Charles Musana had made it to the audition room at UTV, now known as UBC. But the sight before him nearly sent him walking away. In that room were popular musicians, beauty pageant winners, and familiar media personalities. “It was intimidating.” He started to leave, but just as he stepped out, something shifted. A certain confidence took over and pushed him back inside.
He ended up performing so well that the station manager asked him to stay behind. What started as a nerve-racking experience turned into a major break that introduced him to media work. He remembers being interviewed twice for a job and noticing how much the school people attended seemed to matter. That realisation pushed him to make a personal decision. He chose to have fewer children so he could give them a better quality of life and access to the right opportunities. It was a path his parents did not fully support at the time.
Now serving as the Manager for Information, Advocacy, and Public Relations at the National Planning Authority, Charles says that experience opened his eyes to the value of preparation and access. At UTV, he worked hard until he had risen through the ranks, reaching the position of station manager. When communication became his calling, he transitioned from his managerial role at Top TV to start fresh as a communication officer at the Uganda Population Council. Though it was challenging, he rose gracefully through the ranks.
He grew up during a time of unrest in Uganda. He and his family moved frequently, which denied him the chance to grow up in one community. As a result, he missed out on forming lasting childhood friendships, something he still thinks about.
His values were largely shaped by his mother. She taught him to walk away from chaos, not out of fear, but as a way of staying safe and thinking ahead. Although he supports advocacy, Charles says it hurts to see young people lose their lives in the name of activism. His mother also taught him never to pick up money off the ground. That lesson, though simple, taught him to work for what he wants and never rely on handouts.
In his current role at the National Planning Authority, Charles works to help Ugandans understand national development plans. He says many people see these plans as complicated or foreign ideas, but they are made to serve the public. His department focuses on making these plans easier to understand and ensuring internal communication keeps everyone within the organization connected to its purpose. They also work to maintain the institution’s image and relationship with the public.
Charles encourages young people to look at government programs based on their realities. For those in the informal sector, there are skilling opportunities available. For those with formal education, career guidance and personal branding are important. He also urges parents to keep their children in school and support them.
When asked what advice he would give his younger self, Charles says he regrets letting curiosity lead him more than focus. He wishes he had been more results-driven early on.
Today, he is pursuing a doctorate in Journalism and Mass Communication at Uganda Christian University. From nearly walking out of an audition room to becoming a leader in public communication, Charles Musana’s story is one of self-awareness, resilience, and growth. His life continues to remind others that with the right choices, even the most intimidating moments can turn into defining ones.
His life continues to remind others that with the right choices, even the most intimidating moments can turn into defining ones.
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