GERTRUDE MUTYABA.
Briefly tell us about yourself.
My name is Francis Lukwago, I am 26 years old and I am also a teacher, businessman and actor. I love acting more than anything in the world.
So, how do you balance all these at ago?
It is a talent. However, I plan; Monday to Saturday, I am at school and in the evening I go to my tailoring workshop in Nyendo-Kayirikiti. I reserve my weekends for film and acting at Lezen Entertainment.
Isn’t it tiring running all these?
It does not worry me. With passion at the forefront, all things can be accomplished with ease.
When did you join acting?
In 2013, after picking inspiration from my friends. We shot our first film in 2014 and since then, we have not looked back.
What was the beginning like?
It was a journey marred with challenges and ethical dilemmas. Serious business started when I was 21 years old. I used to participate in dramas at Villa Road Primary School-Masaka where I am currently an entertainment teacher. It is then that I realised that training pupils was not enough.
What are some of the challenges you faced in the beginning?
Raising funds. Most people tend to undermine our kind of work. A customer will offer Shs1,000 for a CD that should cost Shs2,000. We also find trouble during shooting, whereby people deny us access to suitable locations because they do not trust us or they want money.
What benefits have you found in acting?
I managed to buy a small piece of land in Masaka Municipality, made important friends such as Bishop John Baptist Kaggwa, MP Mary Babirye Kabanda and Lwemiyaga County MP Theodore Ssekikubo, who is my role model in politics. I have also earned respect in my community.
How long have you been teaching?
It is now six years and luckily, my school is one of the best performers in Masaka Municipality.
What age groups do you target in the film industry?
We target all age groups, but mostly the youth since our intention is to raise them into responsible people.
What kind of drama do you do?
I enjoy romantic dramas, comedy and playing as a responsible man.
Where do you entertain from?
We always play in theatres, communities, schools, among other places.
How many films do you have as a group?
We currently have four films; Emigwa gy’obwavu which we are yet to launch, Musawo, Gwemwansiimira and Eyali Mukwano Gwange.
What are the challenges you face in the film industry?
The government has failed to help the film industry by putting in place copyright laws. The market is becoming a problem as people are increasingly selling fake CDs and local actors are not promoted.
Who is your role model in film?
Sofia Namwanje and Paul Byarugaba.
What are your future plans?
I look forward to becoming one of the top local actors and fulfil my dream of becoming an international Hollywood film actor. I also have a dream of joining politics in Sembabule District come 2026 as the Lwemiyaga County MP.