UMEME, wa guan?

I want to love these guys but my heart is slowly failing me. What is it with the continuos mistakes they make with the electricity bills, and the overcharging or should I say ridiculous figures they come up with at the end of the months? Oh, bot forgetting the unnecessary power cuts and mix ups!!! What am about to share has been on going by the way! Just when you thin kthings are better, you're back to where you started!

Here I was, thinking, "C.K. get home and take a lovely warm shower, make some nice dinner and eat it while watching your favourite series Brothers & Sisters" but alas! I found my place in sheer darkness! I call up the Umeme customer care line and after giving the guy on the other end the account number, and calmly... (did i say calmly?) Ok, and as calmly as i could, telling him my UMEME frustrations, I got a humble response, "Sorry madam, there seems to have been a mistake. You were not the one supposed to be disconnected. We will rectify it as soon as possible but this will have to be next week on monday seeing that tomorrow is a saturday and right now it's after 8pm." (WHAAAAAAAAAAT??) "The electricians don't work on weekends." he politely went on. I wanted to scream or blow up.... but these customer care guys, i must give it to them, they know how to cool us off. Not that I would want a rude attendant but they are good. More money for them. If only the electricity issues were as smooth as the customer care service!

Anyway, I stayed in darkness the whole weekend; more of candle lit dinners and conversations-- wasn't bad for a change. (I say, look at the bright side....LOL )
As soon as Monday struck, I had to follow up and make sure my complaint was cleared. The electrician was apologetic and connected my power back on. All forgiven, bygones!

I am now in the month of September and haven't yet received the bills of July and August. Who is in charge of delivering this stuff?? Seriously, they should be fired! So I get a call a few days ago from UMEME customer care, (they have my number now- not with al the complaints I raise) and the gentleman tells me my renumeration for July/August but adds, "...The bill for August is not yet ready. You can go on and pay if you don't mind or you can wait for the August bill which comes with past month's bill too and you can pay at once."
"Okay, thank you." I said.
Wow! nice people. They actually call us back. I get back home and there is no power! AGAIN!!! I am the only one in the neighbourhood with no power! GOODNESS! The whole process again and remember each time you call customer care, a different person speaks to you. What makes it easier is if you wrote down your complaint number on a piece of paper or in a book and you have it ready with you but how i hate repeating myself!

I rest my case! I get disconnected when I have no pending balance and I still get disconnected when I haven't yet received the bill. what do they want from me?!!!? (sigh! sigh!) At least they are quick to respond.
Anyway, this time it wasn't their fault, it was a short circuit or something that had forced the button in the box to automatically switch off.
People, what we go through with these electricity bills can fill up a book! LOL
I will continue to be a patient citizen.... for a bit...... ;-)

CHARMED!

Ok. So as I was driving to work this morning, listening to one of my favourite morning shows (I like two on different stations so i take turns to listen to both, haha), the interesting presenters went on an on about charms, black magic, child crucifixion.... I think you know how this topic goes. They were trying to understand why people go to desperate measures to seek redemption or success and talked of how dangerous it can get. One posed the question, "If you are used to having a charm or being given something from a witch doctor to help you get what you want, when the next time you go to this WD, and you were asked to take a head of a child(Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!) wouldn't you do so?"

Oh dear, I get a chill by the thought of this. Seriously, we must be careful what we wish for and sometimes what may seem harmless in the beginning could end up costing you your soul..... Any of you ever watched Ghost Rider? (OK! I know you might say, here come the movies, but seriously, this is a good example of what it can be like for an individual that is tied down by an oath to the wrong force- forget the marvel comic character but focus on the lesson you learn from it. Just watch the movie already! U will enjoy it.) The co-host then mentioned that there is holy water that people are given to go and sprinkle on their clothes and belongings for good luck, plus, holy bread.... not aware what this one does but as a bread lover, i am curious about this one. LOL

So, I continue, now where was I? Oh, the witch doctor and the child's head, now people, to some extent, we all are superstitious; for example, don't jump a friend's legs if they are seated down, don't sweep at night, mbu, you will be sweeping money away, eh! And this one: Don't whistle at night because you are inviting snakes (Yikeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!) Ok, some of these were put there to help us have better conduct but when it comes to this strange charm stuff, how superstitious are you and how far can you go to get what you want? Do you break all norms, values and humane principles?

