Born on July 12, 1945, Elizabeth is the daughter of Apollos Mwangi and Zipporah. She attended Alliance Girls High School and later graduated from Makerere University in 1968 with a degree in literature.
Before embracing the limelight, Wanjiru dedicated her life to education. She worked as a teacher and even served as a principal, following in her parents’ footsteps.
Her personal life, however, has been marked by struggle. She married Ugandan politician Shem Bageine and lived with him for 13 years. Together, they purchased a house in Loresho, which Bageine registered under his name.
Their marriage deteriorated in the early 1980s, especially after political tensions in Uganda. When their youngest child was only 12, Bageine left, later rising in Ugandan politics. He eventually became Minister of State for East African Affairs in 2015.
Elizabeth’s heartbreak deepened when Bageine took their children with him. She revealed that they’ve only visited her once since, though they keep in touch over the phone.
After decades of silence, Elizabeth sought justice in court, demanding her share of their matrimonial property. Despite Bageine allegedly selling the Loresho house, the High Court in 2003 ruled she should not be evicted. In 2004, she launched another legal battle to reclaim her rightful property.
Elizabeth’s story is one of resilience—a powerful woman who continues to inspire both on-screen and off.
