Veteran Ugandan actress, singer and filmmaker Mariam Ndagire has opened up about the values that have helped her maintain her respect, dignity and image throughout her four-decade career in the entertainment industry.
Speaking on the Diaspora Connect UG podcast, Ndagire said her upbringing played a significant role in shaping the person she has become and influencing the decisions she has made throughout her career.
The celebrated artist revealed that being raised in a Muslim family taught her from an early age to be conscious of her actions and the consequences they could have on her reputation.
“I was raised in a Muslim family, so some things aren’t allowed in Islam. You always remember where you’ve come from and what people would say if you did something wrong,” Ndagire said.
According to Ndagire, those values have remained a guiding force even as she navigated the challenges and temptations that come with working in the entertainment industry.
She also said her children have influenced the way she conducts herself, explaining that she often thinks about how her actions today could affect them in the future.
Ndagire noted that she asks herself what would happen if her children came across something questionable she had done years earlier, particularly at a time when they might be in a position to face the consequences of her past actions.
“Also the grounding from school, especially Trinity College Nabbingo, grounded me a lot and shaped me,” she added.
Having spent about 40 years in the Ugandan entertainment industry, Ndagire has built a reputation as one of the country’s prominent figures in film, theatre and music.
She credits the strong foundation she received from her family, faith and education for helping her remain grounded and protect the image she has built over the years.