Shamran Kabunga Kigongo also fondly known as Shakab “The Brown Model” at 24 years old recently earning the title of 2nd Runner-Up in the Mr. Uganda 2024-2025 competition. He’s not just a model—he’s also a sales executive, actor, and brand ambassador, showing the world what Ugandan talent can achieve.
Having met John Kennedy Adeya at the 2024 Imara Girls Festival, an event celebrating youth empowerment and gender inclusion, Shamran the current Mr. Uganda (a segment of the Miss Uganda program that’s aimed to address issues affecting young men and ensuring they have a voice), the outcome of their candid chat was an interview of him for the Kampala Edge Times, was an inspirational one that tells Shamran Kabunga Kigongo’s story of resilience. So, read on to e-meet Shamran and his journey
Shamran grew up in the small town of Kibibi, where his dream of becoming a model and actor began. Watching fashion shows on TV inspired him, and his family, including his parents, Mr. Salongo Sentamu Siraje and Ms. Nabukeera Rebecca, gave him their full support. Mentors like Ntale David and his aunt Namubiru Christine encouraged him to chase his dreams.
Shamran’s journey into modeling started with cultural dancing, especially the Maganda dance. A teacher noticed his talent and pushed him to explore modeling. From there, he worked hard, starting with small jobs as a cashier and supermarket attendant. His big break came through acting and partnerships with brands like Davreen Investments and RimAk Investments Limited. In 2022, he got hands-on experience during an internship at the Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards, sharpening his skills even further.
Education also played a big role in his success. After finishing secondary school at Pride Secondary School, he studied fashion and modeling at Purple Skills Clinic Foundation in Bukoto. This training helped him develop his talents, and today he’s working toward becoming a stylist while continuing to model and act. In his free time, Shamran loves dancing, reading, traveling, cooking, and giving back to the community.
Shamran isn’t just focused on his career—he’s also passionate about making a difference. He started the Shakab Foundation to support education, empower young people, improve communities, and spread awareness about mental health. Through this work, he’s helping others achieve their potential.
Interestingly, Shamran almost didn’t enter the Mr. Uganda competition because he thought it was only for bodybuilders. But thanks to encouragement from Brenda Nanyonjo, the CEO of Miss Uganda, he took the leap. Winning 2nd Runner-Up showed him he could inspire others, especially young men, to believe in themselves and work hard for their dreams.
Like many people, Shamran has faced tough times, including battling depression. But he’s come out stronger and now shares this advice with young people:
“Follow your dreams, and don’t let anyone tell you it’s impossible. With passion, hard work, consistency, determination, respect, and faith, you can achieve anything.”
Shamran’s story proves that with perseverance and the right mindset, you can overcome challenges and make your dreams come true.
