“I thank myself for working hard because apart from putting in the effort, I am my only competition,” says Agnes Ahebwa, a makeup artist, wife, mother, and hairdresser.
Ahebwa’s love for beauty began at the age of seven. She fondly remembers plaiting her dolls’ hair, which later evolved into styling her hair while at university. Sometimes, even without an occasion, she would apply makeup just to admire her handiwork.
Growing up, Ahebwa worked alongside her mother at a shop in Owino Market in Kampala. But the Shs2,000 she earned daily was not enough to cover her university needs. She began offering eyebrow shaping services to women traders for the same amount per person. With transport costing Shs1,000 daily, making between Shs6,000 and Shs10,000 felt like a breakthrough.

The big break
Curious and hungry to learn, Ahebwa often browsed the internet for beauty and fashion inspiration. She developed a keen interest in exotic makeup, although she had never seen anyone in Uganda do it, until she met Rachel Atuhaire (Makeup by Rea) during a birthday photoshoot on November 21, 2014.
“She amazed me because she was doing exactly what I aspired to do,” Ahebwa recalls. Around the same time, she also discovered Fyona Kirabo, a former Bukedde TV presenter known for her bold makeup. “She gave me inner competition as I envisioned myself doing better.”
Determined, Ahebwa asked Atuhaire if she could work with her. Rachel agreed, on one condition: “Only if you can watch me work and then practice. I do not know how to teach.” They agreed that Ahebwa would work at the studio in exchange for learning.

Discovering special effects makeup
The next day, while setting up a Facebook page for her makeup work, Ahebwa met Eva, a lady involved in the series Beneath the Lies. Intrigued by Eva’s special effects makeup, Ahebwa expressed her interest. Coincidentally, the web café where she was creating her page was owned by someone who connected her to Michael Wawuyo, a renowned special effects artist.
“I had made a website for him years back,” she says. “As we talked, he urged me to meet Wawuyo. I called, and he happened to be looking for an apprentice.” That marked the start of her journey into special effects.
While working with Atuhaire at I Love Photo Studio, Ahebwa got the chance to do makeup for clients such as NBS TV, NTV, and New Vision. Through Wawuyo, she joined the set of Queen of Katwe as the only Ugandan makeup artist on the team. She was later brought onto productions such as Coffee Shop and Pappi. When she had to be away, her student Derrick Ssekamatte stood in for her, “the best of both worlds,” she says.

Motherhood and transitions
Between 2016 and 2018, Ahebwa stepped back from the movie industry due to pregnancy and related complications.
“I did not have the energy needed on a movie set,” she explains. “I usually take a break when raising my children until they are three or five. By that age, I believe they have grasped values that will stick with them.”
During this time, someone else took her Facebook name, prompting her to rebrand as Makeup by Agy.

Mentorship and legacy
To keep earning, Ahebwa expanded into bridal hairstyling and teaching makeup. Many of her students have gone on to establish themselves in the industry, including Beats by Deryk, DaphineD, Cathy of Top Notch in Mbarara, and Shamia Faces.
“I follow up on my students because it is disappointing to pass on a skill that goes unused,” she says. “I am proud of Dereck; he keeps improving and never settles for less. It is amazing watching those you mentored become even better than you.”
She beams when she hears that Top Notch is Mbarara’s best. “That brings me so much joy.”

Breaking barriers
Despite the challenges, Ahebwa takes pride in inspiring others and shifting perceptions in Uganda’s beauty and film industries.
“People once said the makeup I did on film sets was too much. Today, it is trending among TV presenters. That is proof my efforts paid off.”

Clientele and pricing
Her first paying clients included singer Sheebah Karungi (on her birthday) and gospel artiste Julie Mutesasira (for an interview). Others were life coach Hilda Bahati and TV presenter Sheila Gashumba.
“In 2015, I charged Sheebah Shs50,000 per session. Today, it ranges from Shs100,000 to Shs150,000. Bridal makeup is Shs500,000 for both the bride and matron, while hair ranges from Shs800,000 to Shs1.5m depending on the style.”
She praises Sheila for always paying promptly and recommending her to others. “That is something many clients do not do.”

Challenges
Ahebwa cautions against pride, noting that clients sometimes become overly attached, leading some artists to feel irreplaceable. This attitude, she says, can derail professionalism.
“Some makeup artists double-book clients, which messes with service quality,” she notes. “For me, every client is special. I work based on the first deposit and appointment.”
Through all the ups and downs, Agnes Ahebwa continues to transform lives and faces, one brushstroke at a time.