Mothers’ Day is here
May 07, 2010
Getrude Katatumba is the mother of musician Angella Katatumba.
Getrude Katatumba is the mother of musician Angella Katatumba. Vicky Wandawa spoke to her about being a mother
How do you spend your time?
I run AFK Beauty Clinic in Kansanga. If I am not there, I work out and jog at Hotel Diplomate.
What does AFK stand for?
Angella Franklyn Katatumba.
Is it because Angella is your only daughter?
Absolutely not. Originally, I wanted to use AAB, the first letters of my three children’s names. Allan, Angella and Brian, but Brian changed his name to Rugiirwa and I could not use AAR because it is already in use.
What was Angella like, during her childhood?
A real angel, just like her name. You would not think of punishing her for anything. She often boasted to her brothers that she never told lies. Even when the boys planned to tell me a lie, she would tell me the truth. Angella was competitive and hardworking even in class.
Her nursery school teacher once wrote on her report card: “Given a chance, she can dominate everyone around her.â€
What dreams did you have for her future?
I wanted her to be a medical doctor. It is my profession. I think doctors are important because they take care of other people. However, she opted to study Law and Economics.
How does it feel to have a daughter who is always in the limelight?
It feels great.
Don’t you ever miss her?
No, I am with her most of the time.
What do you like most about motherhood?
When your children do not disappoint you and are doing well, it is a pleasant feeling.
What do you have to say about the career path she has taken?
I am happy as long as she is happy, and does whatever she does well and decently.
So would you want to change anything about her?
That would be asking too much. But I thank God for everything.
Angella Katatumba
Musician and climate Change Icon For Uganda
How would you describe your childhood?
I had the best childhood. I was surrounded by the most loving, giving and selfless, but extremely tough parents.
What was it like being an only girl?
The boys would want to play alone and leave me out. I would go to mom’s mirror and pretend to have an imaginary audience to sing and act for. I would wear a scarf and pretend to have long hair. The boys would secretly watch me and laugh and I would be embarrassed. I became more daring, competitive, and aggressive. Now I am a tomboy.
Most outstanding childhood memory?
When I was 10, I broke my right arm. Mom rushed me to hospital but because it was a Sunday, there were no doctors. That night I cried and mom consoled me. However, in the middle of the night, she got tired and shouted at me to keep quiet. Because of that, I taught myself to write with my left hand as well.
What do you like about your mother?
She is the most loving person I know. She thinks for others and not just her family. She is loving and extremely loyal.
Did you take on any qualities from her?
She knows how to make herself happy. Like her, I am happy and contented to be at home. Friends call me on Fridays asking why I am at home but I am happy to be there.
What did your mother do that made you hate her but now you realise it was for your own good?
We were only allowed to watch documentaries about animals. I once said my parents were the worst for not letting us watch other stuff on TV, but now I thank them.
What do you think about Mothers’ Day?
It is very important. Mothers should be recognised and thanked.
How do you spend your time?
I run AFK Beauty Clinic in Kansanga. If I am not there, I work out and jog at Hotel Diplomate.
What does AFK stand for?
Angella Franklyn Katatumba.
Is it because Angella is your only daughter?
Absolutely not. Originally, I wanted to use AAB, the first letters of my three children’s names. Allan, Angella and Brian, but Brian changed his name to Rugiirwa and I could not use AAR because it is already in use.
What was Angella like, during her childhood?
A real angel, just like her name. You would not think of punishing her for anything. She often boasted to her brothers that she never told lies. Even when the boys planned to tell me a lie, she would tell me the truth. Angella was competitive and hardworking even in class.
Her nursery school teacher once wrote on her report card: “Given a chance, she can dominate everyone around her.â€
What dreams did you have for her future?
I wanted her to be a medical doctor. It is my profession. I think doctors are important because they take care of other people. However, she opted to study Law and Economics.
How does it feel to have a daughter who is always in the limelight?
It feels great.
Don’t you ever miss her?
No, I am with her most of the time.
What do you like most about motherhood?
When your children do not disappoint you and are doing well, it is a pleasant feeling.
What do you have to say about the career path she has taken?
I am happy as long as she is happy, and does whatever she does well and decently.
So would you want to change anything about her?
That would be asking too much. But I thank God for everything.
Angella Katatumba
Musician and climate Change Icon For Uganda
How would you describe your childhood?
I had the best childhood. I was surrounded by the most loving, giving and selfless, but extremely tough parents.
What was it like being an only girl?
The boys would want to play alone and leave me out. I would go to mom’s mirror and pretend to have an imaginary audience to sing and act for. I would wear a scarf and pretend to have long hair. The boys would secretly watch me and laugh and I would be embarrassed. I became more daring, competitive, and aggressive. Now I am a tomboy.
Most outstanding childhood memory?
When I was 10, I broke my right arm. Mom rushed me to hospital but because it was a Sunday, there were no doctors. That night I cried and mom consoled me. However, in the middle of the night, she got tired and shouted at me to keep quiet. Because of that, I taught myself to write with my left hand as well.
What do you like about your mother?
She is the most loving person I know. She thinks for others and not just her family. She is loving and extremely loyal.
Did you take on any qualities from her?
She knows how to make herself happy. Like her, I am happy and contented to be at home. Friends call me on Fridays asking why I am at home but I am happy to be there.
What did your mother do that made you hate her but now you realise it was for your own good?
We were only allowed to watch documentaries about animals. I once said my parents were the worst for not letting us watch other stuff on TV, but now I thank them.
What do you think about Mothers’ Day?
It is very important. Mothers should be recognised and thanked.