Agnes Atim Apea on women empowerment

Agnes Atim Apea’s Liteside

Any three things that we don’t know about you?

I am a people centered person who loves working with people. But I am also an analytical person who questions things a lot. I am so passionate about the girl child and believe that if we invest in girls, we can take the community to another level. I really love giving back to my community.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

I feel so happy when I have done something small and the impact turns out big.

What is your greatest fear?

Failure and wars; growing up in the era of wars, even the imagination of it freaks me out.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Some people say that I am very tough and too straight which sometimes makes me scared to engage. Sometimes I talk too much and end up dominating the conversation.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Dishonesty and not being straight.

What is your greatest extravagance?

I love shopping.

What is the greatest thing you have ever done?

I have always loved to do something that impacts on the life of someone directly and I really tried to do it especially in the NGO world. I am so proud of the Mama Rice project

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

It has to do with politics; we overrate politics in Uganda yet elsewhere it is service to humanity. Politics is like a do or die in Uganda which makes it overrated and I think it has to do with high rates of commercialisation of politics. It has made the country to be so polarised.

What does being powerful mean to you?

Power comes with a position of influence.

On what occasion do you lie?

Lies are relative but its better I tell a lie and let the other party deal with it than cause more damage with lies.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

I am one of the few people who appreciate the way I was made.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Balance of roles as a mother and wife but also ability to stand up for her rights.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

The ability to appreciate others especially women in their natural being.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

That has to be my children.

When and where were you happiest?

When I was admitted for a PhD in 2012; it was a moment to look back at how I had come and struggled through with life. I was also happy at my wedding in 2012. I have always loved to work with government but I had not figured out how and at what point so being here as part of the solution is truly rewarding.

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

There is nothing I can think of.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Being able to serve and create an impact within my community.

Where would you most like to live?

I am one of the few who believe that there is no better life outside home. I love my country because I believe that we have so much potential in this country.

What is your most treasured possession?

At the moment, it is my computer because I have become so attached to it.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Being a girl without parents and no one to run to is disheartening to the extent that the only option left is to get married.

What is your favorite occupation?

Community service to see communities transform is the gist of my work.

What do you most value in your friends?

I value their time and my husband is one of those. He understands what I believe and stand for.

Who are your favorite writers?

I love reading memoirs to the extent that I have covered hundreds of them.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Mahatma Gandhi was a selfless character who served above self. I loved his approach of leadership, mobilisation and simplicity. He just did too much sacrifice for his community as a selfless character.

Who are your heroes in real life?

My mother, Grace Owalla; she gave birth to only girls and in our culture, we are regarded as almost useless but she put in me that we are actually useful. Everything I do currently would actually please her because I grew up working hard in anger to disqualify the statement that girls are useless. My grandmother Esseri is my other hero who took us on after the death of my mother. Mahatma Gandhi is my hero in the career world. He was so humble.

What is your greatest regret?

I regret not being able to bring up my sisters and get them through school. All my sisters dropped out of school because there was nobody and it wasn’t because of my wish but I couldn’t help it. I have now resorted to educating all their children to fill the gap.

How would you like to die?

I wish I could die a God fearing person.

What is your motto?

Service above self.