yet elegantly put together. Occasionally she steps out in the traditional mwenda or the yellow colours of her party.

Jennifer Musisi
Female executives are amongst the most heavily scrutinised public figures. Every fashion choice they make often overshadows their achievements and abilities. Unlike others, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director Musisi refuses to hide behind the safe conservative outfits and stands out in her own style. Her commitment to colourful and form fitting outfits is legendary. She complements the boldness of her wardrobe selection with equally colourful jewellery, often wearing chunky necklaces and dangling earrings that hit the collarbone. This woman is not afraid to be noticed that is why she picks hairstyles and dresses her curves for maximum visibility.

Beti Kamya
The minister for Kampala Capital City Authority is the mistress of the daunting penciled in eyebrow. She has popularised it to the extent that salons offer the Beti Kamya eyebrow style for women with similar taste. Her blindingly colourful outfits, well-groomed treated short hair and sleek glasses are the touchstone of her look. She also has an eye for accessories often complementing her outfits with scarves, brooches and boutonnieres.

Winnie Byanyima
The aeronautical engineer, politician, and diplomat might as well have invented minimalism as we know and wear it today. She has mastered the golden rule of make-up that it should never be seen. Her trademark style is the short hair paired with the African print. With her barely there make-up and minimal accessories Byanyima still manages to look sophisticated and elegantly turned out, of course her natural beauty does give her a leg up.

Doris Akol
On any work day, you know the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Commissioner General will turn up in a two piece skirt suit, a round necklace and a brooch with hair either combed back or parted to the side. Her outfits have that loved and lived-in urban chic. Akol is naturally endowed with those attributes that women spend fortunes on; perfect white teeth, set in dark gums, flawless skin and exquisite facial structure. Her wardrobe might be modest but she possesses the elusive million dollar smile, only if she would flaunt it as often as possible.

Allen Kagina
Her style is as austere as her public persona. She favours brown and black full-length skirts and long sleeved tops. Kagina likes to play it safe with unassuming jewellery (classic pearl necklaces and simple gold earrings) conservatively safely short hair and minimal make-up.

Deborah Malac
United States of America ambassador to Uganda Malac has a certain universal appeal and her sense of style is no exception. She proves that silver grey hair can be as glamorous as any colour or even more. The diplomat has a vibrant personality which manifests in her outfits and colourful spectacles. She is a woman comfortable in her skin who enjoys experimenting with style and fortunately she always nails the experiments. Malac is proof that one can dress casually and still be stylish.

Barbara Kyagulanyi
You can take the girl out of the church but you can never take the church out of the girl. Barbie might have married one of the most successful pop star in Uganda but she is yet to adapt to the lifestyle. With her very minimal make-up, natural hair and clean-cut outfits Barbie always looks like she is going for a rather classy church function.

Malaika Nyanzi
Malaika Nyanzi, the KFM presenter, is a true millennial in her approach to style. She is a fashion chameleon who refuses to be stuck to one look. Her style oozes a lot of passion and creativity. She loves her outfits to be very feminine and bold. Her make-up is also dependent on the occasion; she clearly dresses purely for her own pleasure, embracing costume jewellery with luxury labels and chic custom made outfits.

Dr Wandira Kazibwe
Former vice president Specioza Wandera Kazibwe’s style gets better with age just like fine wine. It could have something to do with being free from responsibilities and expectations that come with political appointments because she is a much more refined woman. Clearly, she is a woman who values comfort above all; flat shoes, breathable fabrics, nothing too tailored and the natural hair, which she is nailing by the way.

Justice Catherine Bamugemereire
Justice Bamugemereire’s aesthetic passions are an expression of who she is; bold, efficient with a modern, international feel. Her signature bright red lipstick gives an image of a serious professional woman who is not afraid to look glamorous. She favours expensive-looking conservative suits always matched with a pair of grown-up, expensive-looking earrings.