The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Hussein Kyanjo’s Liteside
Any three things that we don’t know about you?
I am governed largely by my religion. I am also strongly governed by the norms of Buganda because they satisfy and complete me. I am also directed by the general character of fairness and justice; whenever someone is being cheated, I feel I must do something and on whether I succeed or not is a different thing.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
I find life easy because I am modest in all aspects and I don’t carry grudges. Happiness is defined by six goals; pray and work to live well, eat well, dress well, have a fair means of transport, affordable medication and save some money to help the poor and destitute.
What is your greatest fear?
I have no fears and take everything simple.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Sometimes I take a long time to accept a position. Often times, I insist on an old position and it is hard to bend me. I have however learnt not to circumvent on a position to avoid stopping others from going ahead.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
I find difficulty in people who don’t fear God. It would be natural that most of my friends are Muslims but it’s not enough. You must be good Muslims who fear God.
Which living person do you most admire?
I have great admiration for my uncle Hajji Hussein Ssengendo, a retired Magistrate, Dr Kawanga Ssemwogerere and Joyce Mpanga. I admire their modest life and decency.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Making other people happy; I try to help people in my modest way.
What is your current state of mind?
I am fine.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Acquisition of wealth; everybody worships the rich ones and they are the only proud people in Uganda today.
What does being powerful mean to you?
Even with a lot of power, restrain from using that power; especially when angry.
On what occasion do you lie?
I can’t tell a lie deliberately but as a human being, sometimes what I say doesn’t come true. I however try to find time to apologise.
Which living person do you most despise?
I despise anybody who worships wealth or material things.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Ability to present her case honestly and protect her husband if she is married.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Quality is defined by behavior, conduct and the way he treats others.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My parents and my wives are people who stay all the time when everyone else has run away.
When and where were you happiest?
When I joined the university in 1983; I was the first to join university from my village and I felt so privileged. The first time to perform pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina in 1988 was also a happy moment. The other happy moment was the first time winning elections in 2006.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I would rather concentrate on the good conduct and die with it.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Maintaining my stand in society; I have been so careful not to damage my reputation and sometimes I force myself to do things that look awkward but repel hatred. I am proud that I have friends across all areas including the opposition.
Where would you most like to live?
I have to live here.
What is your most treasured possession?
My religion.
What is your favorite occupation?
Being a graphics designer is my best occupation of all times.
What do you most value in your friends?
Honesty, not being greedy and respect for respective religions. I also long for friends who wish others to be happy.
Who are your favourite writers?
Wole Soyinka; I find a lot of education in his writings. They solve a lot of problems within me.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
I will live to admire James Mulwana (RIP) who never made any effort to show that he was powerful and rich. Hajji Abdu Bbumba (RIP) is another one; he was very rich and humble all the time.
What is your greatest regret?
I don’t regret anything.
How would you like to die?
Abruptly.
What is your motto?
Believe in God.
