Meet Nalubega Aidah Bukenya | Actress

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nalubega Aidah Bukenya and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nalubega, how do you define success?
I thought success was a destination. A finish line you cross when you hit a certain number of sales, or get a certain number of followers, or see your name on a big screen.

But my journey has taught me that success isn’t a destination you arrive at; it’s a feeling you create along the way.

For me, success is the sound of a woman’s laughter in one of our “Glow & Empower” workshops, the light in her eyes when she realizes a new skill she’s mastered. It’s the quiet confidence of a customer who tells me she finally feels seen because a product was made for her skin.

Success is the freedom to create to wake up and build a business, to step on a set and tell a story, to make a video that makes someone’s day a little brighter. It’s the ability to turn my passions into my profession without having to silence one to let the other speak.

Most of all, success is impact. It’s knowing that the work I do, in some small way, makes another person feel more beautiful, more capable, and less alone in their own journey.

So, if you ask me how I define success today? It’s not a number in a bank account. It’s a life filled with purpose, connection, and the profound privilege of empowering others. That is the only metric that truly matters.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
If I were to tell you what sets me apart, it is this: I am not just a creator, but a bridge-builder. I have built a career at the unique intersection of beauty, business, and storytelling, weaving these threads together to create a brand and a presence that is authentically and unapologetically Ugandan. Where some see separate paths CEO, content creator, actress I see a single, powerful journey of empowerment.

My journey to this point was anything but easy. It was paved with moments of profound doubt. I remember the early days of ABC Cosmetix, facing skepticism that a local brand could compete with international giants. I recall the fatigue of juggling film sets, business meetings, and content creation, often feeling like I wasn’t giving enough to any one role. There were times the noise of public opinion and the fear of failure were deafening. I overcame these challenges not with a sudden burst of strength, but by **returning to my “why.” My “why” is the young girl in Mpenja who saw possibility in local ingredients. It’s the women in our “Glow & Empower” program whose newfound confidence became my fuel. I overcame by learning to lean on my team and understanding that resilience is a muscle built one challenge at a time.

The most important lesson I’ve learned is that your authenticity is your greatest asset. Early on, I tried to fit into molds the “serious CEO,” the “typical influencer.” It felt hollow. The moment I embraced my whole, multifaceted self the businesswoman with a sense of humor, the actress with a CEO’s mind was the moment I truly connected with my community. I learned that people connect with truth, not perfection.

What am I most proud of? It isn’t a viral video or a sales milestone. I am most proud of the legacy of empowerment we are building. Every time a woman tells me she landed a job while wearing our lipstick, or a graduate from our initiative opens her own salon, I feel a profound sense of purpose. That is the real success.

What I want the world to know about my brand and my story is that ABC Cosmetix is more than makeup; it is a movement. It is a testament to African innovation, quality, and beauty. My story is proof that you do not have to choose one passion. You can be a visionary CEO, a creative storyteller, and a compelling actress. You can build a life that is a full, vibrant expression of every part of who you are.

I am here to show that with vision, resilience, and a heart for your community, you can not only dream of a brighter world you can build it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When my best friend comes to town, I want to immerse them in the full spectrum of Kampala—the bustling energy, the serene escapes, the incredible food, and the rhythm that pulses through the city. Here’s my dream week showing them why I love this city so much.

Day 1: Lakeside Welcome & Sunset Views
Evening: Straight from the airport, we’re heading to Gaba Landing Site for a true Ugandan welcome. We’ll feast on fresh fried tilapia with a side of luwombo (a delicious steamed stew) at a simple, open-air spot right on the water, watching the sun set over Lake Victoria.

Day 2: Market Pulse & Cultural Heights
Morning: We dive into the vibrant, chaotic heart of Owino Market. It’s a sensory explosion of colorful fabrics, crafts, and the lively buzz of local commerce. I’ll help us pick out matching Gomesi fabric!
Lunch: We grab a legendary Rolex (a chapati rolled with eggs and veggies) from a street vendor. It’s a non-negotiable Kampala experience.
Afternoon: For a contrast, we head to the Bahá’í Temple. We’ll walk the serene, lush gardens, enjoy the panoramic views, and soak in the profound peace.