We so need guardian Angels with us all the time, our world is a weird one when it comes to the supernatural. Figuring it out is like trying to understand why government stopped the Buganda prime minister from going to .... where was it again? Oh well, that's a whole other story that I am not telling!

The award goes to KANYE WEST...er sorry, to T.I.

One thing I will never understand is why Kanye West is so damn stubborn during music awards! Why he always feels he has to disagree with the musician announced as the award winner beats me! Remember when he complained in 2007 or is it 2008 (who cares!?) that he deserved to win the award and not the person that was announced? He even said he wouldn't attend the MTV awards again... So umm, why were u present again? To make a fool of yourself? Oh... right.

Recently at the MTV Video Music Awards, he rushed to the stage while young and talented Taylor Swift (whose song Love Story i love to bits) was giving her speech and grabbed the mic from her saying, "I am happy for you Taylor and i'ma let u finish but Beyonce had the best video of all time!" He went on to make a face of "Hate me but it's a fact and it's my opinion!" Poor Taylor looked on in disbelief and Beyonce was shocked in her seat as she said, "O my God!"

Kanye, this was outright rude! I love Beyonce too but you should have let Taylor Swift enjoy her moment. You went ahead to steal her thunder! Thanks to Beyonce for giving Swift a chance to complete her speech, indeed Beyonce is extraordinary... Kudos.

What the bloody, er, soil is wrong with Kanye? Is he usually high on something or does he just want attention at these awards? Well if he was meant to win an award that night, he jinxed it coz everytime his name was mentioned as a nominee in any category, he was booed. OUCH! In fact, T.I. won the award he probably would have taken home but well, T.I. is off the hizzy too. He can do whatever u like... LOL

I like Kanye's music btw and his album 808's & Heartbreaks broke my heart..... I mean, it was touching. I like it. I play Love Lockdown, Bad News, Coldest Winter and C u in my Nightmare which features Lil Wayne on my ipod any chance I get.... he is good at what he does, I won't dispute that but it is his manners that disappoint me. He has a big ego..... I love his ego... U know that song? Weird thing is he did the remix to that song with Beyonce. Figures why he felt he had to step up for her... unnecessarily.

Kanye, don't be a pain pliz. Hopefully at the next awards you will bite your tongue before u storm the stage and say something you will regret.... eti, he apologised to Taylor Swift, her fans and her mom. Didn't you know what you were doing? What's your problem Kanye? Get with it dude. Oh well, Welcome to heartbreak!

ALL LIGHTS ON!

Cleopatra Koheirwe (me)

Hello my dears, guess you're wondering where i have been, huh? Yeah. I know. Had a lot to do and no time to fill up my blog but here is an interview that was done of me by one of the top rating magazines in Africa! African Woman magazine - The Voice for Women in Africa. It is a Ugandan magazine with two publications; one in Uganda, another in Kenya. It's slowly growing bigger. Thought I should share this with you so you get to know more about me. Enjoy!
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ALL LIGHTS ON: Cleopatra Koheirwe
                                        Story written by: Diane J. Binta

If I had to sum up Cleopatra in two words they would be diminutive dynamo. There is so much talent and energy contained in this one small actress/singer/dancer/writer/poet/presenter package. And she gives you the impression that she is only getting started.

