The artistic journey of Kwezi Kaganda Ruhinda

Kwezi Kaganda Ruhinda, a multifaceted artist - actor, writer, director, and teacher - has carved a unique path in Uganda's evolving arts industry. His story, shared on MultiChoice's Home of Our Stars, reflects the challenges and triumphs faced by passionate individuals navigating a field where artistic expression meets financial realities.

Kaganda Ruhinda's journey began in 1989, a time when Uganda's art scene was in its nascent stages. Joining The Ebonies and Drama Wing, he honed his skills in acting and musicals, laying the foundation for his artistic future. However, the harsh realities of the industry soon emerged. "Fame didn't translate to financial stability," he recalls, leading him to switch gears and pursue teaching at Namasagali College, his alma mater.

Though teaching offered stability, the allure of performance remained strong. "Even as a teacher, I couldn't resist the allure," he admits, occasionally joining students on stage during school productions. This reignited passion eventually brought him back to performing full-time.

Kwezi Kaganda Ruhinda pulse uganda

Kaganda Ruhinda sheds light on the distinct demands of acting on stage versus screen. Stage acting requires exaggerated expressions and gestures, amplified for the audience in the back row. In contrast, on-screen acting necessitates a subtler approach, catering to the camera's intimate close-ups. While he thrives on the immediacy and audience feedback of live theatre, he acknowledges the challenge of acting for cameras, where feedback is delayed.

Identifying talent is another area Kaganda Ruhinda offers insights into. "Talent is self-evident," he asserts, acknowledging Uganda's abundance of gifted performers. However, he emphasises the importance of discipline and training, qualities he believes are often lacking in today's generation, more focused on financial gain than artistic dedication.

Kaganda Ruhinda has found a new creative outlet with Fun Factory, a comedy group that shares his passion for laughter. Their success, he attributes to their strong bond as a group. "We're a family," he says, highlighting their transparency and open communication as key to navigating creative differences. This nurturing environment has seen some of his former students flourish alongside him at Fun Factory, a source of immense pride for the mentor.

Kaganda sat down with Flavia Tumusime pulse uganda

Beyond acting, Kaganda Ruhinda is actively contributing to the African narrative as the writer behind the captivating Ugandan drama, Sanyu. His focus is on crafting authentic stories that resonate with audiences, drawing inspiration from real-life experiences. To achieve this, he utilises meticulous planning, creating detailed character profiles and outlining their journeys to ensure consistency and depth.

Despite early struggles, Kaganda Ruhinda has no regrets about his chosen path. He recognises the lack of passion in some talent today, but remains optimistic about the future. Platforms like the MultiChoice Talent Factory offer opportunities for young artists to hone their skills and ignite their passion. He concludes by acknowledging the role MultiChoice plays in providing a platform for established talent like himself through channels like Pearl Magic and Pearl Magic Prime.