The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
By Agnes E. Nantaba
Crispy Kaheru is a Human rights defender and Coordinator of Citizen’s Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda (CCEDU). He spoke to Agnes E Nantaba about resurrected born-again living and working for a calling.
Any three things we don’t know about you?
I am born and bred in Uganda in the 1980s. I hail from a humble family of resurrected born-again faction. We were very humble in terms of amenities but very privileged in the word of God.
Becoming a human rights defender was a calling from my early age. I advocated for the scrapping of science based at O-level for those who were weak at them including me.
As a student at Makerere University, I stood up against poor meals and the University changed them. The International Republican Institute groomed me into democracy and human rights work. Later Dr. Livingstone Ssewanyana interested me in coming back to Uganda to provide technical support to an organization in its formational stages and later on I was confirmed to direct things at CCEDU.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
It’s about fulfillment and contentment which comes with doing what you love.
What is your greatest fear?
It is complacency; being comfortable that everything is alright. There are always things that are not well.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I move relatively fast and so want everyone to match up with the speed.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
I have little tolerance for slowness.
Which living person do you most admire?
My mother, Christine Kaheru still represents all that I want to be. She’s an imagery of warmth, humility and service beyond and above self.
What is your greatest extravagance?
My wife and children; the reason I am in their lives is to fulfill their desires and vice versa.
What is your current state of mind?
I am very relaxed and optimistic.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Money; many people think it can raise their position in society but money is not the thing. Your values count.
On what occasion do you lie?
Instead of telling a lie, I would rather keep quiet.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I have been told that I am growing a potbelly.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
My workmates say I use ‘expensive English’
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My wife Crystal Kaheru; she’s someone I would love to live with her over and over again.
When and where were you happiest?
It will happen when I see my Lord .
Which talent would you most like to have?
I have always aspired to learn how to play a guitar so I can play a song or two for my wife.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Nothing because many things are a construction of the mind.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Fearing the Lord and have a family that follows the same.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?
The same Crispy Kaheru but remain a child because there is always a second opportunity for children.
Where would you most like to live?
East or West home is best; I also have ancestral connections with Uganda.
What is your most treasured possession?
I always want to keep my head on.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Torture of any kind either by natural or artificially created conditions
What is your favorite occupation?
I am fulfilled working within the framework of my calling and that which I have always aspired to be.
What do you most value in your friends?
Their value system
Who are your favorite writers?
I am keen on writers of African literature like Chinua Achebe and Wole Soyinka because they represent that what I am.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Mahatma Gandhi is one person I love to emulate; he represented the epitome of humility.
What is your greatest regret?
Nothing because everything happens as God planned.
How would you like to die?
Peacefully in my sleep
What is your motto?
I am the one I have been waiting for.
