“What is art?” This is the question I always ask myself whenever I encounter someone or something eccentric—something that chokes me in the most captivating manner—a thing that calls for more observation and analysis. 

Often, this art, though subtle, is everywhere—with and in us; in what we do and how we do it; in our beliefs; in the way we speak and present ourselves. This art is in our dreams—in the different journeys we take in life. Art is beauty. It is a stranger on social media; a young lady or man you met coincidentally in the restaurant and never exchanged contact information. Art is so many things, and it is Anati Sandra Mundru. 

I have a fetish for writing about inspirational, beautiful places and people, often out of curiosity. I always want to know more about these two special things—why they are what they are. And this, to me, is total gratification—when a heart eventually gets what it wants. 

A few months ago, I connected with a young lady as part of my Fortnightly column for The Critique Magazine. Unfortunately, I could not deliver the story on time for publication. I kept postponing it until the incessant life’s empty engagements suffocated me. Life will always be life! It f**ks us up when we least expect it. 

My phone alarm just chimed at 3 pm. It scorched outside like hellfire, and my neighbours, unbothered, fried mukene. I hated the smell. It cut through my nostrils like a blunt razor. 

We had always spoken of the interview, but Sandra had always postponed it for her tight schedule until that Wednesday afternoon, when she had to loosen up for my sake—special me, and while agreeing to it, she said it would last a few hours, maybe one and a half, but I knew this was enough for me to come up with something concrete about her. 

A petite brown Sandra stands in an impeccable living room; canvas paintings hang on the wall, not only reflecting her sense of art but also her striking allure—her captivating dentition, the bright smile and gleaming eyes… We are on Zoom, and my camera is off. 

“Please, can you put on your camera so I can see the person I am talking to?” she says, smiling. 

“Wawoo,” she says after I switch on my camera. She was expecting someone so huge, I presume. 

Sandra is a law student at Uganda Christian University, Kampala, Miss Conservation Uganda, and the first runner-up for Miss Tourism West Nile. She is a Lugbara by tribe, though one might mistake her brown complexion for someone from Western or Eastern Uganda, not West Nile.

And besides her beauty, Sandra’s confidence keeps one glued to knowing her more. She is a word knitter with a sense of humour. And who detests humour? 

Two minutes into the interview, her pageantry journey and how far she’s come start to unfold. Sandra Mundura has always had this dream, and unlike any other Ugandan youth, she has decided to chase the dream regardless of how far it runs; irrespective of its cost. She has always loved to be on stage, to show the world what she’s got and send a sound message to doubters that ‘I am here and who says no…’ And that’s the mentality!

However, like any of us, Sandra has been scared of failure, of trying out new challenges for fear of never triumphing. But how do you perfect something if you do not try; if you do not fail? Thank goodness, her big sister, who had once been in the Miss game, pushed her. Of course, what we need sometimes is that mortal thrust—an approval from someone closer that we can make a difference. 

Faith penetrates walls! Let’s lose anything in life, but not faith. When Sandra travelled to Adjumani for the National pageant, she knew she wouldn’t become the main queen but would get a special award, and out of the 10 awards given, she ended up with the 7th, Miss Conservation—which she calls a vast opportunity, as she now serves the country. 

Her story is one of ‘what ifs’, and also a colloquy of self-belief and the importance of taking risks. “What if I try and fail?” “What if you don’t?” The only way to mitigate our insecurities and fears is by challenging ourselves, trying out something unusual, perhaps only there lies our victory. Sandra reminds us that there is nothing impossible as long as we are committed to it, as much as we want it. But at the same time, it is all risky.

Life is about purpose. Unfortunately, many people die before finding their purpose, but Sandra has already found hers. She clarifies to me that being a model is not only about showcasing beauty but also having an impact on society. As an environmentalist, she has participated in different projects: she has collaborated with NEMA to plant more trees and preached against deforestation. She has taught communities about a need to preserve wildlife and been to different towns and cities like Nakasongola and Kalangala for cleaning projects. 

“But we cannot achieve this alone. We are working together with the KCCA, media, and other partners. I am also working on “Let the Pearl Shine”, another tree-planting project. It is good to be active in these projects. You inspire people when they see you doing something other than just talking about it. People hate cleanliness—they litter everywhere, but they tend to care the moment they see you, a stranger, cleaning on their behalf, they become part of it…” Sandra says. 

Of course, Sandra would not have walked this journey without an excellent support system. Many Ugandan parents and stakeholders rarely support certain aspirations, especially if they are not academically oriented, but Sandra is grateful that the people around her see her vision, and from day one, they have been on her side. Above all, her family has been her greatest cheerleader. Her father has lifted her in all ways, even though she was initially scared of what he would think of her joining the pageantry. 

“But how do you balance law studies with being Miss Conservation?” I ask, jokingly.

“My university is supportive. The Dean, students and lecturers are all on my side. They have given me a hand. I missed a paper once, when I was away, but they gave it to me on my return without question. I believe it is God’s grace…” she says, as she smiles.

“Everyone has someone who inspires them. Who is your inspiration in all this?” I ask.

“Tamary Green, Miss South Africa, 2018 and Hannah Karema, Miss Uganda 2023-2024. Hannah inspires me a lot for the things she has done, and we went to the same high school,” she says.

“We are on a ticking bomb… so many climatic changes stemming from our nonchalance; we have ignored the environment, and now the aftermath is alarming. What should we do to mitigate the impending danger?” I ask.

“People ignore these things. But it all results from our bad choices: cutting down trees and destroying wildlife. As Ugandans, we can overcome these self-made problems if we plant more trees and care for our wildlife. The decisions we make eventually catch up with us. We are the authors of all our misfortunes.” She says.

“What roles are you playing to protect our resources and environment?”

“We have engaged the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the National Environmental Authority and the police to deal with people who cut down trees for charcoal and poach animals,” Sandra says.

“What plans do you have?” I ask.

“I am still working on major projects before handing over. But this is just the beginning. Pageantry is not done with me… I want to touch hearts,” she says, coughs and continues, “I have many proposals, these could be for my future projects, but you know people won’t support until they see you succeeding at something. People are always watching what we do, but they stay aside to see whether we are persistent. And I am grateful that, however hard it might seem, I have received a few contracts and I pray God blesses me so I bless others too…”

It is human nature to judge people before listening to what they have to say, but by doing so, we miss out on the most interesting aspect of life. One might look at Sandra as a young girl, but she is a woman with words of wisdom. Whatever she says strikes, and for a minute, one has to reflect on everything. Even though she looks up to others, she is a great inspiration to any dreamer, and there will always be a lot to learn from her. She is someone who was born before her time, an old mind and wisdom in a beautiful youthful body!

Uganda is sick, and sexual exploitation is the disease eating her bones up. It is almost impossible to get anywhere without someone prominent asking for your body in return, but Sandra is glad that she has not experienced it yet: “Some people are okay with it, but I am not. It is about principles. It is about your dignity. If you have something to lose, then you will always say no, and if it’s firm, they will respect it,” she says. 

“What about their advances, promises of making you whatever you want?” I ask.

“No. These things are not going anywhere. Why should I rush?” she says.

“What advice do you have for the young people?”

She says:

If it is a dream, go for it. Do not listen to those who discourage you. If something is meant for you, it will always be yours. Do not give up. I once wanted to give up law. I had issues with balancing everything, but I did not give up. We want things that happen very fast, yet the true gist is in never giving up.