Who is Faridah Nakazibwe? Flash Uganda Media looks at her biography, age, husband, family, tribe, achievements, and relationship with the late Hajj Shakib Ssenyonjo, Hajat Sarah Ssenyonjo, Omar Ssali, Dan Nankunda, Al Hajji Moses Kigongo, Brielle Kiggundu, Ruth Kalibbala Bwanika, Mwasuze Mutya, the early life and education of a renowned Ugandan businesswoman, journalist, news anchor, and media personality.
Faridah Nakazibwe is a Ugandan journalist, media personality, and entrepreneur who built a celebrated career spanning nearly two decades in the television industry.
Widely recognized for her work with Nation Media Group, she served as a long-time Luganda news anchor and the Head of News at NTV Uganda.
Beyond her journalistic accomplishments, she is the founder and “Vision Bearer” of Nanaville 24-hr Babycare Centre.
She is the owner of the Faridah Body Mist range of personal care goods.
Early Life
Faridah Nakazibwe was born on August 18, 1984, in Sembabule district, Central Uganda.
She was born to the late Hajj Shakib Ssenyonjo(father) and Hajat Sarah Ssenyonjo(mother) who were both teachers.
She is the second born among eight children and the only girl. Her parents were always protective of her.
At eighteen years old, Faridah Nakazibwe says she went out on her own for the very first time only after completing her senior six.
She later moved to Kampala to continue her studies in Central Uganda.
Education Background
From attending Kisozi Boarding Primary School in Gomba District, Faridah Nakazibwe transferred to Bwala Primary School in Masaka town to finish her Primary Education.
She then enrolled at Taibah High School for her O-level and A-level studies in Kawempe, Ttula.
Thereafter, she enrolled at the Islamic University of Uganda (IUIU) in Mbale, where she was able to complete her Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication.
Faridah Nakazibwe graduated with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Victoria University, Kampala on September 14, 2023.
Education background summary
| Years | Institution | Status /Award |
| Bwala Primary School | PLE – Completed | |
| Taibah High School | UCE & UACE – Completed | |
| Islamic University of Uganda (IUIU) | Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication | |
| 2023 | Victoria University | Master’s Degree in Business Administration |
Marriage / Relationship
Faridah Nakazibwe was in a relationship with Engineer Dan Nankunda, who was her first love. The two met when she was working at WBS Television, unfortunately, the relationship did not prosper.
They have two daughters together, also known as the Kinza sisters.
She had a brief love liaison with Al Hajji Moses Kigongo, the deputy chairman of the National Resistance Movement which ended in 2015.
Faridah Nakazibwe then shortly afterwards got married to Omar Ssali, a Ugandan labourer employed in a Middle Eastern nation. However, in 2020, they called it quits.
The couple had wed in a discreet ceremony in Dubai in 2016, but their union was short-lived when Nakazibwe discovered Omar Ssali was more interested in her money than love.
The famous seasoned TV personality is currently not in a relationship.
Faridah is also Brielle Kiggundu’s foster mother. Brielle’s father is Bruno K and her mother is the late Rachael Nasasira.
Career and Professional Work Experience
Faridah Nakazibwe spent a month working as a waitress following her graduation from university.
Media Career and Television Exit
Nakazibwe started her broadcasting career in 2010 as a reporter for the now-defunct WBS Television. She later transitioned to NTV Uganda, where she became one of the station’s most recognizable figures, anchoring the evening Luganda bulletin (NTV Akawungeezi) and hosting the highly popular morning show, Mwasuze Mutya.
On March 31, 2021, she reached a career pinnacle when she was appointed NTV Uganda’s Head of News, after Josephine Karungi left to work as a communications consultant for the World Bank.
In October 2023, Nakazibwe made the personal decision to step down from her television roles.
She later opened up about her departure, revealing that hosting Mwasuze Mutya—which frequently featured deeply emotional and heartbreaking human-interest survival stories—had taken a heavy emotional toll on her well-being, driving her decision to prioritize her health and transition away from active screens.
Ruth Kalibbala Bwanika, who used to host the show on Monday mornings and fill in for Nakazibwe on the days she wasn’t on the air, replaced her place at the time as host on the program.
Work Experience Background Summary
| Years | Institution | Position |
| 2004 – 2006 | WBS Television | Reporter |
| 2006 – 2023 | NTV | News reporter and Show host |
| 2021 – 2023 | NTV | Head of News |
Entrepreneurship and Community Work
Following her retirement from television, Nakazibwe shifted her focus toward early childhood development and community outreach.
- Nanaville Babycare Centre: She founded the Nanaville 24-hr Babycare Centre, located along Kulambiro Link in Najeera. The facility provides 24-hour childcare, art classes, and developmental support for children aged 6 months to 3 years.
- Philanthropy: She serves as a brand ambassador and partner for community initiatives, frequently collaborating with brands like Softcare Uganda to donate essential items like diapers and sanitary pads to mothers in regional Ugandan hospitals, including locations in Gulu, Lira, and Masindi.
Achievements and Awards
Renowned Ugandan journalist Faridah Nakazibwe has made a substantial impact on the media landscape.
Women in the Ugandan Parliament recognized and honoured her in 2022 for her use of her platform to elevate women in the media community.
Faridah Nakazibwe established the Smile Nakazibwe Foundation, a nonprofit that helps low-income families.
Controversies
In 2018, The Uganda Media Council granted Faridah Nakazibwe 45 million Ugandan shillings when it was discovered that the tabloid had violated the TV host’s privacy by using her images without permission.
There have been rumours that Faridah Nakazibwe and Bruno Kiggundu (Bruno K) are romantically involved.
This was fueled by one of Bruno’s songs titled ‘Faridah’ which Bruno K claimed was inspired by Faridah Nakazibwe. However, the two have always dismissed any romance rumours.
Omar Ssali, Faridah’s ex-husband was a con artist who entered her life to defraud her; he had never practiced medicine as he had claimed.
He was a luggage lifter at Dubai International Airport, and he wasn’t as wealthy as he had made Nakazibwe think.
Faridah said breaking up with him was her biggest achievement in the five years they were together since the relationship was very toxic.
Editor’s Note: Please contact flashugnews@gmail.com if you find any of the content to be inaccurate or outdated.
