Discovering her purpose in life

By Agnes E. Nantaba

Barbara Ofwono Buyondo (PhD) is the Principal of Victorious Education Services (VES) which has grown into an empire of five campuses spread across Kampala and Mukono. She spoke to Agnes E Nantaba.

Any three things we don’t know about you?

People relate me so much to education but one of my key talents and calling is in mothering to everyone. I look at the person now and in the future considering what he or she will be. I am happily married to Paul Wasswa Buyondo with whom we have three boys and two girls. I take off some time, especially on Sundays, to make them a meal. I am a down to earth person even when some people think I have achieved a lot, humility remains part of me.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

That satisfaction derived from how many lives one transforms or impacts on.

What is your greatest fear?

The future of my children; we are in a generation where many things are popping up and my fear is whether they will retain what I have instilled in them.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I get impatient working with slow people or those who have low reasoning levels because I am a visionary person.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Failure by mothers to model the lives of their children.

Which living person do you most admire?

I admire Prof. Maggie Kigozi; she was not a business woman and was not in the line of investment but she has turned out a very good investment advisor.

What is your greatest extravagance?

I used to be a big spender but I have since learnt to incorporate the culture of savings and investment which makes me plan well before spending.

What is your current state of mind?

I am quite busy.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

People talk so much about politics making them believe it is the way to go for everyone.

On what occasion do you lie?

I have always strived to tell the truth;  it sets me free.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

I am slightly overweight but I am currently working on it.

Which living person do you most despise?

Liars and people who are not faithful in marital relationships.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

A man is a co-creator so as you bring up this child on earth, it’s your role to nurture them.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

A woman is created to be wise; a true woman should have a sixth sense to detect danger.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

I love my husband. I believe that he can still marry me if given another chance.

When and where were you happiest?

When I was awarded a PhD in Business in December 2014 from Baytown University in USA; my late father had always pushed me to study hard to that level

Which talent would you most like to have?

My husband is a businessman who loves design and he loves to see me participate and support him but I struggle to pick interest.

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

I am a fulfilled person.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Establishing a modern model education institution from a rented three bed-roomed house to one of the best in Uganda.

If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?

I am contented coming as the same person

Where would you most like to live?

Uganda is the best with its good climate and hospitable people.

What is your most treasured possession?

God; I can’t imagine a moment without Him.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

What really breaks my heart is when men die and the way life changes suddenly for the children and widow; the relatives and friends confiscate property adding to the torture instead of giving them solace.

What is your favorite occupation?

Being a teacher; I yearn to teach more and change the face of education in Uganda

What do you most value in your friends?

I love friends who believe in transformation.

Who are your favorite writers?

I love John Maxwell for his leadership style; it has taught me that the number of leaders you have birthed describes your success.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Nelson Mandela invested his own life to see that independence gets to South Africa.

Who are your heroes in real life?

My father.

What are your favorite names?

I love Hebrew names with Godly meaning such that every time I call the person, there is a meaning attached.

What is your greatest regret?

It took me longer to discover my purpose in life and what God created me for.

How would you like to die?

Peacefully after accomplishing my path in life

What is your motto?

Discover your passion, give it a skill, you will be successful.