Kasule Douglas Benda
Whoever knew or worked with Maimuna Nicole Tumusiime, especially in the film industry, is still in shock since the heartbreaking news of her passing broke on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.
I have received countless messages and comments from people sharing their memories of working or interacting with her. I thought it would be meaningful to include some of those reflections here as we celebrate her life and contribution to Uganda’s creative industry.
My First Encounter with Nicole
I first met Nicole around 2021 when I was contacted by Brian Mulondo to handle casting for an infomercial for Raising Voices. I was mainly looking for child actors and one adult.
At the time, Nicole was a teacher at St. Marcelino Academy Matugga, and she accompanied some of her pupils to a private audition in Bugolobi. From the moment she arrived, I was impressed by how gentle and patient she was with the children. We decided to cast her as the adult in the project, and during the shoot, she delivered a remarkable performance, calm, professional, and fully committed.
Since then, I continued to consider her for various projects, and we worked together several times. Our most recent collaboration was last year, during which we had some creative disagreements with the client. Even then, I could sense that Nicole might have been going through a difficult period in her life. I reached out to people who had worked with her, and they confirmed that she had been struggling with personal challenges which took a toll on her mental health and this affected her and her loved ones. There are times she would just wander off and they could not know her whereabouts for days and then find her somewhere in a bad state later. In the last months, she was in a better state after the medical attention.
At the start of this month, she saw a casting call I had posted and sent me a message:
“Hullo, Ssalongo. How are you? Please cast me for that role you have shared in the group.”
I didn’t know then that it would be the last time we’d chat.
Tributes from Colleagues and Friends
Luswata Musa, writer and director of the YouTube web series City Girl, shared:
“So sad, we had just cast her as a new character. We had even shot the first episode, and there were many more to come…”
Malaika Nnyanzi Tensi, who acted alongside Nicole in JDC TV Series, posted:
“My heart is heavy I can’t believe you have gone, but I rest knowing you are with God. Our sweet darling Maimo (Principal Gabriella of JDC TV Show), working with you was an honor and a pleasure.”
Allan Manzi, director of JDC Series, said:
“She was the first actor I cast in the Kyaddala Series. I wrote a role specifically for her, and again, she was the first actor I cast in JDC. I created the role especially for her. She was truly remarkable and underrated.”
Stella Nante, actress and NTV host, remembered her with these words:
“I’ve worked with Nicole on a couple of projects. She’s one of the most gentle humans I’ve met, kind, talented, funny, and professional and an awesome mother to her kids. Jesus Christ! It’s unbelievable that she’s no longer with us!”
Veteran journalist Moses Sserugo recalled her early artistic roots:
“A great Namasagali College actress! She played the lead in 1999’s The Republic of Feminia, alternating with Veronica Tindichebwa of Fun Factory. She was also in 2000’s The Secret Agent alongside Capital FM’s DJ Ronnie Sempangi and Edward Kisukye aka Zizinga Omutambuze.”
Her Work and Legacy
Nicole was an alumnus of Namasagali College and during her professional time as an actress, her talent shone in several film and television projects. She was recently best known for her role as Principal Gabriella in the JDC TV Series a show by Allan Manzi, Nisha Kalema and Malaika Nnyanzi on Pearl Magic Prime, a role that earned her wide admiration. She also appeared in the Ugandan drama series 5 @ Home, directed by Kennedy Kihire and produced by Fast Track Productions.
Beyond her screen work, she was beloved as “Teacher Nicole” at St. Marcelino Academy Matugga and her latest school, where her kindness and dedication touched the lives of many children.
Final Farewell
Born on May 8, 1978, Nicole passed away on October 22, 2025, in her school office, where she was alone working late. Reports indicate that she suffered a seizure attack that led to cardiac arrest.
She leaves behind four children, including her 20-year-old daughter who has been steadfastly by her side through her health challenges. Nicole will be laid to rest on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 4 p.m. in Buwenda, Jinja.
Rest in peace, Nicole. You shone brightly, and your light will never be forgotten.
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