The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Katumba’s Liteside
Any three things we don’t know about you?
I am one person who believes anyone can make it in life. I never had God Parents in the army but I have been successful. Life is what you make it. I attach more value to a good name than chunks of wealth; instead of leaving a lot of wealth for my children.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Family, doing well in my job and having a good public image that enables me walk freely anywhere makes me happy
What is your greatest fear?
At the moment there is nothing; I would have feared to go when my children are very young but I have outlived that. I would be unfair to God if I said that I am not yet satisfied.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I am very fond of picking chin and sometimes I get carried away by it even in a public place. It is something that bothers me.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Backstabbers and PHD’s (pull him down); I would rather you tell me in the face than stab me in the back.
Which living person do you most admire?
I have said it before and people may think it is because he is my CIC but it has to be Gen. Museveni; he is very patient, tolerant, accommodative, and a workaholic. I also admire Gen Colin Luther Powell because when his time came to leave the army, all he said was ‘I have left the train’. It is the same thing I have to say while I hand over as CDF.
What is your greatest extravagance?
As I prepare for retirement, I am focusing on agriculture especially poultry, piggery, and tree planting.
What is the greatest thing you have ever done?
I pride in defeating the West Nile Back Front (WNBF) as head of the operation.
What is your current state of mind?
I am just okay.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
We are spendthrifts; we spend a lot of money happening and partying but how about if we spend it on more meaningful ventures.
What does being powerful mean to you?
I relate it to using my power to help people
On what occasion do you lie?
It is one incident I did to change five (V) to six (VI) on the report card because I wanted to be admitted in primary six otherwise not anymore. May be if something happens to endanger the security of my country or if I was abducted by Al Shabab, I would be forced to tell a lie.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I have developed a tummy that I am trying to work on.
Which living person do you most despise?
I don’t want him to guess who he is so I leave him unexposed.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Working to ensure that his family is comfortable at a level he can afford.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Being there for the family in hard and good times. Beauty is not in the face but in what she can do.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Other than my wife who has lived with me for many years, who else would it be?
When and where were you happiest?
2013 is when I achieved my dream of hitting the top of the forces as four-star general and appointed CDF. In the army, we believe that in every officers kit bag, there is a general’s peep so when I got my peep, I was very happy
Which talent would you most like to have?
Kick boxing was my waterloo; I tried it and it never worked.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I am complete and God made no mistake on me.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Having a stable family and being at the helm of the army.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?
A domestic animal, preferably a dog, to keep around people.
Where would you most like to live?
I would just love to be anywhere in Uganda as the most beautiful country with good weather and unique food. I would only love to visit the Holy Land and Walk the Bible.
What is your most treasured possession?
I treasure a good name.
What do you most value in your friends?
Being genuine.
Who are your favourite writers?
I cannot point to a single writer. I used to read a lot Wilbur Smith books but as you get older, you change focus. I prefer to read more of the real world; like memoirs and biographies of Gen Powell and Hillary Clinton.
Who is your hero of fiction?
It used to be from James Hadley Chase books but I am not any more into fictitious things.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Sir Edward Muteesa I for the way he carried himself and being a very amiable person.
Who are your heroes in real life?
Gen. Museveni and Gen. Powell.
What are your favorite names?
Nelson Mandela. I attach great value to names of people who have done great things like Samora Machel.
What is your greatest regret?
Everything that has happened to me is according to God’s plan.
How would you like to die?
Comfortably sleeping.
What is your motto?
Do the right thing at the right time in the right place.
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editor@independent.co.ug
