The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Mujib Kasule’s Liteside
Any three things we don’t know about you?
I am a very religious person because I believe that religion and God comes first in my life. I am naturally a private person; many people don’t see me outside football because I strive to keep a low profile outside it.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Happiness comes with fulfilling my obligations towards my family and have something left to help others.
What is your greatest fear?
Now that I am a parent, I fear that my children’s future may be harder because of the way society is organised where a discussion on sex is open or when girls walking naked is normal business. I fear life after death because I am not sure that my duties have necessitated a good life for my children so I always prayer for long life.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Sometimes people try to surprise me and I am not while in other cases, they expect me to say certain words and I don’t; so many end up saying that I am not a romantic person.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Humility is very key in life, so I don’t want to associate with people who think and believe that they are more important than others.
Which living person do you most admire?
I admire my father Sheik Muhammad Kiiza Kasule; he grew up in a very wealthy family and chose not to live a luxurious life but to serve Allah. He has done it diligently but also lives a very basic life despite the fact that he has what it takes to live an extravagant life. I am also trying to align my life to something basic because I have learnt from him that having more is not a privilege but a responsibility.
What is your greatest extravagance?
I spend most of my money on others because I love to help even when I might not have enough to help all people.
What is the greatest thing you have ever done?
The pro-line project is a dream I had for years but was hesitant for about five years because I thought I could not handle the demands that would come with it but my passion kept demanding and I started. There are many times, I have quit especially by night but by day, I am determined to push it to the next level which is why we are still going.
What is your current state of mind?
I am at peace.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
All foreign things in Uganda are classy and high quality but when it gets to anything local, it is of poor quality. We hate everything that is us and like others which is the very reason why we aren’t developed as we ought to be.
What does being powerful mean to you?
Power comes with the ability to influence others without force but out of a good character. Martin Luther King was very peaceful but the power of his actions and what he believed in pushed people to follow him.
On what occasion do you lie?
There are circumstances religiously according to the Islam faith where we are allowed to tell lies; especially when it means saving a life.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
Everything that I have is God’s choice because I believe that He is a perfect molder.
Which living person do you most despise?
The difference between human beings and God is that He has the power to judge so I don’t despise anybody.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Realising responsibility to self, society and family
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
A woman is born with dignity so it’s upon her to maintain it. At no cost should a woman trade her dignity for anything.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My father comes number one and my children come second.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I am too old to pick up new talents but I like teaching because it motivates to impart knowledge.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
People acknowledge my contribution and that is priceless.
Where would you most like to live?
I had opportunities to live elsewhere but I chose to be home where my people are and Uganda is endowed with good climate.
What is your most treasured possession?
The knowledge that I have acquired over the years helps me to navigate life.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Loss of a mother is the utmost pain especially when you have been very close. My mother was my best friend and confidant but I lost her five years ago.
What is your favorite occupation?
My passion has always been in soccer.
What do you most value in your friends?
Time and loyalty are things you can’t buy.
Who are your favorite writers?
I have always hated reading.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
I admire Nelson Mandela because he sacrificed himself for the greater good of his people. Very few people can sacrifice to be imprisoned for 27 years and they are given an opportunity to be released but refuse until the dream is accomplished. He still had a chance to rule for life but chose not to. I also admire Muhammad Ali for his charisma and the way he went about educating people on the right things. He stood by what he believed in until the last minute.
How would you like to die?
In the middle of the prayer prostrating during Ramadan.
What is your motto?
If you can kill with honey, why use a bomb?
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