Nana Kagga bares it all in the premiere of Home of the Stars Season 3

Nana Kagga is a rare force in Uganda’s film industry, a true all-rounder whose talent cuts across directing, acting, screenwriting, and producing. Her range and consistency have made her one of the most respected names in the business which has earned her the kind of admiration reserved for trailblazers. It’s no surprise she’s often described as a “unicorn”, as there simply aren’t many like her.

In the first episode of Home of Our Stars Season 3, Kagga opens up like never before. Kagga’s latest role was as a cast member of hit drama Damalie. Kagga played the character of Ife, the psycho ex-wife of Charles Mbidde and the antagonist of that story. Her performance has been widely acclaimed, with many describing the character as psychologically complex. However, Kagga is quick to clarify misconceptions about Ife’s persona.

“We all need to be loved,” she says. “Some people sit back and hope that love finds them, while others do whatever it takes to get the prize. I am born that way.”

Speaking to Home of our Stars host Judithiana Namazzi Ndugwa, Kagga attributes her powerful performances to her ability to draw on real-life experiences. She recalls a particularly emotional scene from Damalie where she had to channel unresolved grief following the sudden death of her adoptive brother, George.

“I had lost my brother. He was adopted and came to us from the UK. We were the same age and grew very close over time — we were like Bonnie and Clyde. He was my biggest enabler. Even when things went wrong, he stood by me.”

Kagga notes that George’s death was sudden and deeply traumatic. “The day before he died, he came home and interacted with us in a way that felt like a goodbye. The next day, I was picking him up in a casket.”

In Damalie, when given a scene that required raw emotional expression, Kagga drew directly from that loss. “They gave me a scene where I had to write names in a rage. All I wanted to write was ‘George’. When I was done, I felt exhausted — like I had finally released something I had been carrying.”

Beyond acting, Kagga is a formidable force in film production. She emphasizes the importance of professionalism and discipline on set. “By the time I hire you for a job, I expect results. If I’m on set at 5 a.m. and someone shows up at 8 a.m with excuses and I tolerate it, they’ll think such behaviour is acceptable. That becomes a pattern.”

She adds that the film industry demands more than passion. “This is not a business that feeds the soul; it drives you. It is relentless. If I could walk away from it, I would. But this is my purpose — my calling. So, when you come into it, do not waste the opportunity!”

Kagga also reflects on how closely her real-life values align with the roles she portrays. “There are parts of me that are Ife. I will take on anyone who threatens those I love or the principles I stand for. I respond strongly to injustice and protect what I care about.”

Often cast in intense, sometimes morally ambiguous roles, Kagga addressed the perception that such roles risk making her appear one-dimensional.

“I can play a non-villain role — if I’m a soldier, if it’s a fight for power. But there must be contention,” she explains. “Because in life, it’s the law of the jungle. You eat or be eaten.”

Despite her experience and success, Kagga admits that each new role brings fresh nerves. “I get nervous when I’m cast for a new role because when I get on set, I’m expected to be better than I was before,” she emphasizes. “I need to fully understand the character, and that brings nerves of epic proportions.”

These nerves, she reveals, sometimes manifest as anxiety attacks — not because of external pressures, but because of the high standards she sets for herself. “It’s not about everybody else. I have to challenge myself. The day I stop getting anxiety is the day I think I’ve made it — and that’s a dangerous place to be.”

For Kagga, acting is not only just performance, it’s a commitment. She believes that artists must continually evolve, especially in an industry as unpredictable as film. Her approach is grounded in discipline and deep respect for everyone involved in the creative process.

“It’s about respecting people’s time,” she exclaims. “I find that some actors will show up on set and give only 50% of what they’re capable of. Whatever their reasons, I still find that disrespectful to the producer, the director, and the entire crew. People don’t hire you to hang out. They hire you to execute. So, turn up and give them 200%.”

In a space where cutting corners can be tempting, Nana Kagga’s approach is a blueprint for excellence, a reminder that passion, preparation, and professionalism are non-negotiable if one is to thrive in the film industry.

Damalie airs on DStv’s Pearl Magic Prime channel (channel 148) and GOtv channel 303. It is shown every Monday through Wednesday at 8:30 PM.

Viewers can also stream the show live or catch up using the DStv Stream and GOtv Stream apps. Manage your subscription on the go with the MyDStv or MyGOtv App, available on iOS and Android.

As part of MultiChoice Uganda’s commitment to giving customers more value, you can now take advantage of the “We’ve Got You” promotion — running until 31 July 2025 — where active, new, and recently reconnected GOtv customers get upgraded to a higher package at no extra cost. It’s the perfect time to enjoy even more entertainment, including Home of Our Stars, at exceptional value.

Not yet subscribed? Join Ka Weekie today and get access to local favourites like these for only UGX 14,000 on DStv Access or UGX 11,000 on GOtv Plus. With so much to watch and more value packed in, there’s never been a better time to tune in.