It’s been almost two weeks since the spine-chilling boat tragedy which claimed lots of lives. We lost friends, wives, mothers, sisters, husbands and fathers all at a go. Among the lost ones was Chuck Brian, the only person I knew on a personal level. I was opposed to the idea of writing a tribute to him, because every thing happened so fast, and it was almost impossible to get to terms with what was happening. However, him, Satisfashion UG and I have a special bond. It was only fair to remember him in a special way.
Chuck and I first met in 2011. I was working with a youth magazine then, and we always had events where we would invite celebrities as guests. He was friends with Hellen Lukoma, whose name had an almost permanent appearance on our guest lists. The briefness of our first encounter notwithstanding, his unique personal style, wit and humility stood out. He was obsessed with fashion and immensely creative, traits we both shared. We connected almost instantly. Then, I learned that he had a penchant for everything classy, and he was unapologetic about it. He loved to have fun, it’s not surprising that it was a boat cruise that ended his life. He also valued relationships, and isn’t that kind that wouldn’t say hello to you because of your status or social standing.
He also learned that my dream was to work with a fashion magazine. On two occasions, him and I sat in meetings brainstorming ideas for a lifestyle magazine he always wanted to do, and wished I’d be its editor. This went to the point where he organised a photo shoot for media personality Crystal Newman, whose cover story I did. Somehow this project never came to life but he still looked out for me. When I finally did this website, he was one of the first people that came through to support me. I can firmly share that he was the first person to pay for an advert on this site. He had a luxury watch line dubbed ‘Chuck watches‘ he was promoting. I’ve always been grateful, though unfortunately I never got chance to share this with him. Well, it didn’t seem like a big deal to him. I hoped one day I would tell him how much this meant to me.
Interestingly, during those early days he had shared how wasn’t cut out for ‘work’. “I don’t think I am ever going to work in my life. Because no job can afford me the lifestyle I want to have,” he always said this jokingly. Later, I realized that he was only being a child. Between then and his untimely passing, he had almost done it all – stylist, event host, designer and more. At some point he launched a luxury fashion store at Equatorial Mall. He tapped his creative genius even more when he presented a whole collection of evening gowns during the finale of the 2016 edition of Miss Uganda. Then he became Juliana’s personal stylist, something that was almost like a dream come true. His love for the singer was undeniable, right from day one.
I remember teasing him about his earlier thoughts on ‘work’ and he maintained that every thing that was going on for him was nothing close to work. And, this was the truth! He was only pursuing what he loved.
Over the years we drifted apart because of our busy schedules. We would bump into each other at events, catch up a little and dash off. I was always convinced we would one day meet up just to reflect on where we had come from. I was sure that we were here for much longer. Probably watch each other soar higher in our careers. This didn’t happen, and never will. This has been a huge lesson to me. That life is too short. That we ought to celebrate those who’re deserving of a celebration now, not tomorrow. That this isn’t our permanent home, we’re all headed where Brian is now.
The last time we met was at the launch of Sheebah’s hair line Sheebah by Natna. In true ‘Chuck Brian’ style he violated the dress code. At this black-themed event, he arrived ‘stylishly late’ wearing a long-sleeved white shirt and dark blue jeans. In no minute, he was on the photo backdrop posing for photos like he didn’t care one bit. That’s what made him special, he was a fashion rebel. Of course we were thrilled to see him, because this was already news for me, although somehow he never landed on the list of that week’s ‘fashion police’ victims.
During the event, Sheebah went around hugging all her personal friends who had honoured her invitation to the event. When she got to our table and met Natasha Sinayobye, the excitement was so much that their embrace left a few drinks on table poured. The drink ended up in my laptop, which I was using to update our followers about the event. Brian was quick to help me clear the mess. Fortunately my machine never died. This was probably a sign that I needed to close the darn thing and socialize. Indeed, I packed my laptop and got to chatting. Still, we didn’t talk much as I’m usually up and down at such events making sure my team captures all the newsworthy moments. If it wasn’t for that drink that spilled in my laptop, I probably wouldn’t have had time to chat with him or anyone at all.
Brian was laid to rest on 26th November, 2018 at his family home in Kisoro. It still feels surreal that he’s no longer with us. But also, it’s a blessing that we encountered someone as remarkable as him in our lives. They are not very many out there! We shall hold onto those precious memories of him till we meet again, because as much as it pains so much, we’re all headed where he is now.
We continue to commit in prayer families, friends, colleagues and relations of those we lost in the tragic accident for God to strengthen, heal and comfort you.
Rest in power Brian.
Check out his first feature on this site (published in 2013) here. And if you’re not so emotional, follow his journey through the pages of the site here.
hassan@satisfashionug.com
