Living in harmony

By Agnes E. Nantaba

Lilly Ajarova, the executive director of the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust talked to Agnes E. Nantaba.

Any three things we do not know about you?

I like relationship building. So outside of work I normally engage in counseling as more of a vocation to help people discover their purpose in life with a special interest for ladies. In the recent past I have been appointed as one of the top five women leaders in wildlife conservation to help inspire other women take up the cause.

I am a very spiritual person who likes to dig deep into issues of salvation.  I am a family woman.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

When what I have in my mind matches with what I speak out and what I do.

What is your greatest fear?

Truthfully, I used to fear certain things but not any more given the strong relationship in Christ.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I don’t find any problem in trying to love because my belief in and about love is different from other people.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Lying; if you have done something wrong, admit, apologise and make up for the wrong than lying. A liar is a thief and killer. The source of all the sins is lies.

Which living person do you most admire?

My father is unique. He has been my mentor and role model who is also selfless to everyone.

What is your greatest extravagance?

My children have noticed that every time I travel, I have to buy a watch and every time I do, they always look out for the new one.

What is your current state of mind?

Perfect; everything is in place.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Depending on what your values are and what you consider something to be. While other people overrate wealth, to me family values have been lost as so many factors are conflicting and competing with its timing and needs.

On what occasion do you lie?

There is nothing like white, good, or bad lie. For that reason I don’t lie.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

I am perfectly made because some people are looking for my skin complexion, hair extension, size, and a lot more but I have them at no cost.

Which living person do you most despise?

Not any one in particular but I strongly despise liars.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

He should be loving and possess integrity.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Caring and integrity.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

My children say I so much use phrases like ‘you know’, ‘you understand’ mostly for emphasis in my presentations.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

Christ Jesus and below him are my children in the absence of my mother and husband (RIP).

When and where were you happiest?

Every time I visit new places, I experience new joys and happiness. But giving birth to my three children was my happiest experience.

Which talent would you most like to have?

There are some talents that I haven’t explored and one of them is singing.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Being a mother not only to my biological children but to many others including chimpanzees.

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

I am okay coming back as Lilly Ajarova but do a lot more in mentorship and counseling.

Where would you most like to live?

In Uganda but somewhere near the water; it has a therapeutic effect.

What is your most treasured possession?

My children because other things in this world wither.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

An abused and mistreated child.

What is your favorite occupation?

I love working with people and wildlife; it’s a perfect combination.

What is your most marked characteristic?

I am a very patient person.

What do you most value in your friends?

Integrity and self-respect.

Who are your favorite writers?

Something about me is that I never want to depend on specific writers but I read a lot of adventure and management books.

Who is your hero of fiction?

I don’t believe in fiction.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Nelson Mandela for his selfless character.

Who are your heroes in real life?

My father because of what he’s been able to do in helping other people even when he doesn’t have and as a very compassionate person.

What are your favorite names?

I don’t have specific names but I can go for those with a positive connotation.

What is your greatest regret?

There are certain projects or businesses I have always planned to do but somehow failed.

How would you like to die?

Peacefully without going through pain but also not in a tragic way.

What is your motto?

Faith is everything.