Malaika, Miss Deedan and Prim Asiimwe On Success, Service & Sisterhood

Women in Media!

As we join the rest of the world to commemorate International Women’s Day 2026, the spotlight falls on the vibrant evolution of our local media landscape, a sector increasingly defined by the resilience and ingenuity of female voices. This year’s global theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” serves as a timely reminder that the advancement of our society is inextricably linked to the empowerment of women in key industries. In Uganda this progress is finally a finally reality, and women are at the forefront of new guard.

For our March cover story, Satisfashion UG sits down with three trailblazers who embody dynamic space that is Uganda’s media; Malaika, Miss Deedan and Prim Asiimwe. Their collective experiences are proof that when we invest in the platforms and professional growth of women, we do more than just fill roles; we accelerate the pace of innovation and excellence.

Malaika

You’ve worn so many different hats; model, radio presenter, MC, TV host, and actress. How do you wear all of them?

I attribute my success to the grace of God. Connecting with people feels natural to me, and I view it through the lens of the Parable of the Talents: we are responsible for what we do with the gifts we’ve been given. My approach is simply to keep moving forward and embracing the next challenge. Honestly, be glad I can’t sing—if I had that gift too, I’d be unstoppable.

I’m curious about who you used to listen to growing up, especially on the radio.

My career has been shaped by the icons I grew up listening to. Seanice Kacungira, though we’ve never met, had a profound impact on my career. I’m also deeply inspired by the elegance of Crystal Newman and the legendary Dr. Mitch. If you look closely at my presentation style, you’ll see a curated blend of their influence because I saw myself in their work, and it gave me the blueprint to walk my own path.

Crystal Newman is someone I absolutely adore. What is it about her that you love?

Crystal Newman is a positive light. I’ve had the opportunity to work with her, and the first time we co-emceed, I was shaking. I was “fanning out.” She has such a positive, calm, sweet, inviting, and helping energy. She is very genuine; you can see through everything she does. She has managed to maintain a great reputation and a really strong brand.

People often say that if a woman is too successful or independent, men will be intimidated. What is your take on that?

There’s a tired narrative that a woman’s success, specifically her assets, scares men away. I’ve reached a point where I realize that if my success intimidates a man, he simply isn’t my match. As my therapist wisely noted: ‘Get the car. The man with the jet will marry you.’ I’m not looking to be ‘tolerated’ by someone who feels small next to my achievements; I’m looking for the one who sees my ‘fleet’ and matches it with his own.

What does success look like to you personally?

Success is hearing God say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Lately, I’ve been so content because I let go. Success is being able to shine my light to help another and to walk in my purpose.

The media space is evolving pretty fast, how has that impacted you?

I came in at the tail end of the transition to digital. Our primary responsibility in media is to remain in constant motion. Once upon a time, it was magazines; now it’s video. You used to be a writer, and now you’re writing scripts for video. At the end of the day, those who resist change are left behind; those who embrace it are led into the the future.

Miss Deedan

You’re a powerhouse on stage, but what does your life look like when you’re alone at home?

I’ve mastered the balance between my public persona and my private reality. Among friends and family, I am every bit the high-energy personality you see on stage. However, I protect my solitude fiercely. Once I’m home, the noise stops, and I find my rhythm in the quiet, usually through music and the simple joy of dancing alone.

What is currently on your playlist?

Interestingly, I found a new playlist of R&B gospel music, which was really unlike me. I used to complain that gospel wasn’t enticing enough, but this stuff is deep. My “cleaning the house” playlist is Amapiano, the only problem is I’ll be breaking the shoulder and dancing all day. And when I’m cooking, I have a reggae playlist. I move with what my body feels.

You were a pioneer as one of the first female “hype” MCs. How do you feel about the new crop of women entering the scene?

I was the first female hype MC in Uganda. Nobody was doing it, and I’m happy it opened doors for people like Etania, Evelyn MC, and more. Since I didn’t have anyone to hold my hand, I had to figure out the transition myself. As women, our bodies change and you can’t always do the high-energy hype. I’m forcing the transition into corporate events gracefully now, and it’s my duty to help the younger girls learn how to transition as they grow too.

