I regret working with ungrateful people

John Segawa. Courtesy Photo

What you need to know:

  • John Segawa, an art teacher, ended up in the performing arts acting with Afri- Talent in 1994 where he doubled as director, set designer and stage manager. He has since been an arts businessman. Currently, he heads operations at Beyond Borders Entertainment. He shares with some of his titbits.

The first thing I do in the morning…..
I take a glass of water and go through my phone messages. I check the day’s news on social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook. Thereafter, I get ready for my day.

The first thing I do when I get to office….
I go through my diary to reconcile the previous day’s work with the day’s work. This puts me in better position to know what is expected of me. If I have a film to shoot I go to set up the day’s scene location as I wait for the other actors.

My earliest childhood memory…
My first day at Mugwanya Preparatory School, Kabojja. Army officers picked me up from Mubende to Kampala, leaving my parents behind. I cried for a couple of days before getting used to the new environment.

My first best friend was…
I cannot recall who it was.

My first girlfriend was……
Georgia. I was in Senior Two at St Henry’s College, Kitovu. She was a friend to my sister and both were at Kalungu Girls’ Training Centre, Masaka.

I cannot explain what it felt like falling in love then, but all I know is that I loved that girl. It is sad to accept the fact that she passed away.

My first date…
I wish I could recall.

My life in high school…
I was naughty and outgoing. I had no purpose at school and my grades were dismal. I also do not remember being at a school for more than a year.

The last gift I gave out…
A bouquet of flowers and cake to Leila Kayondo on her birthday. She is my special person.

The first book I read…
Kisumuluzo, a Luganda book that helped me learn how to read different Luganda vowels, words and short stories. However, I do not know author.

My first job…
In 1996, I was a teacher of Fine Art and General Paper at Pride Academy and Mengo Senior School. However, I did not find it memorable.

My first salary was…
I think it was between Shs180, 000 and Shs190,000 and I used it to buy household items because I had just started renting a small room in Mengo.

What I spend on the most…
My children. Growing up, my father used to provide all that we needed and he continues to do that today. That is the kind of father I want to be.

My current job…
I am a creative director at Beyond Borders Entertainment. We produce artistic content for TV and other stage performances.

What I like the most about my job…
I get to meet all kinds of people from all walks of life who eventually become family.

What I am up to…
I am busy writing a script for the new season of The Honourablez, the TV drama series.

My worst regret…
Working with people who never appreciate my efforts. Such people take advantage of you and when they think it is time for them to move on and stand on their own. Those people never look back to say, ‘thank you’.

My most memorable experience is…
Watching World Cup in South Africa. I will live to remember that.