George Mutaabazi: On why poor people are a problem

Which living person do you most admire?

Keith Muhakanizi has changed the payment system in Uganda because salaries are paid every month and he also cleaned the pay roll free from ghost workers.

What is your greatest extravagance?

I like good clothes and my cows but I also like spending on my children.

What is the greatest thing you have ever done?

Defending women; when you defend a woman, you are saving the stupid husband, children and the nation at large.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

The push to have all people empowered and transformed; we may have all people empowered, but we can only have a few transformed or change their living standards.

What does being powerful mean to you?

Power comes with principles and making decisions that not only benefit one but the larger community.

On what occasion do you lie?

Sometimes, especially when I need to save somebody’s life.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

I believe that I am a most handsome man, I am tall, fit, and love myself.

Which living person do you most despise?

I have had enough wars so I don’t want to get into more battles notwithstanding the fact that I despise whoever is corrupt.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Respect of wife and children.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Looking after the children and setting an example in the community.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

When my brothers passed on, they left me with 32 nieces and nephews whom I looked after within the last twenty years. I committed my life to them and never had love for my own children only to be frustrated by some. I have resorted to committing all time to my children.

When and where were you happiest?

October 30, 2010 when my last born was born; I had never had a child born in my presence but for my last born, I was invited in UK and had a chance to witness him fall and cry. The moment helped me realise and understand what women go through hence my passion to defend women.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I am a talented public speaker but at 44 years, I don’t believe that I can add anything more.

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

I would love to be a Rotarian so I can serve beyond self for positive change.

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

At least not a politician.

Where would you most like to live?

I can live in Britain and Rwanda but I prefer being in Uganda as it’s the best place with good weather.

What is your most treasured possession?

My cows; having cows are part of my culture but they also relieve from stress. The cow is the only animal that has everything produced on it being useful. They are the best thing that has happened to me.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Failing to get food; in the developed world, countries at least provide food, accommodation and take care of the children. It is the reason we have to work hard to ensure that people can produce food.

What do you most value in your friends?

Principles, being religious and for that, I have got one person called Kaitana Vincent. Andrew Felix Kaweesi was another one.

Who are your favorite writers?

Sun Tzu, the writer of ‘The Art of War’ but I also read a lot of Andrew Mwenda’s analysis, Onyango Obbo and Muniini K. Mulera of a `Letter to my Kampala Friend’. Their analyses are genuine and they don’t write what people want to read but what they should read.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Nelson Mandela and Aronda Nyakairima were principled. Mandela might have been an international figure but Aronda was honest and straightforward. He would tell the president the truth; especially if something would not work.

What is your greatest regret?

I have done so many things but I am don’t regret any decisions I have made so far.

What is your motto?

Work to have a better community.

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