The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
By Agnes E Nantaba
Kin Kariisa is a media personality and CEO of NBS TV. He spoke to Agnes E Nantaba about knowing how to work well with people and enjoying the journey of making money.
Any three things we don’t know about you?
I was born 39 years ago in Rubaale-Ruhaama with 10 brothers and four sisters from two mothers. As a young boy, I was very humble and naughty and in seven years of primary, I went to seven schools.
All my names have meanings that have kept me going. Kin means ‘gold’ in Japanese while Kariisa means ‘looking after’ and my Muslim name is Ibrahim.
I once taught multimedia at Makerere University College of Computing which gave me an opportunity to get into broadcasting and when my friend started NBS TV in 2007, I was invited to partner and bought majority shares.
In 2010, I became CEO of NBS and started on building a product reaching 20% of our target today. I plan to make a pilgrimage to Mecca at 40 years.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
It is something internal that comes from being authentic and contented with what you have.
What is your greatest fear?
I fear believing people for what they are not.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I am always in a hurry and so end up making decisions hurriedly.
Which living person do you most admire?
People like Bill gates and Aliko Dangote inspire me.
What is your greatest extravagance?
My family and playing golf; we make money to be happy.
What is your current state of mind?
Relaxed
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
The excitement Ugandans have about the so-called ‘celebrities’ like ‘Bad Black’ who have nothing to emulate. We should instead celebrate heroes who have worked so hard to make us who we are.
On what occasion do you lie?
If it will help in a situation both to me and the person I am lying to.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
There is nothing God forgot to give me.
Which living person do you most despise?
I don’t want to be judgmental because people change.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Being principled with a backbone that he stands for
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Harmonious and soft.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My wife Juliet Kariisa; I have been with her for over 12 years and she remains my best friend.
When and where were you happiest?
I am happy always because I never sleep with any unfinished business.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I am limited in asking for things that are unreachable; for instance I know I can never be a musician.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
There can never be a better Kin Kariisa.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
God gave me an intellect to know how to work with and blend well with people.
Where would you most like to live?
Ruhaama in Uganda for its calmness.
What is your most treasured possession?
I would love to keep my brain as sharp as it is.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Poverty; being unable to afford a meal and a few basics.
What is your favorite occupation?
Being the one that I am.
What is your most marked characteristic?
I am a limited talker.
What do you most value in your friends?
Being trustworthy.
Who are your favorite writers?
I read a lot of inspirational and business motivated books for instance I am currently reading ‘How to be a Steve Jobs’ by Collins. I also like to read books by Brian Tracy and Hilary Hinton Zig Ziglar.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Julius Nyerere and Nelson Mandela were very consistent.
What are your favorite names?
I like names with hidden meanings. I named my first born Jamirah Sayaka Kariisa; Sayaka to mean beautiful just like Jamirah.
What is your greatest regret?
I have made many mistakes out of my rush decisions
How would you like to die?
I want God to decide the best way but I wish it can be a respectful or dignified way
What is your motto?
‘Never solve a problem twice’ and ‘Enjoy the journey as you make the money’.
