Dr. Richard Kalungi: The pioneer house call doctor

Which living person do you most admire?

There is a gentleman who may not be publicly known; Mr Mutesasira Ronald. I witnessed him grow from walking to work to buying his first car and currently owning more than five petrol stations and a number of other properties. The other person is my father, Henry Kirumira who never went to school but has managed to craft his way to managing such a big family through his sweat.

What is your greatest extravagance?

I am not so much of a big spender but I love to appear very elegant; a good shoe and shirt will cost me some good money.

What is the greatest thing you have ever done?

I am one person who is never hesitant so when I feel something will work out, I will go at it. For instance when we started home doctors, it was a new concept and we also didn’t know how it would be received but we are so happy about the outcomes. Many people see it as a relief to the long queues in hospitals.

What is your current state of mind?

I am crowded with thoughts on how the different interventions will work out.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Uganda is more of a free country so in a way, people tend to do a number of things which may be important to them and meaningless to others. It has got to do with a lot of freedom which is even abused.

What does being powerful mean to you?

Power comes with political leadership and in most cases such power supersedes wealth.

On what occasion do you lie?

By nature I am so much of a perfectionist, so I don’t usually tell it out that I have failed to do something on time. I am forced to tell a lie when things don’t come out as planned.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

With some few compliments I get, I am just good to go.

Which living person do you most despise?

Not anyone in particular but I despise those who don’t wish well for others.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Hardworking, good family man and being selfless.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Our society makes women appear lesser, but a woman should be focused at changing her life to be more responsible and one that others look up to.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

Currently, I love my mother the most.

When and where were you happiest?

Earning a government sponsorship to pursue medicine on merit and graduating with a medical degree.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I would love to play a guitar for my personal joy. I am also already into public speaking but I feel that I should grow into inspiring people with my story.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Earning a medical degree but also initiating and sustaining home doctors is great.

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

As someone who is focused and determined to push for better health because poor health is responsible for multiple deaths.

Where would you most like to live?

I am a home sick person so I believe that the biggest blessings are in my land.

What is your most treasured possession?

I value my ability to do things.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Any disease, especially when someone cannot afford to buy the cheapest of medicines to manage it. Disease with wrong diagnosis makes it worse and saddens a lot when it’s coupled with poverty.

What is your favorite occupation?

It has to do with healthcare.

What do you most value in your friends?

I value someone who thinks in the same direction like me and those who support me in what I do and are able to help me grow. I like people who are equally positive minded, hardworking, and focused.

Who are your favorite writers?

Jim Collins in his book ‘Good to great’; I can read it over and over again because it relates well with the real world of those who have made it in life.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

It is very easy to identify with people who are close to us but in Uganda, I have been following up on the life of Philly Bongoley Lutaaya. He was not a politician or billionaire but his legacy has lived on for as long as we live. Nelson Mandela put in a lot to fight for what he believed in so he is one of those that I identify with despite his weakness as an individual.

Who are your heroes in real life?

My parents pass off as my heroes because whatever I will ever become in this world will always be because of them.

What is your greatest regret?

I believe that wherever I have passed was meant to be and I have taken lessons from them.

How would you like to die?

No one would love to go in the roughest of pain.

What is your motto?

‘All things are possible’ and ‘If others have done it, why not me’.