The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Col Abiriga Ibrahim’s Liteside
Any three things we don’t know about you?
I am a social person who associates with everybody regardless of political affiliation and age. I only believe in the supreme and true God, Allah who created all of us. I am currently married to one wife even when the Quran allows me to marry up to four because I may not be able to satisfy them sexually just like the Quran qualifies it. I don’t want to commit a sin which I can avoid.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Sparing time to communicate to God; the times I spend praying during the night defines a calm and beautiful day.
What is your greatest fear?
Only God but as for things like bullets or even the most scaring animal like the lion, I am fearless.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I am a social person who can freely associate with anyone but some think it’s not good.
Which living person do you most admire?
Next toPresident Museveni is Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda. He is able to mingle with all people in Uganda which is why he was voted and approved ove whelmingly in parliament. He was also seconded by an opposition person.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Some time back, people were abusing me for not owning a house while others claimed I could only afford to sleep in a toilet so I decided to disprove them. I am constructing a bigger house and when it’s ready, I will send out the photos to everyone to let them know that it was just a matter of time.
What is your current state of mind?
I am stress free and just at peace; especially now that we have taken a break from lifting the age limit.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Many Ugandans think and believe that President Museveni has ruled for so long and yet he is a savior sent by God. We can’t afford to just push him out.
What does being powerful mean to you?
Power comes with the ability to capture power from outside and organise everything and everyone to make them serve under you.
On what occasion do you lie?
Only that which is allowed by the Quran; ‘when you are caught in the middle of saving a life’.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I can’t afford to dispute God’s creation.
Which living person do you most despise?
All those who cause division among the people of Uganda such as Kizza Besigye and Amama Mbabazi.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
He should be able to unite others and provide shelter to the homeless. He should also be humble and merciful.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Submissive to the husband just as the Quran stipulates.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Even my children and wife come after President Museveni who has united all of us.
When and where were you happiest?
In 1971 when I joined the army; it meant living on my own and managing my own finances. I managed to pay all the dowry for my wives and school fees for my siblings thereby relieving the burden from my father.
Which talent would you most like to have?
As a professional soldier, I am a man of many talents but at this age, I just want to practice politics.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
When we were chased from Uganda to Sudan and Congo under President Idi Amin regime, I vowed to fight and bring back my people home. I was a 23 Brigade Commander under UNLF and seeing that we successfully resettled back home is a great achievement. I also enjoy the fact that many children can access education in Uganda under the NRM government .
Where would you most like to live?
I want to live here in Uganda being the pearl of Africa; it is also my home given by God.
What is your most treasured possession?
My new house under construction.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Being a refugee without a country to call home.
What is your favorite occupation?
At the moment, its being a politician but at one time, it was serving in the army.
What do you most value in your friends?
Its character that bonds us together.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Former Uganda president, Field Marshall Idi Amin Dada was a straight forward person and wasn’t sacred of anything. Col Muammar Mohammed Abu Minyar Gaddafi is another one and Bishop Angelo Tarantino of the Comboni Missionaries and the first bishop of Arua Diocese; he built most of the schools in West Nile and is remembered for introducing education in the region.
Who are your heroes in real life?
Bishop Angelo Tarantino, Idi Amin Dada and Muammar Ghaddafi.
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