Ian Ortega, a Ugandan Philosopher caught up with Hildah Lindah for an interview about education, business, relationships, and well, Bikinis. We reproduce the Transcript:
Ortega: First things first. Who is Hildah Lindah? When was she born?
Lindah: Hildah Lindah is a straight laced self-made person who deals in swimsuits currently. She believes in life credits because life is a game of chess and it’s always good to be in it to win. I was born on 5th May, 1991. My real name is Hildah Lindah Nalule. It’s actually funny how everyone thinks “Hildah Lindah” aint my real names.
Ortega: Tell me about your family and early life.
Lindah: I was born to Mr. and Mrs. Nsereko. We are 7 children, same mum, and same dad. That’s the beauty of it all. We are all older than each other by just a year or two.
Ortega: Take me through your Education side of life.
Lindah: For starters, I went to Buddo Junior School. It was a boarding school and I was there from P.1 to P.5. Life there was harsh for me and I couldn’t deal. As young as I was, I cried out to my parents and they changed my school as I preferred a day school. I was taken to Sir. Apollo Kaggwa Primary School. It’s in Mengo just around my home area so it really favoured me. For O-Level, I went to Mengo Senior School and for my A-Levels, I went to Buloba High School.
Ortega: So you join Campus? What happened there? Any retakes?
Lindah: I got 18 points at A-level and joined MUBS where I was pursuing a Degree in Procurement and Supply Chain Management. I am not so so dumb. Of course I would be lying to you if I said there were no retakes. Sometimes things just don’t go your way and before you know it, you have a retake.
Ortega: You’ve had a short-lived modeling career, what happened?
Lindah: First, I was discovered by Giulio Molfese. He’s a professional photographer. Me and him had never met in person but he always liked my pictures and always labeled me as a model even before I was one. So he offers to do a free photoshoot with me as he said it would help me kick start the modeling journey. I took a lot of pictures that day. I remember some were in bikinis, casual outfits, party outfits etc. I really had fun.
Ortega: Your Parents were comfortable with the bikini shots?
Lindah: My parents were okay with it because I remember while I was still modeling, I had a fashion show at Liquid Silk and it was going to end at around 2am. My dad dropped me off around 8pm. He went back home and by 2am, he was outside the club waiting to chauffeur me back home. That meant a lot to me because not a lot of parents here support their kids when it comes to modeling.
Ortega: Your quit modeling, you quit TV? Won’t you quit your swimwear business too?
Lindah: No I won’t quit that. I got tired of storming people’s offices and working for people. I wanted to do a lasting business.
Ortega: Let’s talk about your Swimsuit business…
Lindah: Well it’s something I had thought about for a very long time. It’s something that was born out of innate desire to start up something in Kampala for everyone. I knew I would start this business some day. The fact that I love being half naked (naturalist). My swimsuit pic says it all. I am in love with it. This is my passion. I always wanted to do something to give value to the feminine.
Ortega: Any Future plans five years from now?
Lindah: I plan to venture into a Magazine and probably launch my own swimwear line. On a personal level, 5 years from now, I will be happily married to my soul mate and best friend, having a family together, doing everything together as a couple.
Ortega: So, you mean you’re taken?
Lindah: I’m dating. I am in a relationship with Alex Kakuba. He’s a professional footballer. He plays for Uganda Cranes and another club in Portugal. I am super proud of my bae, I am his number one fan and the reverse is true.
Ortega: Any words for your swimwear clients and fans?
Lindah: This is directed to girls/ladies/women. I just want y’all to know that you don’t have to have my body or be a model to wear a swimsuit. You too can look amazing in a swimsuit. So don’t be left out, fall in and blend with everyone. To my fans, thanks for loving me and believing in me.
Ortega: What’s your philosophy on life?
Lindah: I listen to a lot of Hiphop and I pick most of my philosophy from that. There’s beauty in the struggle and ugliness in the success. When you are getting fast money, slow down, don’t crash. With all the drive in the world, swear, you still need gas. Learn to make it on your own and if you love yourself, you will never be alone.
Ortega: Finally, what happened with your TV career?
Lindah: Let’s just say, I quit the “TALK BACK SHOW”. It’s a long story. But I’m thankful for the experience both good and bad. I learnt a lot of things. I made a lot of friends at Urban TV and I am forever grateful and humbled.
