A life of dreams

By Agnes E. Nantaba

Jean Byamugisha is the Executive Director of Uganda Hotel Owners’ Association. She spoke to Agnes E. Nantaba about living a content life

Any three things we don’t know about you?

I am a very complicated person; I always take a different route that people question. I love reading inspirational books about positive thinking. I am very quietly ambitious because I believe that variety is a spice of life. The first impression that people get about me is not anywhere near me. I am living my passion in the hotel and hospitality industry in Uganda and beyond. I am not yet married.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

It’s about being debt free and having a peace of mind.

What is your greatest fear?

I am not afraid of anything because everything that happens in my life leads me somewhere.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I am a very impatient person; I hate it when someone makes an appointment and doesn’t make it on time.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

I am a very tolerant person; I have read and believe that if there is something about someone that bothers you, it’s actually a pointer to check yourself because no one is perfect.

Which living person do you most admire?

I am my own role model but in the line of my work, I admire Susan Muhwezi; she is a very powerful, religious woman, and a decision maker.

What is your greatest extravagance?

As a woman, I love shoes and bags. I also love travelling along with my family to holiday destinations.

What is your current state of mind?

I am always at peace since I have no threats and regrets.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Politics is overrated; I wish people can just do their jobs and deliver on their promises.

On what occasion do you lie?

I am trying to stop it but it goes around trying not to hurt somebody else’s feelings.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

When I was younger, I was hard on myself but I have reached a point of acceptance.

Which living person do you most despise?

I believe that there is no irrelevant person.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Humility regardless of his success.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

You can tell so much by the way a woman looks even in a humble state.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

I haven’t been so keen on my words and I like travelling on a path less travelled.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My father, Francis Byamugisha; the person that I am today is as a result of what he instilled in me.

When and where were you happiest?

Quite a number of moments but getting this job as the Executive Director of UHOA was one of them. Also finally graduating after taking a break to take care of my sister who had cancer and seeing her finally surviving cancer and graduating with a PhD were happy moments.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I really love art but I fail to develop the concepts behind the scenes of a beautiful piece

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I am not perfect but I wouldn’t change anything about myself.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Rising through my passion to the Executive Director of UHOA.

Where would you most like to live?

Apart from Uganda, I would love to live in Switzerland thanks to the beautiful nature. I also love tropical places.

What is your most treasured possession?

My life is something I treasure the most because with it, I can achieve whatever I want and work for.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Losing a loved one who is very central to your life like a parent; I can’t imagine where to start from in such a condition due to the immense pain.

What is your favourite occupation?

My ideal job would be as a Diplomat traversing the world.

What do you most value in your friends?

I don’t have many close friends because I am a complicated person. I, however, value loyalty and knowledge of God in the few friends that I have.

Who are your favorite writers?

Its books not writers; I am only attracted to a book if what is written in it resonates with me.

Who is your hero of fiction?

I love `Superman’ particularly Henry Cavill

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

They are extremes because they were so selfless and sacrificed a lot so I can’t get myself closer to any.

Who are your heroes in real life?

My father has and will always be because he is so close and attached to me.

What is your greatest regret?

There is nothing I have done that I regret about because everything has led to the person that I am today.

How would you like to die?

As Catholics, we pray against sudden and un-provided death; I pray for a peaceful death after falling sick for a short time.

What is your motto?

‘Nothing is impossible’ and ‘Your life is only as big as your dreams’.