Liane and Percy pose for a photograph. Photo by Jonah Kabugo
(Asiimwe met the Rubeleto Construction Concern boss who is famous for bankrolling artistes, at his office in Kololo and took a ride in his Landcruiser and they later had lunch, talking money, family and success.)
Boss, how do you do?
I’m very well, thank you.
Is Rubeleto your name?
I’m Eng Ronald Ssemakula. Rubeleto came about this way, my father was a prominent coffee farmer in Rakai, Masaka, he had a bike that roared ‘Rubeleeetoo…ruuu … rubeleeetoo … ruuu. So folks started calling him Rubeleto. When I grew up, I decided to take up my father’s nickname! Don’t you like the way it sounds?
I sure do sir, what about the engineer title, are you a professional?
Yes I am. I have a degree in Civil Engineering.
When did you join the construction business?
About six years ago, then I was just a real estate businessman. Now I buy land, construct houses and sell them. I own chunks of land all over the country. I have since ventured into road construction and I have done several kilometres of highways like the Rakai-Mbarara highway, most of the roads in Rakai and others in western Uganda.
I saw your pictures when you went to Sanyu Babies Home to donate baby items recently …
Well son, I’m a man with a loving heart. So what do you do?
I do graphic design.
Since you are a designer, I want you to design for me a promotional poster for Rubeleto Construction.
Okay I’ll do it, I’m also an upcoming artiste.
Mutabani, all you have to do is have love for what you are doing because me I support upcoming artistes. Infact since I’m your mentor, I’ll pay for your studio recording, video shoot and sponsor your first concert … that I promise. There is a serious upcoming boy I bought a car recently, I will give you a small gift also if you are committed.
Thank you, boss. Now with all the money you have don’t girls try to seduce you?
I have a beautiful family, money is one thing and being safe is another. I attribute my success to a spirit of hard work my family; my mother and father instilled in me when I was young and most importantly, the Almighty God.
Are both your parents still alive?
No, only my mother whom I love so much. In fact I take her to the beach sometimes and last year I finished her mansion in Kyotera, Rakai.