The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Peninah Kabenge’s Liteside
Any three things we don’t know about you?
I am a metamorphosed hard person who was previously soft. I didn’t have a ‘No’ and would struggle to make through with everything but I have learnt to say no to certain things.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
I love making others happy because it also makes me happy. I am also happy seeing my children succeed.
What is your greatest fear?
I am not a coward, so I can go for anything.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I used to work so hard to please everybody but it would overstretch me going out of my way so I have since relapsed.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
I am very accommodative but find it hard to take on dishonest people.
Which living person do you most admire?
It is very difficult to single out a person because I admire people for different reasons. However in line with my career, I admire the current Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe for being very fast to act upon an issue. He is somebody who can give a listening ear to anything many times.
What is your greatest extravagance?
It depends on the moment but if I have money, I would spend it on anything that gives me joy and happiness. It can be having a moment with my children or friends.
What is your current state of mind?
I am always a happy person.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
We talk a lot yet it doesn’t grow us. We are always looking out for negative stuff related to scandals and focus on such things that don’t elevate us. We therefore need to focus more on the positive things that help us grow.
What does being powerful mean to you?
Someone who has created a positive impact on other people’s lives is a powerful person. I despise those who brag about political power because many use it for the wrong reasons.
On what occasion do you lie?
I have told lies before; especially when it requires saving a situation. At this moment, I would tell a lie to save Makerere University.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
As a young girl, I didn’t like the poor quality of my hair but I have come to terms with it since I may not have the power to change it.
Which living person do you most despise?
There are several people that I despise; for instance there is one person I stepped out of my way to help but turned up against me. He is one of the regrettable decisions I have ever made in my life.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Honesty and caring for others; especially family.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Honesty and the ability to balance all roles as a female being.
What or who is the greatest love of your life
I love my children the most.
When and where were you happiest
Seeing my children graduate and every time I interact with my siblings. We are many, so we hardly get together but the moments when at least nine of us meet are happy moments. I am also happy every time Makerere University wins.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I am just contented with what I was exposed to.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Absolutely nothing.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I have achieved a lot at different points or levels in life. For instance in 2008, we bid to host the All Africa University Games at Makerere University which turned out successful. It was a big success which also changed the face of Makerere University through renovations and touched many lives.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?
I don’t want to imagine something I have never lived so I am okay coming back the same person and doing the same things.
Where would you most like to live?
I love Uganda because it is home.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
People suffer but going without food is a very tough one
What is your favorite occupation?
I love my sports related work.
What do you most value in your friends?
Honesty and openness.
Who are your favorite writers?
I don’t go too much into writers but enjoy motivational writings.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Nelson Mandela came, did his part and left when people were still yearning for him. He started a struggle that was worthwhile.
What is your greatest regret?
I have regretted quite a number of times and I believe it is normal. I have, however, moved away from taking them as regrets to lessons in life.
How would you like to die?
I prefer a painless death.
What is your motto?
I am the living proof of Gods goodness.
