Sandra Nakalanzi is a freelance model who once took part in Miss Uganda contest in 2002. The mother of one talked to ELIZABETH AGIRO about her life

How far did you go in the Miss Uganda contest?
I joined the preliminaries in the Western region and came second runner up to Dr. Rehema Nakuya. Then I came to Kampala and was among the finalists. Now I am into modelling.

Tell me; what is the modelling world like?
It’s good. But the industry was down for long. Sylvia Owori was the only sounding name. Today, however, various designers are coming up. It takes a lot of courage to be a model. Sometimes, you have to wear lingerie on stage; it’s not easy for some girls. Walking in front of a crowd and letting your appearance speak for itself requires courage.

People believe that models double as call girls.
It’s not true. The same is also said about musicians but it depends on an individual. When I joined the Miss Uganda contest, people warned me that organisers would use me unethically but I didn’t see anything like that. I know many parents who fear to send their children to the modelling industry because of such negative thoughts. But some people have succeeded in that career.

How did taking part in Miss Uganda change your life?
I learnt a lot, especially self esteem. I loved the value of being a beauty queen. There’s a way it made me confident, I felt useful.

How about career-wise?
I have managed to make some money from it. I have made new friends and met celebrities. The confidence I got enabled me get a job with a Japanese firm.

Any advice for girls who want to join the modelling industry?
They should feel free to do it if they love it. Ignore the negative things people say about modelling. We are special in God’s eyes; very different from men. We should be proud of the fact that we are women. But they should be ready to protect the image of the industry by proving the critics wrong.

Are you dating anyone?
Yes. But I won’t mention his name. I actually have a a six-year-old daughter.

What challenges have you faced as a young mother?
As a first-time mother, everything is new. I was a single mum then and things were not easy. I had to be strong. I had to be both father and mother to my daughter. I, therefore, advise girls who have to handle pregnancy without a partner to keep the baby. A child is a blessing and should be left out of the parents’ differences.

How about love? What
lessons have you learnt?
Love is good but better when you are loved back. Today, it’s difficult to get someone who loves you back. That is why I advise girls to first finish their education before looking for love. I have also learnt that not everyone who says ‘I love you’ really means it.

What has been your worst experience in your search for love?
I loved someone I expected to be my lifetime partner, but had secrets I landed on too late. He had children with different women and it was too much for me to handle.