The Inspiring Journey of Halimah.K in Uganda's Acting Industry.

"l faced bullying, financial struggles, and even humiliation in the acting industry, but I refused to give up. My dream of becoming an actress fuels me to work harder and Inspire others to overcome their challenges"

Born and raised in Mityana District, Nalule Halimah, an actress and makeup artist, has defied the odds to pursue her dreams in Uganda's challenging entertainment industry. Growing up with her single mother in a humble setting, Halimah’s aspirations of becoming an actress were often met with disbelief and discouragement, even from her closest family. Yet, her unwavering determination and passion kept her going.  

Her journey began with inspiration from Cynthia Rothrock, a martial artist and actress whose movies instilled in her the belief that she could also make it on the big screen. "Since I was young, I would look in the mirror and see a superstar," Halimah recalls. Despite her mother's initial resistance to her dream, believing it to be an embarrassment, Halimah's faith and resilience have led her to where she is today.  

Halimah's career took its first steps at Bugawood Production under the mentorship of director Yusuf Kinene. There, she gained valuable acting skills, made friends, and learned to navigate the dynamics of teamwork, even amidst occasional disagreements. “The time I spent at Bugawood was full of fun, challenges, and lessons that shaped the actress I am today,” she says. After leaving Bugawood, she landed a significant opportunity through Madam Watsemba Sarah, a moment she describes as the start of her true journey in acting.  

Her acting style is defined as method acting, where she deeply immerses herself in roles to bring characters to life. Halimah loves playing roles in family movies, action films, and romantic stories but finds portraying a "mad person" to be her most challenging yet exciting role. “I always read and interpret the script to make it my own,” she shares.  

However, her path has not been without difficulties. Halimah has faced numerous challenges, including financial instability, bullying by peers, and disturbing cases of exploitation, such as demands for sexual favors in exchange for roles. Despite these setbacks, she remains steadfast, calling for greater support from the government and the film industry to protect young talents.  

“To parents, I ask that you support your children’s passions and help them achieve their success,” Halimah urges. She also hopes for the industry to curb practices of humiliation and exploitation that have marred many young actors’ journeys.  

Outside of acting, Halimah finds solace in her makeup artistry, spending time with family, and dreaming of future collaborations with her idol, Cynthia Rothrock. While she hasn’t received an award yet, she is optimistic about 2025 being her breakthrough year, with exciting projects in the pipeline.  

As an actress committed to making a difference, Halimah believes young actors have the power to fulfill what their predecessors couldn’t. She calls on her peers to work hard and create a lasting legacy for future generations. "The challenges have made me stronger, and I’m ready to push forward to achieve my goals," she says.  

Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and passion in the face of adversity. Halimah is not just an actress but an inspiration to young talents across Uganda.