The Edition Cleopatra featured in

Cleopatra Koheirwe seems to have been set on the path to stardom from day one. She was named after the heroine of the 1973 action film Cleopatra Jones, which her mother loved to watch. “From when I was little girl, I got so tired of people asking me if I knew about the great queen Cleopatra,” Cleo says.
It turns out that Cleo was not named after the Egyptian queen, but after a no-nonsense, kick ass special agent with attitude. And Cleo seems to have a bit of both women in her. There is something quietly regal in the way she carries herself, but also a hint of steel and determination in her eyes when she flashes her bright smile.
While she felt strange to be the only girl at school without a namesake, Cleo was not without friends, as she quickly gravitated towards activities that appealed to her artistic nature. She was always to be found in a drama club, an art club or a choir.
“I was always happiest when I was doing something creative and my breakthrough really came when I joined Namasagali College,” she says. “Being part of a Namasagali production at the National Theatre was such a big deal and I was thrilled to be chosen for the first time in 1999 as a dancer.”
This introduced Cleo to the experience of being in front of a live paying audience. It was after her role in the 2000 production, Secret Agent, that Ronnie Mulindwa of the Obsessions approached Cleo with the idea of joining the group. Her first ever production with them was the aptly named Cleopatra.
Contrary to popular perception, being in the Obsessions while she did her university degree actually kept her out of trouble. “The group was committed and disciplined and everyone looked out for each other. We spent lots of time improving our skills and there was really no time to be out there partying,” Cleo says. The proof of the pudding was in the honours Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences degree she left the university with.
Cleo may burn up the stage when she dances, but she is more of a quiet, reserved personality off stage. She will unwind by watching a movie, swimming or taking a nap. “I do my laundry and occasionally make mandazis to keep around the house as a snack. I love to cook,” Cleo says..
In 2005, Cleo joined WBS television, where she held slots on an entertainment magazine, a political programme and the fitness programme for which she became immensely popular. From TV, she went into radio, where she was a guest presenter on Capital FM and then worked on the Kampala International University radio station.
Cleo’s hands were very full, but her heart was set on exploring new horizons. An avid novel reader (she was a Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew and Sweet Valley High die hard in high school), Cleo had a love for words and had tried her hand at poetry. She became a contributor to African Woman magazine and as her involvement in the magazine grew, she knew it was time to leave the Obsessions.
“I had grown so much in the Obsessions and would not be anything that I am now without my time there. However, there was nothing more I could offer the group and I needed to develop as Cleo. It was so hard to leave,” she recalls.
Working a 9 to 5 job was a shock to Cleo’s system. “I am always excited about coming to work because I love writing, but office hours were alien to me. I am blessed to work in a place where there is a sense of flexibility, togetherness and team spirit,” she says.
To upgrade her writing skills, Cleo did a correspondence certificate in journalism from the University of South Africa. “I feel I have grown as a writer and as a poet,” Cleo says, adding that she is always learning more.
Cleo’s poetry is mostly about love and death. “Death is real to me because it has taken many loved ones from me – from my parents to close friends. It happens. I am also inspired by love because for me it is the largest part of living,” she says. “I could never write about things like politics. All that comes to mind when you say politics is pretence, lies and hypocrisy.”
Cleo’s dress sense is the envy of many, but unfortunately she has no amazing fashion secrets to share. “I look into my closet before I go to sleep and see something I might like to wear the next day. However, I may wake up feeling different, so my selections are purely random,” Cleo says.
If Cleo wasn’t where she is now, she might have been a painter. “I think being an artist does not allow you time for much else,” Cleo says. “I am happy that I have chosen a path where one experience could link and flow into another; from TV to radio to acting, to music... this path has worked for me.”
It surely has! Working in theatre provided the opening for Cleo’s first movie appearance – in the Idi Amin-inspired drama The Last King of Scotland, no less. She played the supporting role of Joy, and from that has gone on to a role in the new Mnet series Changes. “The pay cheque from Changes helped me buy my new car – I call her Princess!” Cleo says with a giggle.
She is set to begin filming a role in yet another movie to be directed by Donald Mugisha. This time she will have the challenge of a dual role as twins. “I am so fortunate that I can take time off from my job to pursue acting with the full support of my supervisors,” Cleo says.
In 5 to 10 years, Cleo hopes the movie industry will have grown and there will be more work to do, more roles to play and more young talent on the scene. She is also looking forward to new writing challenges and has a bucket list of the things she’d like to do.. Top on the list is a visit to Egypt. “I’ve spent my life being asked about the Cleopatra of Egypt. Since she cannot come to me, I must go to her at some point,” Cleo explains.
What does Cleo dislike about being in the public eye? “People think that because you are in the limelight, you are not human. They have high expectations of you and sometimes, they expect the worst of you too. People seem to think I should be rude, stuck up and difficult,” she says.
A compassionate spirit, Cleo hates to see human suffering and is absolutely ticked off by lies. “I hate it when people spread lies about others purely to hurt them,” Cleo says.
Cleo believes that anyone can do anything they set their minds to, and they should not think success is for a select few. However, you have to have support from those dear to you if you want to succeed. “My biggest support structure is my family and my boyfriend. They make it easy for me to do what I do,” Cleo says. “My work family and my friends are the best. They always tell me I can do this; I can succeed. That is so important to me.”

* * *

A love so strong!

My heart is at ease when I am with you
There is nothing that can make my joy turn to gloom
Wherever I go, you are in my thoughts
I pray to God we never have doubts
For our love is strong
Our trust is deep
Our bond is unbreakable
And together we are magical!