Sheilah Gashumba is living a teen's dream
Jul 24, 2013
Sheilah Gashumba was born on February 7, 1996. She is a multi-talented hardworking girl, who started work at the age of 10 as an anchor and reporter for a children’s show on a local TV station.
trueSheilah Gashumba was born on February 7, 1996. She is a multi-talented hardworking girl, who started work at the age of 10 as an anchor and reporter for a children’s show on a local TV station.
Upon becoming a teenager, Gashumba became a presenter on Teens Club.
In 2009, she made headlines as the youngest journalist accredited to cover the Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
In 2012,Sheila started a charity, Young Bodies Big Hearts, that comprises young people who believe in giving back to society and helping the less privileged.
She has won many awards, including the Most Gifted Teen at the 2012 Super Talent Awards. This year, she was recognised as an all-rounder for participating in all the activities at Kabojja International and was also crowned the Hottest Teens TV Presenter at the Buzz Teenies Awards.
This damsel is arguably one of the most celebrated teenies on the scene. This 17-year-old is one enviable talent, not that she has it all, but because her dad has been supportive enough to see her through.
Humphrey Wampula talked to her upon her arrival from South Africa where she had gone on holiday...
How was your trip to S. Africa?
South Africa was great. I had been there before during summer but this time it was winter.
It was pretty cold but amazing. It’s a rich country. I went to Jo’burg (Sandton) and Cape Town. It’s a beautiful place. Uganda has a lot to learn from South Africa.
So, now that you are done with high school, what’s next? What are you shooting for before campus?
Thank God I’m done with yet another stage in my life and I’m hoping for better. For now, my dad and I are still taking about what I should do and where I should go. You know education decisions shouldn’t be rushed because at the end of the day, they make your future.
But hopefully, I will do a foundation course (pre-university) before a bachelors in South Africa or in Cyprus. Like I said, we are still thinking about it.
What’s your spirit animal? The one you relate to?
It’s a butterfly. I have the ability to face change lightly, gracefully and beautifully!
When have you been most satisfied in your life?
Each day I wake up, I have a reason to be satisfied because each minute or second someone dies, yet I am alive. Having God as the leader of my life each day and of course having a great father, Mr. Frank Gashumba, as a role model is great satisfaction.
What would I find in your room right now?
Haha….. a bed! Duh…!
If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the titlewould be?
Oh really? I think that would be, My Life.. A Teenager’s Dream!
Rumour has it that you are dating someone. How true is that?
Thank God you used the word ‘rumour’! No, I am not dating and will not be dating any time soon! It’s not that my standards are too high, it’s just that daddy has set an amazing example of how a man should treat me. I’m a very focused young lady. Books and work before boys.
Recently you’ve been into charity, what inspired you to give out free stuff?
I have grown up in a family where sharing is caring. It’s because of that, that I have learnt to take every day as a new chance to learn more, give more and love more.
Tell me about your latest charity project?
In 2012, I started up a charity foundation called ‘Young Bodies Big Hearts’ with teens from middle class families who believe in giving back to society and helping the less privileged to make the world a better place. This year, we decided to put a smile on the faces of children living in an orphanage in Katanga. We visited African Children of God’s Image orphanage during the Easter season and gave them fruits, clothes, biscuits and juice. We are planning a fundraising dinner to help the starving children in Karamoja.
Tell me about the awards you’ve scooped so far?
Oh! My fans have been very loyal and dedicated to me. Last year, I won Most Gifted Teen at the Super Talent Awards. This year, I won an All Round Student Award at Kabojja International School. And at the last Buzz Teeniez Awards, I scooped the Hottest Teens TV Presenter. I am truly humbled. I thank my fans for the support.
What secret would you spill out to that teen who wishes to become a celebrity like you?
Each and everyday there are good and evil powers around us. We should just fight to promote the good side.
What is your super power?
Ambition. Me and ambition have a big secret.
What is your favourite colour?
You got me thinking. Random, but true. I don’t have a favorite colour. Purple or whatever, I take each colour like it is.