Mandy’s Mighty Move

‘I belong here in Kyaka village, not in the air-conditioned offices of Kampala’

By Aggrey Nshekanabo
HIS move from the Public service was seen by many as a move into oblivion few months later, Femcon was born and he resurfaced with it.
When a few were beginning to write his public life epitaphs, he was heard to be down in Kiboga training farmers on the revival of cooperative unions.
The man we are talking about is Fagil Mandy –– a professional teacher, actor, politician, author and former civil servant who retired at 52 years old.
I traced the veteran actor in the forestlands of Kyaka in Toro in the new Kyenjojo district tending to his animal farm.
When I asked him why he retired so soon, he said: “I retired in my own interests. You have heard of people being retired in the interest of the public and I never wished to be among them.”
On whether he was running away from the public eye to the jungles of Kyaka he replied: “I have come home. I was born in Fort Portal and I trace my roots to this place. Therefore I belong here, not in the air-conditioned offices of Kampala.”
He can still afford to smile though the toughness on his face is still traceable. But he goes about his business in the village like any other local –– bare-footed. However, what makes him stand out from the rest of the locals is his 4x4 vehicle parked nearby.
“So what do you do this side of the country?” I ask.
“I am enjoying life. I am in the twilight of my living and I am having the best of it.”
Mandy says he is enjoying life with a purpose.
Fagil has a unique lifestyle. He milks his cows personally and at times with help from some of the farm labourers.
He says that all the years he spent serving the nation, he never got an opportunity to do the things he does today. “I advise others to retire early when they still have energy to do their own things. Some people spend all their lives in public service and when they are forced to retire because of age, they have no more energy reserved for themselves. That is why some of them do not live more than three years after. This also means that they cannot survive in a private life,” Mandy says. Next time you are going to Fort Portal through Mubende, make a stop at Gilman Resort in Kyegegwa township. This is where Mandy spends most of his time.
Gilman Resort houses a 300-seater theatre, a conference hall, African village huts, a bar and restaurant and modern accommodation facilities you would not dream of having in such a setting. A fauna setting is being developed with huts in treetops.
“My new year resolution is to spend three quarters of my life here at the resort managing it and developing it. And the other quarter will be spent in Kampala overseeing a few businesses. As for now and for ever, I belong here,” he says.
When asked if he is competent enough to manage the resort, he says that by the time he retired, he was at the level of an education manager and he had previously managed other worthy places like Silver Springs in Kampala.
Gilman resort which opened last year, has hosted stage performers and musicians like Betty Mpologoma of Diamonds Production from Kampala. An acting group, which he personally directs, performs every weekend in the theatre. The theatre is a success story.
“I want people to make life out of anything. Even if you dig a hole in a tree, you would live there. Those who want to think I retired because I was disappointed are wrong. I had achieved everything. From a classroom teacher to a Commissioner Inspectorate. There was no more for me to achieve. I had time for all except myself and this is the time. Remember, I also served as RDC Kabarole. I was never frustrated or disappointed. And now I am on a fair ground where I can do the best for myself,” he says. Ends