INTERVIEW: Harold Kaija was born into opposition politics

Harold Kaija’s Liteside

Any three things we don’t know about you?

I have participated in rebel politics since childhood – all working to put an end to the NRM rule. I am not about to give up on a political career. I will only marry a woman who is not only assertive but is also my critic.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Happiness is relative and depends on what you set out for. For me, winning an election creates happiness.

What is your greatest fear?

Rejection; I fear requesting for something from someone and I fail to get it.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Sometimes when people annoy me, I hold on to hatred and switch them off completely. It makes me no longer interested in that person. In other cases, sometimes I listen a lot – believing that even from trash I can get a point at the hundredth minute.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Party animals and liars are not my type.

Which living person do you most admire?

Dr Kizza Besigye is a person who sees from a distance, so loving, considerate, tolerant, and can lift you up when you are falling. I admire his willingness to talk to people you would think don’t deserve it. I also admire Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama; they are women who have passion for humanity and changing people’s lives.

What is your greatest extravagance?

I spend a lot of my money on books.

What is your current state of mind?

I am agitated being in a sea of political storms.

What does being powerful mean to you?

Influence rather than power of muscles.

On what occasion do you lie?

If the situation saves a life or a relationship – because the truth may break something bigger.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

I have developed a belly of late but it is something I can work on. Otherwise, God is the best designer so he did the best.

Which living person do you most despise?

Despising is abusive but I also don’t like disclosing them. I, however, hate people who don’t match up to the task, are not fair and are sectarian.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Hardworking, assertive, sincere and dependable

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Hardworking and accommodative.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

As a student of literature, I ensure that no particular word is attached on me because it is poor communication.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My mother Mary Gorreti Nassanga; we have been together longest which has made us know each other deeper.

When and where were you happiest?

With more bad moments, they tend to cover up the good ones. I am only looking forward to the happiest moment.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I used to love singing which is something I love to re-ignite later in life.

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

I give up so easily on non-political matters. So I need someone to drive me in such matters.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I treasure being given the responsibility of the Deputy Secretary General of FDC.

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

The same person but with more influence to change lives for better.

Where would you most like to live?

As a young boy, I used to love staying in USA but currently not. I would want to be part of the Uganda we are fighting for.

What is your most treasured possession?

I have an apple ipad that Dr Besigye bought me. I also love my books to the extent that you can only read them at my home.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

At one time, I was arrested and taken off the road from Kasangati and in the middle of the road, I was brought down, whisked and beaten thoroughly. They drove me to Kololo and gave me another treat for about 30 minutes and by the time I was taken to Wandegeya Police, I was unconscious. I wouldn’t want anyone to be taken to a safe house or non gazetted prison without access to family, relatives or friends.

What is your favorite occupation?

Being an economist and part of the change makers for the economy

What do you most value in your friends?

Ability to give me peace of mind and reason out different matters.

Who are your favorite writers?

Joseph Stiglitz, an Economics writer of `The Great Divide’ and other books; he writes about the real world in the economic sense.

Who is your hero of fiction?

Fiction never pleases me.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Abraham Lincoln was very much despised but rose through the ranks, Dr Martin Luther King and Walter Sisulu who introduced Mandela to the city, gave him the first job, took him to ANC but never glorified himself. The values they stand for are great.

Who are your heroes in real life?

If I had another boy, his name would be Lincoln for Abraham Lincoln.

What are your favorite names?

Lincoln, Winston and Samantha; names define who you are.

What is your greatest regret?

At my A-level, I would have scored maximum points and pursued Law on government sponsorship.

How would you like to die?

I would love to fall sick for about two weeks and be able to say something to my family but not a sudden death.

What is your motto?

‘Never give up’, ‘it’s not over until it’s over’ and ‘you only fail at that point when you stop trying’.

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editor@independent.co.ug