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At home, there is no limelight, we live basic lives - Lukoma
Hellen Lukoma, actress and artiste. PHOTO/EDGAR R BATTE
What you need to know:
Hellen Lukoma wears many hats. She is an actress, a model, fashion designer and singer. Her breakthrough in the film industry came when she acted as Patra in The Hostel series. This has since opened more opportunities for her. In this interview, she speaks about her film work, family, managing fame and motherhood.
Her heart beats for music and film. At some point, Hellen Lukoma made a turn into fashion with House of Lukoma under which she collected but did not design. Today, she has made a deep bite into acting as a favourite on the silver screen ever since she graced television in The Hostel series. Motherhood has positively changed her life, as she tells Edgar R Batte.
What is the last thing that made you smile?
Today, I took my sons to the supermarket and they picked what they wanted. They tried to bribe me to buy them sweets, something I had stopped. They were so funny about it and kept me smiling. So, they kept begging me, saying ‘one more mummy, please. “I was tempted to believe them.
Which joy are you finding in creation?
When I look at my boys, I really wonder that they were made and grew in my womb. It is so amazing and I give thanks to God for that. I see them growing- they have my nose, my mouth. It is beautiful to watch them grow.
Who is a good man to you?
A man of character, a kind man, one who is God-fearing, empathetic and hard-working. A good man comes from God.
Did you find that man in your life?
I have a good man.
How do you balance between being a good wife and a good mother?
I am a good wife to my husband and I am a good mother to my children. I don’t want to mother my husband. I do it a little because every woman does it but I just want to be a good wife to my husband. So, I’m a better wife to him than a mother because I have children to mother.
Who is the good woman in Hellen?
If I can settle down and have children, I am a good woman. Committing to one man makes a good woman in me. I am a good Christian, a good daughter to my parents and I respect them. I am empathetic. I try to respect my husband’s friends.
How does it feel for your husband having a wife in the limelight?
He found me in the limelight. I don’t think he has a problem with me being in the limelight.This is my career and through it, I care for my children. But at home, there is no limelight, we live basic lives.
How do you deal with that attention that your beauty attracts?
Oh, I did not know I had any. Do I still get any attention? Honestly, I do not focus on it at all.
How do you get screened?
I look for auditions and I get jobs. Sometimes, I get calls about auditioning opportunities. That is how I get onto the screen.
Who has influenced your career and why?
My mother and family have influenced me, my husband and children as well. Now I work hard so that when my people see me, they feel proud of me. It pushes me.
Who has helped you to improve your acting role?
I have worked with different people; I have worked with Mr Ntaganda, John Ssegawa, Lucky and so many. Actually, the more you know a lot of people in the film industry, the better. They are always willing to help. My husband has played a big role. He reminds me that I am doing great. Where you are not, he is there.
To whom do you draw your inspiration, locally and internationally?
Wakaliwood inspires me in many ways be it bullet movies and so on. I used to like Beyoncé and Rihanna. I am not only inspired by people who do great things, but even the women I meet on streets with their children. Actually, I should produce a movie about that.
What are your career plans?
I cannot wait to start doing my movies. I cannot wait to hire people and I cannot wait to win more awards. I cannot wait to be on bigger platforms.
Do you want to do that locally or internationally?
Everyone longs to shine on a global stage so that they can represent their country. But right now, I want to focus on Uganda, East Africa and Africa. I cannot wait to breakthrough.
Who is your favourite local actor, actress and why?
My favourite local actress is me and international is me because I have tried to put in the best work and I want to continue being the best.
Who else do you think is as good as you?
Many people are doing really great.
What is the biggest prize your husband is giving you?
Children. He trusted me with his offsprings.
What do you know today that you wish you knew it before?
Time! time does not wait. If you want to be good, be good today. If you want to do anything, the time is now. If you want to be kind to someone, do it now. I wish I knew that earlier, I would have quit obsessions a little earlier.
