Faridah Nakazibwe: Happiness is an inside job

 Faridah Nakazibwe’s Liteside

Any three things we don’t know about you?

I am very shy but it will take a very keen person to notice. And much as I am calm, you don’t repeatedly step on my toes and walk away freely. I cannot sustain a verbal exchange.

And while some people considered my relationship with Hajji Kigongo as controversial, I take it as a normal one because there is no particular age difference prescribed in the books of God or even the law.  I am still the naïve girl that my parents raised me to be.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Being at peace with what you have; if you doubt it or you are not comfortable with it, you are not yet there.

What is your greatest fear?

Even when it is part of life, I fear death knowing that there is such a time when you have to part ways with loved ones for good freaks me out. Unexpected noise like the sound of a gun or noisy cars also scares me.

Which living person do you most admire?

I don’t usually look far from people within my reach. I admire my mother Hajat Sarah Nakiyingi Ssenyonjo for being a strong woman who persevered through the challenges that came after the passing of my dad.

What is your greatest extravagance?

In the past it was shoes, but of late, my husband spoils me with such. I love a beautiful home so I will spend so much on a fine home.

What is the greatest thing you have ever done?

‘Mwasuze Mutya show’ is an idea that I brought up jokingly and being not so aggressive, it was kept for three years until it was woken up. That show helped me appreciate life more.

What is your current state of mind?

I am at peace knowing there are many people who aspire to get where I am.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

It has to do with politics and how people get excited to the point of betraying each other. Even on social media, politics attracts a lot of debate and things that can create bigger impact are not taken care of.

What does being powerful mean to you?

Power is not just said but proved through actions and this comes with respect and excelling at different levels.

On what occasion do you lie?

I can’t sustain a lie for more than ten minutes but once in a while I may throw in a lie to save myself or my children.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

I am so grateful to God for having made me this way; I wouldn’t have been any better.

Which living person do you most despise?

Every enemy of success who hates to see others pull through; such people are negative and engage largely in cheap talk about others.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

He must be appreciative and always fulfill their promises.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Loving to self and others, but also appreciate the good in others; especially fellow women.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

I often use ‘njakukuba’ to mean ‘I will beat you’.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

Dr Omar Ssali, Hajat Sarah Ssenyonjo, and our three daughters.

When and where were you happiest?

When we finally legalised our marriage because it was a surprise planned within just three days.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I would love to awaken my talent in sports especially badminton. I would also want to be a good business person.

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

I am perfectly molded.

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

A human being but prefer to live with few evil people

Where would you most like to live?

I am not a very adventurous person so I have never thought about staying outside Uganda.

What is your most treasured possession?

My phone is second to my husband and daughters; it is something I would go with to a desert island.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

There are people who have had a miserable childhood but still go through hell in older life at a time one would say they should be reaping.

What do you most value in your friends?

I am very selective with those I consider friends and they are few because it takes loyalty, believing in me and respecting my decisions. I regard most people I deal with on a daily basis as colleagues.

Who are your favorite writers?

Fashion and lifestyle issues attract my attention; I am however not taken up by any writer but the content.

Who is your hero of fiction?

I used to be a fan of love stories but would end up in tears. For now, I am fully occupied and have no time for fiction.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

I like the way Lucky Dube conquered the world musically. Whitney is one star who would go for what she believed in and her death dug a hole in my heart.

What are your favorite names?

I love Samantha because it tests one’s pronunciation ability.

What is your greatest regret?

I hate to regret so I just draw lessons from my past mistakes and seek God’s intervention not to fall victim again.

How would you like to die?

In a peaceful way where I don’t have to struggle for breath.

What is your motto?

Happiness is an inside job.

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editor@independent.co.ug