Annatalia on why she will not reveal her age and why ordinary people inspire her

Annet Nambooze also known as Annatalia Oze is a prominent, humorous TV host. She hosts the Morning Express show on Sanyuka TV and the Uncut on NBS TV. She is a professional teacher and holds a degree in Education from Makerere University. She talked to Youth Blitz about her life’s journey and her dreams.

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How old are you?

[Laughs]…why do you want to know my age? Anyway, I am old enough to be employed on TV. I have eaten a number of Christmases. But I am not very old. I still have very many years in me.

As a presenter on TV, you bash celebrities for lying about their age. Aren’t you doing the same?

No. When I am on TV, I am working. It is my job to ask tough questions but I know that in real life many people, especially women, are not comfortable revealing their age. I am one of them.

You stood in Rubaga North local council elections and lost. How did you feel?

Of course, I wanted to win but you know there can only be one winner. It was a good experience for me. I learnt so many things about politics in this country. Sometimes it is not about the good ideas you have; it is about which political party you belong or how much money you have.

Some viewers think you are too calm to present a gossip show like Uncut. What is your view?

Well, I do not know what they mean by saying I am calm. But I think we all have different presentation styles. My partner Zahara Toto has her own style. I think we all complement each other well.

Was it always your dream to be on TV?

No. Actually when I was young, I was a little bit shy but as I grew up, I became bolder. I realized that I could work in the media. I got an opportunity when a radio station gave me a job and from there, I kept improving and gaining confidence. Later I joined TV. At first it was not easy because TV and Radio are very different. On TV, you are intimidated by cameras and you are always conscious that people are watching you.

What challenges have you face so far in your TV career

Several. Sometimes people misunderstand you because of what you said on TV. You make a lot of enemies from people who think you did not cover them favorably. Secondly, there are people who want to take advantage of you simply because you are on TV and think you are influential. They want you to push their agenda.

Who inspires you?

A number of people locally and internationally. But I am inspired more by ordinary people who strive to change the lives of other people. There are so many ordinary people who do wonderful things. I know a lady who sweeps in the market. She has done that work excellently for 30 years and she has impacted the lives of so many people.

What advice do you give young people who want to follow in your footsteps?

They should be hard working. They should be willing to learn from experienced people. They should be prepared to make mistakes and learn from them. They should have high integrity.

Ten years from now, where will Annatalia Oze be?

I don’t’ know. Maybe I will be a prominent politician. Maybe I will be the leading TV host in East Africa. I run a charity organization and I want to grow. There are so many plans but you know you can’t tell the future.