Cleopatra, if we asked your friends to describe you in three words, what would they say? And which one would be a complete lie?
I think they would say I am a workaholic, loving and kind. The lie would be if someone said I am a party animal.
Be honest, are you as nice in real life as you appear on TV?
Hmm, it depends on which movies or series you have watched. Some roles bring out the dark side of me. But yes, I think I am a nice person. I try to be.
Acting is about living the life of the character you play as if it were your own. Although some of the characters I play are actually much nicer and more patient than I am in real life.
You have played different characters on screen, but what is one role you would NEVER accept, no matter how much they paid you?
A role that requires me to go nude or play a sex scene. But as the saying goes, never say never.
Cleo, have you ever watched one of your old performances and cringed?
Actually, I do not like watching myself. I had to make an effort to watch Prestige because everyone kept asking for my opinion on it or complimenting my performance. I mainly watched it to see how everything came together on screen, since we do not shoot scenes in sequence. Whenever I watch myself, I become my own critic. Sometimes though, I get so moved that I cry, especially when it is an emotional scene. Then I feel bad because I realise I am probably making other people cry, too when they watch. But I suppose that is a good thing!
If a man says mbu ‘I am not ready for a relationship, but I do not want to lose you,’ what exactly does that mean in Kampala English?
It means he simply wants to use you. He wants to have his cake and eat it too, without making any actual commitment. That way, he does not have to be accountable. RUN, my sister, RUN!
Have you ever had to kiss someone on screen and thought, ‘God, please let this scene end quickly’?
Yes! A kissing scene can be quite uncomfortable. There are so many people on set, including the crew filming you, and all eyes are on the two of you before the rest of the world eventually watches the scene. As an actor, it is nerve-racking, yet you have to make the kiss look as natural as possible, with believable chemistry. You may not even like each other in real life, but the script says, ‘Kiss!’ Romantic scenes are some of the trickiest to shoot.
What is the biggest misconception people have about actors?
That actors are party animals, slay queens or loose and easy. Just like in any other profession, everyone has their own values and character.
Let’s talk money. Have you ever received an acting cheque and thought, ‘After all that stress, THIS is what I am getting?’
With acting, you know what you have signed up for before you take on a job. I always ensure that we discuss the payment package and sign a contract before I start working. That way, there are no surprises.
If a job does not make financial sense or offer me value for my time and effort, I do not take it.
If you could go back to the beginning of your acting career, what is one thing you would tell your younger self?
Do not take life too seriously, and do not break yourself for others. Human beings are complex. Some can be malicious, careless and manipulative, taking advantage of your kindness, professionalism and time.
I would also tell my younger self to be more mindful of how much energy I invest in other people’s businesses.
Does Uganda’s entertainment industry rewards talent, or do you need connections and the right people in your corner to survive?
I think it rewards talent, but it is much easier for some people than others. So, perhaps having the right people in your corner matters, too. It is a double-edged sword. Personally, I feel there are some incredibly talented people who do not get their flowers.
What is one thing about the Ugandan film industry that insiders know but the public does not?
Filmmakers work around the clock. The film industry is an intense machine. Most people work tirelessly, yet reap very little from their efforts. It is also incredibly expensive to shoot a production.
Have you ever had beef with someone in the entertainment industry but had to smile and act professionally because you were working together?
Yes! It is life. You canno get along with everybody, but you have to make the best of every situation to ensure the job is done properly and completed.
Kampala people love to talk! What is the most ridiculous rumour you have ever heard about yourself?
I honestly cannot think of any.
Have you ever given someone relationship advice that you were not even following in your own life?
Yes! Sometimes, we are better teachers than we are at practicing our own advice. We learn from experience, and sometimes we advise others so they do not make the same mistakes we did.
What is one red flag you used to ignore in relationships but would never tolerate today?
Inconsistency and deception.
If your exes held a meeting to discuss you, what do you think would be the main agenda?
Hahaha! I do not know. Perhaps the agenda would be, ‘How do we make it up to her?’
What is one thing you would never post on your social media but would happily confess on Totally Random?
Come on! Now, why would I tell you? If social media does not know it, then you cannot know it either!
Do you think social media has made Ugandans more interested in living their lives or performing for an audience?
For many, yes. The more real a person is, the less interesting they seem to be to some audiences. But the flashier and more out-of-this-world someone appears, the more traction they get.
As a result, many people are living two lives, which contributes to depression and mental health struggles. Keeping up appearances can destroy you.
If you were given the keys to Kampala for one week, what is the first thing you would change?
The system! Our economic system needs to be better and stronger so that everyone and everything can flourish and prosper. We are moving towards a time when there will be no middle class. You will either be rich or absolutely poor. Oh, and I would definitely change the fuel prices!
Cleopatra, if you could swap lives with any Ugandan woman for seven days, who would it be and why?
I would not want to swap lives with anyone. We can never know how much weight one is carrying or what they are dealing with or how they are managing. I thank God for how far I have come.
What is one thing people assume about you because you’re a public figure that is completely wrong?
That I have it easy.
What is one hard lesson fame has taught you?
Fame does not always mean wealth. You can be famous but broke. I would rather be unknown but wealthy.
Finally, what is one question you have been hoping someone would ask you, but nobody ever does?
‘What do you need?’