Najjemba Mbabali: On Museveni’s letter that took four years to reach her

Rosemary Mariam Najjemba’s Liteside

Any three things that we don’t know about you?

Some people say that I am tough and yet I am so loving and caring. I am a pillar in my father’s home. I get so hurt seeing people I thought were close to me only for them to stab me in the back.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Family time is real happiness for me.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I am too frank something that doesn’t go well with most people. They prefer to have things sugar coated as opposed to the honest truth.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Being two faced doesn’t go well with me. However, I first take my time before signing-off someone.

Which living person do you most admire?

President Museveni remains a father figure to me.

What is your greatest extravagance?

I can’t travel and return without perfumes. But I also love so many beautiful things.

What is your current state of mind?

I am happy.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Perceptions about culture and beliefs are too strong to the extent that some people do so many things not for themselves but to please others. I would rather someone takes a decision that makes them happy and realise their goals for the good of society. Some issues don’t need approvals from others and are meant to be self-propelled because it starts from within.

What does being powerful mean to you?

The power to decide, choose and influence for better. Being powerful also means self-approval.

On what occasion do you lie?

I strive to live with the truth.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

I have managed to work on my weight and so nothing else bothers me.

Which living person do you most despise?

I despise men who keep double standards. They only live to keep up appearances and can never reveal their true selves.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

True love and care.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Companionship, loving and comforting.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My husband, family, and siblings.

When and where were you happiest?

In 2004, when I gave birth to my son, I couldn’t believe I could bring life to this world. I was also happy at the birth of my second child. I will always live to remember the first time meeting with President Museveni and it remains my turning point. I have never felt as happy and shaken as I felt the day Hon Mbabali made his first official visit to my parents. The feeling is unexplainable.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I sing a lot but only for fun.

Where would you most like to live?

Nowhere else apart from Uganda.

What is your most treasured possession?

I treasure life for myself and family.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Struggle for the scarce resources; especially for children born in very big polygamous families with financial struggles. It results into unhealthy competition.

What do you most value in your friends?

Genuineness and honesty.

Who are your favorite writers?

Bill Clinton in his book ‘My early days’; in his book he describes how he went through struggles but with perseverance, he made it to being president of USA.

Who is your hero of fiction?

I love passionate fashion stars.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Bill Clinton proves that life is a process of ups and downs. It helps to appreciate life the more and live meaningfully.

What is your greatest regret?

I don’t regret anything because life is a process.

How would you like to die?

Peacefully

What is your motto?

Stand out

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