Living a dream: Shamim Naiga, 25, the first born of the seven children was raised by her paternal grandmother Yudaya Nakanwagi in Luzira, Lakeside Zone after her father left for the UK when she was just in Primary Three. Naiga is Delta TV’s news queen who established her fan base in Kampala. She shares her media journey with Shamim J. Nakawooya.
Briefly tell us about yourself?
My name is Shamim Naiga, daughter to Yusuf Samula and Fatuma Nanono. I’m a journalist and I work as a news anchor at Delta TV. I come from Kyazanga in Lwengo District.
When did you start your media journey?
In 2015, after completing university through my then lecturer Timothy Muwonge.
What inspired you to join media?
As a little girl, I liked being in front of cameras. Every time I saw someone on TV, I wondered how they got there. So, I pursued that dream and here I am.
What is your day like?
I wake up by 5am and say a morning prayer [Fajir]. I prepare for work and get to my workstation by 7am. 8am is our editorial meeting and at around 9.30am, I go to the field depending on kind of story I’m assigned to pursue. I file my story then anchor the news from 9pm to 10pm.
What are some of your work challenges?
Media especially in Uganda has many challenges. The kind of environment we journalists operate in is a difficult one. Competition for the best stories is stiff and also the pressure in the newsroom but I’m learning to deal with these because you cannot avoid them.
Apart from anchoring news, what else can you do?
I am a reporter and TV presenter. When I’m not anchoring, I direct news and I’m yet to become a farmer Insha Allah.
What is your dream media house?
[Laughs] I love to be the best. Internationally, I would love to see myself on one of the biggest media houses in the world and locally, so I’m looking forward to being part of it. Allah knows best.
Any achievements since you joined media?
Through the media, I have met many people from big [influential] offices. I have made beneficial friends. In other words, it has given me exposure that has increased my confidence.
Five years from now, what are your future plans?
I do not intend to leave the media soon. However, at some point I will have to make room for new young talented ones. I plan to have a number of businesses that bring in money on a daily basis in these five years and I also plan to get married In sha Allah[laughs].
What tips do you have for the young women who wish to join media?
Allah has been on my side from day one, He is the reason for my smile today.
They should trust and believe in Allah (God).
Let them not take media as a job that will get them huge sums of money.
QUICK BITS ON NAIGA
EDUCATION
Primary School: Mivule Foundation School in Luzira up to Primary Four, then Bbiina Islamic Primary School where I did Primary Leaving Examinations .
O-Level: Aisha Girls’ High School, Luzira Secondary School and Munyonyo High School- Naluvule Campus.
A-Level and tertiary: Comprehensive College Kitetikka- Gayaza and Munyonyo High School for A-level before joining Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) Females’ only campus, Kabojja.
Marital status?
I’m seeing someone
Your hobbies?
Watching TV, movies, and travelling is my favourite hobby. I also love eating and also reading to a smaller extent.
Fav song/artiste
Internationally, I love BBC’s Sophie Ikenye , locally Rukh- Shana Namuyimba and Hatima Nalugwa Sekaaya.
Best Advice received
A lot of it. My best anchor Hatmah Nalugwa Sekaaya of NTV Akawungeezi told me that I’m yet to become one of Uganda’s female Luganda news anchors and she advised me not to copy anyone.
Best and worst moments
There are no worst moments yet, so many good moments. I presented the maiden bulletin on July 1, 2015 and what made me happy was everyone loved the way I did it. When I got off air I was welcomed with so many hugs from workmates and bosses. It felt so good.