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What you need to know about Rachael Nduhukire?
In this in-depth Q&A, Ugandan actress and recent graduate Rachael Nduhukire opens up about her life, from her early days in Kampala to her breakout roles in film and television, her academic achievements, and her passions for diplomacy and community service. Known for her role as Melissa in the hit series Sanyu, Rachael shares her story in her own words, reflecting on the influences that have shaped her multifaceted career. Check out her LinkedIn page. She is currently the main actress in PREFECTS series on NTV Uganda.
Who is Rachael Nduhukire in your own words?
Firstly, I am a born again and child of God. I am also a storyteller and actress, who believes in the power of narrative, (whether written or visual), to make people feel seen, challenged and understood. I am an artist at heart and prospective diplomat, passionate about service and development of impoverished communities.
What is your full name, and do you have a stage name or preferred professional name?
My full name is Rachael Nduhukire Peace Keturah, and I do not have a stage name, but most people call me Mel or Melissa from the character I played in Sanyu. I do prefer to be called Rachael though.
Where and when was Rachael Nduhukire born?
I was born in Kampala on March 7th 2002.
Where did you grow up, and what was your childhood neighborhood like?
I grew up in Ntinda. The neighborhood was extremely safe and there was a shared sense of community. My parents were friends with most, if not all our neighbors, which gave my sisters and I an opportunity to make friends with people our age from the neighborhood.
What are some fond memories from your early years?
My fondest childhood memories would be birthdays spent with my grandparents, alongside going to the village for Christmas. My grandparents were (still are) such free-spirited and loving individuals. I think a particular memory that stands out for me is my grandpa teaching my older sister and I how to play Monopoly. We were still a bit young, but he considered us intellectual enough to teach us about investing through a boardgame.
Did your family move around a lot during your childhood, or did you stay in one place?
No. We spent most of our time in Kampala.
How would you describe your family’s influence on who you are today?
I grew up in a Christian family, which set a wonderful foundation for my belief in God. I was raised by a hardworking mother and kind father, both of which are traits I carry forward into the world. Additionally, both my parents are musical, so mum and dad taught my sisters and I to worship God through music. Last but not least, being surrounded by creative sisters definitely encouraged me to step out of my shell and share my deepest thoughts and feeling with the world through art. When I count my blessings, I count my family like nine times.
What was your primary school experience like, and which school did you attend?
I went to Word of Life International School from Kindergarten to twelfth grade. Prior to that I was in Peak Kindergarten and the consistent thread between both schools was their Christian Foundation. Attending Word of Life for primary was such a huge blessing, because it cemented my belief and faith in God. It was actually during my primary at one of the school camps that I gave my life to God.
Additionally, the school believed in extracurricular activities, so music was something we did often. Education was not conventional. It was project based, and we were challenged to articulate our ideas through writing and oration. I got a chance to meet and make friends with likeminded individuals and some of those friendships exist to this day.
Where did you go to secondary school, and what subjects did you enjoy most?
My secondary was still at Word of Life International School and my favorite subjects were English and History. I loved economics in O’ Level, but it didn’t love me back. After sweat and tears though, I managed to score an A in my finals. I didn’t pursue it in A’ level, because of how torturous the journey had been, but I do see myself doing a course or two related to economics as I advance in my career.
Did you pursue higher education? If so, what did you study and where?
Yes. I pursued a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies from Victoria University Kampala, where I graduated as the Best Female Student and the Best Student in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences with a CGPA of 4.84.
Were there any teachers or mentors during your education who inspired you?
Definitely! Right from nursery, Mrs. Kawoya taught me to read and write, and she was by far one of the most patient teachers I’ve come to know to date. I believe my dream to teach as a child was inspired by her. In Middle school and high school, Tr. Timothy, Tr. Edward, Tr. Phoebe and Tr. Sylvia were my favorite teachers. Tr. Timothy would spend some of his lessons talking to us about God and life. Reminding us that the foundation we have is not to be taken for granted. Tr. Edward, Tr. Phoebe and Tr. Sylvia, were embodiments of excellence.
They pushed me to deliver my best and weren’t shy to score me fairly if they believed I had more to offer. I didn’t always appreciate it, but with hindsight, it shaped me into a young lady who doesn’t settle for mediocrity. I am immensely blessed and grateful to have gone through their hands. Last but not least, during my University, Dr. Mimi Uwineza, Mr. Katumba and Prof. Ahmed, added soul to International Relations. They made global issues feel tangible and I couldn’t help but picture myself as a solution to Uganda’s problems.
How did your education in International Relations shape your career or worldview?
Studying International Relations built onto the foundation of humanitarianism I found through programs like Model United Nations in high school. The field is broad, hence pursing an undergraduate in International Relations, unearthed my passion for Peace and Conflict Studies, alongside Third World Dependency and Development. This inspired me to start my blog “In Perspective” and has led me to work (as a trainee) with Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the EU Delegation to Uganda. Both of which are opportunities I do not take for granted. I do see myself specializing in something related to education policy, as a tool for national development.
When did you first discover your interest in creative fields like acting or music?
I discovered my interest for acting, after landing my first lead role for the World Vision film “Journey to Jamaa”. My mum took my sisters and I for the audition and I emerged the successful candidate. At 8, I didn’t imagine myself talented, but the experience of filming was extremely fun and challenging in the best way possible. Memorizing lines and conveying emotions felt almost natural, and I didn’t know it fully then, but it set the trajectory for my passion to tell stories through film.
For music, as I mentioned earlier, I grew up in my musical family, so worshiping with my parents and siblings, made music something I can’t live without. I do not see myself pursuing a career in music, but I do hope to serve in church with my talent eventually.
