Frankly speaking with Desire Luzinda on why there are no ugly men and fear of snakes

By Joan Akello

What don’t people know about you?

I am very reserved and shy. I would hide in a corner and you won’t think I am around.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Being one self, if you try to be someone else, you are forcing it and you won’t be happy.

When and where were you happiest?

Almost every day.

What is your greatest fear?

Failure, it is not an option in my life and I fear snakes although I like to see one.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

A giving heart, I would remain with nothing but give away everything I have which is bad.  I have lost a lot because of that but I never learn.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Great talkers are always great liars.

Which living person do you most admire?

My mother, very extraordinary, hardworking yet simple, tough yet kind. When I became a mother, I realised she is strong after raising seven children yet I have only one.

Where do you fall among the children?

Five. That is why I like number five, you know I’m 25.

So it’s still 25 officially?

Why not? I enjoy the number. But you know there are times you just can’t insist and that time will come when I’ll be too embarrassed. For now I still fit there.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Anything that makes me look good, I wouldn’t spare a penny.

On what occasion do you lie?

When I’m late. The Bible says we must not lie but you can’t live without lying like if a little lie saves me why wouldn’t.

What do you least like about your appearance?

None.  I can be a little uncomfortable about my weight but I try to appreciate me from the inside. If you try to be uncomfortable you start to look funny.

What living person do you most despise?

Any man who does not respect a woman.

What quality do you most like in a man?

We have to get along. One who is calm, not talkative, listens and likes me, not because I am a singer or beautiful, respect my family and love my daughter most of all.   I hate to talk about the looks. I think it is true that there are no ugly men.

And women?

Ah, I am a woman, leave it at that. You might not have the looks but your character and brains make you beautiful.

What do you most value in your friends?

Not talkative, dirty or wild. You might think someone has the best of qualities and they surprise.

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

Go back to school and study law. l left school when I was in my second year pursuing  a degree in development economics at Makerere university.

What would you advocate against?

Tougher laws on rape and domestic violence. Men have to be handled with an iron hand.

Do you read books?

I hate to read.

Who are your favourite singers?

Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. They have amazing voices. They hit those notes that you can just dream of hitting.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Being able to have a voice in society, go somewhere and don’t have to explain yourself.

Anything you cannot live without?

Lip gloss

What is your favorite occupation?

House chores because I chose not to have a maid (house help) and I am very clean and this takes up most of my time.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

When you fail completely.

What is your most marked characteristic?

I am a single hardworking mother, friendly; God fearing and I don’t entertain nonsense.

How would you like to die?

At least after repenting.

What is it that you must dislike?

Impatient people and those who call too much nag me. I could actually ditch you.

What is your greatest regret?

I have regretted meeting a few people but they have taught me something about people. A percentage of human beings are not well-wishers, are back stabbers and liars.

Which of you songs do you love the most?

Nkomyewo, it is a reconciliation song, I realised that it speaks to so many people.

Advice for upcoming artists and fans?

Should believe in themselves, not give up because there can never be a smooth road. Fans should not be so judgmental and should love us for who we are, we also make mistakes and are prone to the wrong people. They should simply look at the good things we have done, our talents.