Day 3: Wellness, Art & City Lights
Morning: We start with a rejuvenating session at the ABC Cosmetix Spa for a signature facial using our local-ingredient-based products.
Lunch: A relaxed lunch at a trendy cafe in Muyenga with great coffee and a view of the city.
Evening: We check into the beautiful Vert Gardens Hotel for a unique evening. First, we’ll unwind with their incredible herbal sauna, then enjoy an open-air movie night under the stars.

Day 4: Wildlife Adventure & Gourmet Flavors
All Day: A day trip to Mabamba Swamp for a magical canoe ride to spot the rare, prehistoric-looking Shoebill stork. It’s a humbling encounter with nature.
Dinner: Back in the city, we’ll get dressed up for a sophisticated dinner at The Lawns in Lubowa, enjoying a massive Ugandan buffet feast in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Day 5: Creativity, Shopping & Live Beats
Morning: We explore the Nommo Gallery for a dose of Uganda’s finest contemporary art, followed by browsing local designer boutiques.
Evening: We experience the electric energy of live music at the National Theatre, dancing to everything from Afrobeat to traditional Kadongo Kamu with a cold Nile Special in hand.

Day 6: Island Paradise Escape
All Day: We escape on a boat trip to the Ssese Islands on Lake Victoria. It’s a full day of swimming in crystal-clear water, lounging on white-sand beaches, and eating the sweetest fresh pineapple. Pure bliss.

Day 7: Relaxation & A Memorable Farewell
Morning: We enjoy a leisurely late breakfast and take a dip in the pool at Etana Hotel, where we’ve been staying for its perfect blend of luxury and central location.
Lunch: One last delicious meal at a favorite rooftop spot, reminiscing over the week’s adventures.
Evening: A final night out in the vibrant Kabalagala district, enjoying grilled meat (muchomo) and dancing to the latest Afropop hits.

For me, the magic of Kampala is in its contrasts the peaceful temples and the chaotic markets, the wild swamps and the sleek spas. It’s a city that welcomes you with open arms and an infectious rhythm that stays with you long after you’ve left.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This is a question that truly touches my heart. When I look at my journey, the spotlight might be on me, but the stage was built by so many others. If I have to dedicate this shoutout, it goes not to one person, but to a collective force: The Ugandan Woman.

My story is woven from the threads of their resilience, their wisdom, and their unwavering spirit.

First, I must shout out to the women of Mpenda District, where my story began. They were my first teachers. I watched them turn nothing into something transforming simple shea butter and local clays into healing balms and beauty marks. From them, I learned that creativity isn’t born from abundance, but from a deep, resourceful love. They taught me that true beauty is rooted in our earth and our traditions.

Then, there is my mother. She is the rock. When I told her I wanted to study acting and cosmetic science paths that seemed uncertain she didn’t flinch. She simply said, “If you have the courage to dream it, I have the strength to support you.” Her belief was a shield against every doubt and every “no” I would later face. Her love is the unshakable foundation upon which I’ve built everything.

And finally, this shoutout extends to my sisters in the Ugandan film and creative industry. The actresses, directors, and makeup artists who came before me and who walk beside me now. They are breaking barriers so the path is a little easier for those of us following. They have created a community that is more about collaboration than competition. When I landed my role in “Kampala Beauty,” it was the women on that set who held my hand, both literally and figuratively, and showed me how to own my space.

So, my success is not a solo act. It is a chorus. It is dedicated to the Ugandan women the farmers, the mothers, the artists, the entrepreneurs. Their strength is my strength. Their story is my story. And this recognition is as much theirs as it is mine. Webale Nnyo.

Website: https://abccosmetix.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nalubegaaidahbukenya/

Linkedin: https://ug.linkedin.com/in/nalubegaaidahbukenya

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AidahABCcosmetix

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@aidahnalubega1/