Nalubega Aidah Bukenya building a legacy on screen, online, and in beauty
Nalubega Aidah Bukenya
What you need to know:
Bukenya began her career in television before landing her breakout role in Best Friend, produced by Aromatic Productions
Nalubega Aidah Bukenya, best known by her screen name Jalia or Nvanunji is fast becoming a household name in Uganda’s entertainment and entrepreneurial circles. After winning hearts with her acting debut in the 2021 film Best Friend, Bukenya has since carved out a distinct identity beyond the screen: as the founder of ABC Cosmetix and a rising TikTok star with a devoted and growing fanbase.
On TikTok, Bukenya isn’t just another content creator, she’s a dynamic storyteller. She pulses with energy, offering a mix of makeup tutorials, humorous skits, and candid behind-the-scenes moments from her life as an actress-turned-entrepreneur. Whether she’s trying out a new ABC Cosmetix product, sharing lighthearted filming memories, or dancing to a viral audio clip, her authenticity and warmth shine through.
“Tiktok lets me be unscripted, it’s where I can laugh, teach, and just be Aidah,” she says.
Born in Lubya and raised in Mpenja, Gomba District, Bukenya began her career in television before landing her breakout role in Best Friend, produced by Aromatic Productions. The role brought her into the spotlight, but it’s her tireless work behind the scenes that’s redefining her public image. Through ABC Cosmetix, she’s introduced high-quality beauty products tailored for Ugandan skin types, and through TikTok, she’s opened a transparent window into her entrepreneurial journey—complete with product testing, customer feedback, and the realities of balancing business with acting.
Bukenya’s dual success in beauty and film is no coincidence. She’s made intentional career choices stepping away from acting at times to study skincare formulation and earn certifications that underpin the integrity of her brand.
“ABC Cosmetix isn’t a side hustle—it’s a legacy,” she declares.
Her TikTok platform serves as both a creative playground and a strategic marketing tool, bridging her two passions and proving how digital media can empower local brands. In doing so, Bukenya joins a growing wave of Ugandan creatives who are using social platforms not just for fame, but for building businesses and sharing knowledge.
With new film projects on the horizon and ABC Cosmetix expanding its footprint, Nalubega Aidah Bukenya is writing her own playbook for success—one that blends beauty, business, and the power of storytelling in the digital age.