Can you tell us about your debut in “Journey to Jamaa”—what was the experience like at age eight?
Journey to Jamaa was my first international project. The set was professional, and my life was simplified, because as a minor I got to have my parents on set as guardians. This meant my mum was available to help me go through lines, so I didn’t find them intimidating. The Director, Michael Landon Jr. was very kind, and treated everyone on set respectfully. Because the set was professional, my only job was to come to set with my lines and deliver. It was a wonderful experience.
How many movies or series has Rachael Nduhukire acted in so far?
I have acted in two movies, namely: “Journey to Jamaa” and “I found my way”. For the latter, the footage disappeared after the premier, so I don’t really talk about it. Additionally, I’ve been in three series, namely: #Family, Sanyu and Prefects.
What is your role in the series “Sanyu,” and how has it impacted your career?
In Sanyu, I played the extremely cantankerous and outspoken Melissa Kantono. This role challenged me to step out of my comfort zone as a “goodie goodie”, and depict a girl who truly believed she was the center of the universe. To my surprise, thousands of Ugandans loved the character. As I mentioned earlier, some people still call me Mel. They don’t even know I’m called Rachael. I believe the biggest impact the role has on my career, was giving me visibility.
The show has a total of 880 episodes and thousands of households in Uganda watched the show. Additionally, it allowed me to work and network with some really big shots in the industry and that is something I am immensely grateful for.
How did Rachael Nduhukire become the main character in “Prefects” and what drew her to that role?
In Prefects, I played Lisa. She was an impoverished but passionate leader, who had to battle her fears, and a terrible bully- Solomon Bukka (played by Jibril Ogada), to establish change in Mvule High. What drew me most to Lisa was her humble background, and the fact that it didn’t deter her from fighting for what she believed in. As someone who didn’t always have the easiest circumstances growing up, and who also felt timid or afraid to share her ideas sometimes, playing Lisa, felt like being seen in unimaginable ways. I’m grateful for the opportunity and the wonderful cast and crew I got to interact with.
Which movie or series has been your favorite to act in, and why?
Sanyu and Prefects. I loved Sanyu because it challenged me and allowed me to grow into the character. People who interact with me after watching the show are shocked at the stark contrast between me and character. For Lisa, it was equally challenging, because I had to learn how to rap, but also working with such a talented group of individuals exposed me to a plethora of techniques in filming and acting.
How did you learn to play the violin, and how do you incorporate it into your life or work?
I learnt to play the violin at Word of Life. It was a requirement for every student to have an instrument and I chose the violin. Why? Honestly, peer pressure at that point. All the girls were playing violin. But I genuinely started to love it. I did ABRSM, but didn’t go too far. I still have a violin and do play whenever I miss it, but I am subpar at best. I plan is to improve my skills, not to play at functions or anything dramatic, but for myself.
Can you tell us about your business, Indabyo Store—what is it, and how did you start it?
Indabyo, is an online perfume store I started in 2023. I have always been obsessed with scents and so smelling good is something I have always believed in. On set, people often complemented me for smelling good, and that’s when the idea hit me. What if, I helped everyone on set find their scent? Now, I’m a low risk girlie, so with my little faith, I grabbed 100k from my account and went and bought approximately 20 really gorgeous smelling Smart Collection Perfumes. I’d never sold anyone a perfume and I’d also never had a business, but my goal was to give people access to affordable beautiful scents.
I went to set, and told anyone who could listen that I heard perfumes. Before I knew it, the 20 perfumes were gone, and I have orders coming in. By the time the business encountered a temporary break in 2024, it had generated UGX 5,000,000. Currently, I am reviving Indabyo, with systems and differentiated products! I can’t wait to help millions of Ugandans find their scent!
As a Rotaractor, how has that shaped your personal or professional growth?
Honestly, joining Rotaract last year was one of the best decisions I made. Rotaract has exposed me to networks of established individuals committed to change, and allowed me to grow my skills in Administration and service. I am a proud member of the Rotaract Club of Upper Kololo and the different trainings and mentorship opportunities provided by the club, have allowed me to see my practical role in impacting change, within my community. As recent graduates and students, we don’t have too much to give (financially), but it is wonderful to see the passion and will we have to share even the little we have with communities.
Who are some of your key colleagues or collaborators in acting and other projects?
TRACY KABABIITO! OUUUUUU! THAT GWORL! Sanyu allowed our paths to cross, and since then, she has been one of my closest friends. I am proud of the woman she has become in the industry and how she continues to shine wherever she is placed. Additionally, Mushema Housen and Allan Katongole were my on-screen siblings in Sanyu, but they equally became like my brothers in real life! I’m extremely grateful to know and call them friends!
What do you consider your biggest achievement so far, like winning the Africa Monologue Challenge or your award nominations?
My biggest achievement so far, is not an accolade. It is being able to balance my two different passions in film and humanitarianism. People often told me that I would have to choose; or that it wouldn’t be possible to be an actress and do something else, but God has given me the grace to do both and excel in both. I don’t take any of it for granted.
What has been the toughest moment in your life or career, and how did you overcome it?
In both film and International Relations, I have had dry spells, where opportunities were not available. Those periods were characterized by me applying for jobs or auditioning and not getting any positive response. That was particularly challenging and had me questioning whether I was indeed exactly where I was supposed to be, but it was a call to trust God whether or not I understood where I was or where I was going. Being surrounded by friends and family who believed in Gods plan for my life was one of the most encouraging things during that time. Also, serving with my community at Rotaract, allowed me to see life beyond what I did or did not have.
