Immac Shantel: A Tale of Talent, Passion and Giving Back

From the serene countryside of Kanungu to the bustling streets of Kampala, Immac Shantel’s journey showcases an unwavering dedication to her craft. At just 25 years old, she has become a celebrated actress, model, and beauty queen. Her story reflects resilience, determination, and a commitment to making a positive impact on her community.

Immac Shantel, born Kyasiimire Immaculate, has achieved widespread acclaim for her unwavering commitment and resilience in the entertainment industry. She reflects fondly on her childhood days spent in Kanungu. The setting fostered her early love for acting and modelling. She reminisces about carefree days spent with friends, exploring streams, and grazing cows. Her vibrant personality and early exposure to creative pursuits shaped her into the confident and enthusiastic entertainer she is today.

“People don’t know how beautiful it is to grow up in the countryside. I had the best childhood. My stubborn character in those days contributed to my confidence, a skill highly needed in the acting and modelling industry.”

Her journey took an unexpected turn when she ventured into beauty pageants. From being crowned the Prom Queen in high school to her incredible journey to the Miss Tourism World competitions in Vietnam, Shantel’s path to success was far from ordinary. With honesty, she admits that victory isn’t always guaranteed, but the experience and growth gained are invaluable.

“The first time I became a beauty queen was at Kihihi High School. I was always chaotic and stubborn. If I spent 3 days without causing havoc, my fellow students would wonder what had happened to me. Little did I know that one day I’d become a beauty queen,” she says.

Versatile portfolio
Shantel’s dedication to her craft is evident in her diverse roles across movies, TV series, and even music videos. Each project has contributed to her versatile portfolio, showcasing her ability to adapt to different characters and genres. She emphasises the importance of seizing every opportunity in an industry that demands versatility. “Each project teaches me something new and adds to my versatility. In this industry, you have to be ready to explore different roles and genres.”

Beyond her entertainment career, Shantel’s heart lies in giving back to her community. Her involvement with the Foundation for Africa Smart Talents (FAST) exemplifies her commitment to nurturing young talents with a lot of focus on those from vulnerable backgrounds. Through training in acting, modelling, and various skills, she aims to empower the next generation to believe in themselves and chase their dreams.

“I train kids in acting, modelling, dancing, and more. I encourage them to work hard and believe in themselves for a fuller life. I hope to prepare them for the future by imparting life skills like confidence and community service,” she states.

Beyond the spotlight
Shantel’s philanthropic endeavours extend to supporting needy children in Luzira and partnering with organisations for community clean-up projects. Despite her rising fame, she remains grounded and committed to using her platform for positive impact. She believes that giving back is an integral part of her life’s journey.

“I believe in hard work and commitment, and that’s how I manage my busy schedule. I’ve learned to be in many places at the same time. Giving back to the community is important to me, and I encourage others to do the same.”

Shantel’s story resonates with aspiring actors and models, as she offers sage advice for those looking to follow in her footsteps. She stresses the significance of staying true to oneself, being patient, and avoiding unhealthy competition in a fiercely competitive industry.

“The cake is big enough for everyone to have a piece. Believe in yourselves and be patient. Avoid unhealthy competition and focus on your journey.”

As the brand ambassador for Bella Wines and Juice, she continues to soar, proving that success doesn’t have to be confined to a single field. Her dedication, hard work, and passion are an inspiration to many. Her journey, from a spirited child in Kanungu to an accomplished actress, model, and beauty queen, showcases the transformative power of pursuing one’s dreams. With every step she takes, Immac Shantel leaves an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and her community. A legacy of talent, passion, luck, and giving back.

“The future holds endless possibilities, and I’m setting goals to achieve them. I aim to establish an organisation that gives back and empowers those in need, in the memory of my late grandmother, Zeridah Rulanga,” she says.

Immac Shantel currently serves as the Miss Tourism World Tour Ambassador as well as the Miss Tourism Kigezi Runner Up. On Saturday 19th August this year, Immac Shantel under her organization, Foundation For Africa Smart Talents (FAST) will have a charity event at Panda Pier in Luzira located on the shores of Lake Victoria. The purpose of the event is to enable children who have been receiving the various trainings under the foundation to showcase the skills they have acquired so far to their parents and the community in general. Lots of other activities like cleaning and educational talks will also happen as part of the event. Immac Shantel has also been part of several movie productions as an actress. Her most recent movie, I apologize, where she’s in the lead role as Regina will be premiering in Dubai on 21st October this year. The film, produced by TFK Production, explores the world of Regina, a young woman who struggles with making appropriate life choices as a result of her being raised in a challenging world. Shantel’s other notable films include Bridge High as Sheilla, Mukisa as Nankya, Stellah: The Love Crime as Stellah, Family Crisis as Mabel, Two Faced as Miss Comfort and The Chwezi Empire as Tiffany, to mention but a few.