Who were the media personalities you looked up to while growing up?

Caroline Mutoko from Kenya gave me a huge vibe. I also listened to Marcus Kwikiriza and Gaetano while I was in Nairobi. And even though I never heard him on radio, I absolutely admire Dr. Mitch on stage. He commands a room with such authority that working with him for the first time actually rattled me; I was so starstruck I found myself babbling in French!”

How has how you look at your health as woman evolved over the years?

In 2014, I didn’t care. I thought, “I’m a girl, I can work and drink, no problem.” But as you get older, you realize you need checkups. We often avoid them because we think it’s expensive, or we have the traditional mentality of “if you go looking for a problem, you’ll find it.” Now in my 40s, I realize being intentional is the most important thing.

In my younger years, I operated on autopilot, assuming my body would just keep up with my lifestyle. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve had to realign my life. As you get older, you realize how precious your body is and why you have to take good care of it. We often shun doing routine bodychecks because we think it’s expensive, or we have the traditional mentality of “if you go looking for a problem, you’ll find it.” Now in my 40s, I realize that being intentional about your health is the most important thing.

Prim Asiimwe

You’ve been in media and radio for a while now. What is the difference between working with a brand like Galaxy FM versus NRG Radio?

Transitioning from the ‘Drive’ show at Galaxy to the ‘Breakfast’ show at NRG required a strategic adjustment in how I engage with my audience. Morning listeners have a very different energy, they’re just finding their footing for the day, whereas the afternoon crowd is already in high gear. Despite the initial learning curve, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Radio is the only job I know how to do well.

Are you naturally a morning person?

I was never a morning person! I became a morning person because I had to work. Now, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I wake up at 3:30 AM because my call time is 5:00 AM. I like to take my time and not rush, so I’m out of the house by 4:30 AM.

The classic trope is that radio presenters show up in their pajamas. Is that still true for you?

Not anymore! Radio is digital now. There are cameras inside, and people are watching you on the app and website. It’s hard to look beautiful at 5:00 AM, but you have to. I prepare my outfit the night before because I love to look good.

Who did you grow up listening to on the radio?

Flavia Tumusiime, of course. But the guy who really made me fall in love with radio was named Keith. He’s on a station called BBS (Bunyoro Broadcasting Services). I’m a village girl at heart, and Keith is just so talented; I wish you could listen to him.

Were you always a “chatterbox” growing up?

Yes! The people I went to school with are not surprised I ended up here. I would ask so many questions that my mom would wonder why I had to put one and one together. Surprisingly, it didn’t get me into much trouble.

You have managed to keep your personal life out of the public eye..

I’ve managed to hack that. The things I love and care about the most, I practically will not talk about them in media or online. If it’s out there, it can be damaged. The internet space is brutal, and while I don’t necessarily care about the feedback, I just feel that if you mind people’s business and it doesn’t pay you, why do it?

As someone who reports on public figures do you think they overshare?

No. At the end of the day, everybody is an adult. If they speak about it, I assume they are okay with it. We all look at things differently; what you think is “embarrassing,” someone else thinks “I have to say it.”

What does it take to stand out in an over-circulated media space?

You have to ask yourself: “What do I want to be known for?” Once something is on the internet, it doesn’t leave. If you want to build a respectable brand with longevity that earns money, you have to give it thorough thought. Otherwise, it’s just “easy make, easy go”

What are you most excited about this year?

I just started a syndicated show that airs across East Africa! It airs in Burundi, Rwanda (Power FM), Tanzania, and very soon in Kenya. It’s called the East Africa Countdown.

Did you grow up loving countdown shows?

I did! I listened to Rick Dees and Ryan Seacrest. However, I try to avoid listening to others too much now so I can remain my own person. There is a thin line between inspiration and copying. Authenticity is beautiful because you don’t have to struggle to create your own craft.