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What makes you stand out as the best representative for your country?
I believe I stand out because first of all I do not see this as an individual competition but rather as forum of women of Africa coming together to educate the US and the world about Africa- as a United front. I see that it's not about me; it's about Uganda- Africa and reaching people especially children.
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What is the African Woman to you?
The African woman is intelligent, strong, proud, loving, caring, and influential, a leader and someone who is comfortable in her own skin... a woman who inspires and uplifts her people.
What is your favourite African dish?
Malakwang- It is a bitter/sour leaf that is cooked in ground sesame seed sauce and can be served with rice, sweet potato, cassava or matooke (plantain).
Imat Akelo-Opio.
Who is your role model and why?
Without a doubt my female elders back in Lango especially- my grandmother "Atat Pulu". She stood up for what she believed in and was sent to jail for selling local beer to raise money for my mother to go to school at a time when schooling for girls was overlooked. She taught herself English and went to primary school as the oldest student but she never gave up her quest for knowledge even up until her death. She was a strong woman and no amount of beatings or insults deterred her from giving her daughter an education. So why?... Because of her strength and unfailing faith in God and her ability to see the future which she has made bright not only for her blood, but for those children orphaned in the 20 year civil battle with the LRA. She took in orphans and was always giving, always joyful and unstoppable. A true testament to "Woman". My role model.
What do you think is the best solution for the current crisis in the oil markets and why?
According to our oil producing nations they are producing as much as they possibly can and cannot produce any more therefore I believe that this is a supply and demand issue. There is no quick fix. One angle could be that those nations that are consuming the majority of the oil maybe need to start rationing/ controlling the amount of oil they are consuming. Another angle is also in order for us to preserve our mineral- oil, is that possibly nations can start to look at alternative sources of energy. There is no simple solution to this problem.
Imat Akelo-Opio.
What is your beauty secret?
Knowing that God made me... Knowing that I am unique and that there is no one else who can be me Imat and having that self assured love from inside out that I am precious, made in the image of God. Knowing my true beauty is not based on the external, but it is based on the physical, the spiritual and the mental. Knowledge... Wisdom.... Being proud of who I am and making the most of what I was given. Self assurance and self confidence will always emanate radiant as beauty on the outside.
What kind of books do you enjoy reading and why?
The bible and other spiritual books because they keep me grounded and provide me with wisdom and knowledge. Autobiographies... because they inspire and educate. Finance books because they help me make wise business decisions and manage money smarter. In general I love to read for fun, to escape and because it sharpens my skills.
What sport do you currently participate in and what do you do to make sure you are on top of your game?
Currently I participate in tennis and running, and to ensure I am top of my game I do it the old fashioned way- practise, practise, practise and train, train and train, makes perfect- or as perfect as I can get.
Imat Akelo-Opio.
What is your favorite show on TV and why?
I currently don't have a favourite TV show as I am usually at rehearsals or at the studio so I don't get to watch much TV.
What do you enjoy cooking most?
Luo food. I enjoy cooking my traditional food. I love cassava, plantain, Malakwang, beans, millet, and semolina. I just love Luo food and in fact it's what I cook the majority of the time.
What do men find most attractive in you?
I have been told my intelligence coupled with my beauty and my love of sports.
What is the most "African" thing you have ever done in your life? What makes it African?
I cannot claim this- but the most African thing ever done in my life is being given the privilege of being born an African. What makes it African? The blood, the pride, the wisdom and love that comes with being born into an African family.
What is Global warming to you? Should we be concerned?
Global warming is the reaction to the action of overuse and disregard for Mother Nature in the name of personal gain and wealth. Yes we should all be concerned with our environment because these are natural resources that cannot be replaced in a day and we need them to sustain not only us but our flora and fauna.
What is the role of Africans in Diaspora in the future of Africa?
I see three major roles that are currently taking shape:
- Foreign exchange- earnings and remittance as the main exchange. More of our people are sending home their earnings to further better build and develop Africa in all areas. This aspect will help to increase and strengthen our currencies on the exchange market. This remittance is making major contributions to the African markets through financial Investments and the emergence of multi- million dollar companies being established in Africa.
- Secondly there are a number of Africans that are now involved in bringing awareness to African Issues, in which they are starting non-profit organizations to help promote worthy causes such as Gulu Walk.
- Thirdly I see Africans as Ambassadors educating the world about the true Africa and not what is often depicted in the media.
Imat Akelo-Opio.
Angelina Jolie, Bruno, Madonna... Where are you?
I cannot compare myself as I believe that we are all on our own journey. Mine at present is Imat-"Woman the Phenomenon" which is also my debut self titled album (to be released later this year). I am continually growing and evolving, but I am established and at a place where I stand firm, honest and true to myself. I am a work in progress. I have been fortunate to land International acting roles, to educate, to inspire and to start my own non-profit organization so I will keep on moving towards my pinnacle and continue on my journey.
Is Democracy ever not a solution?
No democracy and real democracy must be present in order for progress. Democracy is the voice of the people. If you deny the voice, the hand that feeds you, you will inevitably destroy all including yourself as the one who denied the voice.
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