Living a passion driven life

By Agnes E. Nantaba

Michael Niyitegeka is an expert in IT Strategy, Management and Communication. He spoke to Agnes E Nantaba about passion rather than qualifications defining work

Any three things we don’t know about you?

I have never studied IT but got there out of passion and interest. I went into the ICT faculty at Makerere University in 2004 to teach business courses in ICT. I spent more time there and was able to curve out my own niche in business and IT. I believe that qualifications should never define who we are or who we eventually become. I am an extreme family man and running really excites me. For the last five years, I have been running 10kms till I pushed to 21kms. I can dance to any music especially music by Gudlyf (Radio and Weasel) and Juliana Kanyomozi.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

It’s just being in a position of comfort with who you are.

What is your greatest fear?

I can’t imagine a situation where I fail to live to the expectations of my family.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I believe quite a lot in people and sometimes I fail to switch gear from believing to non-believing.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

I always look at what makes someone a better person rather than the weaknesses.

Which living person do you most admire?

My father Abel Nsabimana; together with my mother, in their modest means they gave us the very best. Along the way, you meet people who inspire you and drive you into doing things; Prof. Baryamureeba is one of them. The family of Mr. Charles Karamagi is another set of parents for me.

What is your greatest extravagance?

To an extent it’s my family although I also have a free giving spirit and want to always respond to a cause. Thank God for a wife who can guide me; I wouldn’t have asked for anything better than her.

What is your current state of mind?

I am happy with what I am doing after leaving formal employment.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

The greatest dis-service we have done to this generation is to make them believe that there is somebody who is accountable for them.

On what occasion do you lie?

Time was one of the easiest things to lie about.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

It used to be grey hair but I have grown to love it.

Which living person do you most despise?

I look down on people who live beyond their means.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

One who lives by what he promises to do.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Any woman who can own up her promises.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My wife; she is an amazing gift considering ten years down the road and looking at what has happened generally, it’s not human magic but because she is a perfect complement.

When and where were you happiest?

May 14, 2005; it was not only a colourful wedding but also a confirmation that I was going to live with my best friend. My other happy moment was November 2004 when I graduated from the Summit Business School.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I haven’t been able to do competitive sport like football, volleyball and tennis.

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

I am contented with everything about and around me.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Living my dream of leaving formal employment before 40 years.

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

The same Michael because I am living my purpose in life.

Where would you most like to live?

Uganda and if it’s going to the specifics, Fort Portal.

What is your most treasured possession?

The knowledge of God.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Seeing families break up is unbearable.

What do you most value in your friends?

Having unwavering interest in making my issues theirs.

Who are your favorite writers?

I enjoy anything that helps me keep up with what is happening.

Who is your hero of fiction?

Eddie Murphy used to be an interesting character but of late I no longer follow up on fictitious things.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

There has not been any other Michael Niyitegeka.

Who are your heroes in real life?

My parents, Mr. Charles Karamagi for his humility and Pope Francis; I am humbled by the things he does that seem like he’s breaking tradition like the Pope going to the mosque and removing shoes.

What are your favorite names?

Mitchell; its one name that resonated with my wife and I on knowing we had a baby girl.

What is your greatest regret?

My attitude is that it has happened and nothing can be done about it

How would you like to die?

God’s will.

What is your motto?

I live everyday as an opportunity.