Political parties are overrated

By Agnes E. Nantaba

Rosemary Seninde is the Woman MP for Wakiso District, founder and Committee Chairperson for Parliamentary Forum on Quality Education. She spoke to The Independent’s Agnes E. Nantaba.

Any three things we don’t know about you?

I am very straight forward and objective. I think that is why people misunderstand who I am and some say Seninde is not an NRM member but that is my character. If something is bad, I look at it that way and work to make it better. I was brought up knowing that anything that never speaks can never fail me. I am a coward because I fear getting involved in things that will eventually create me problems. I am not a politician but a leader . It is hard for me to have a life outside politics.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Bringing a smile to someone with a problem; I experience it every day which is why I am never stressed.

What is your greatest fear?

As a leader, I wouldn’t want to lose my seat.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I sometimes fail on time management.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Arrogant people; in my opinion they don’t respect others.

Which living person do you most admire?

Hilary Clinton; she is strong and there is a time she had marital problems but the way she handled them at her level is worth commending. I also admire President Museveni .

What is your greatest extravagance?

When I have some money on me and people approach me with their problems, I don’t think twice or confirm the truthfulness in the matter but just give it out to support them.

What is your current state of mind?

Situations change but to relax and believe that all situations are handled by God.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Political parties – when we misunderstand their importance and hate colleagues from other parties instead of just critiquing each other.

On what occasion do you lie?

If whatever I have to say will hurt others.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

In my opinion, I am beautiful; my grandmother taught me to believe in my self.

Which living person do you most despise?

Drunkards, especially women who drink their heads off.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

He should be responsible for his family because most of the women in my constituency say their husbands abandoned their responsibilities.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

She should be very responsible for her children and train them in Godly ways.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Being a teacher by profession, I am careful with words.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My mother; she nurtured me into who I am.

When and where were you happiest?

The day I had my first born on May 10, 1987; I got married in 1985 and had him in 1987 after two years which was longer than anticipated.

Which talent would you most like to have?

Managing a successful business; I start a business but it doesn’t go well.

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

I am contented with whatever I have.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I have managed to help many people in solving their land problems. It’s also an achievement being married for thirty years, founding the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Quality Education and coming up with the Seninde report for the NRM

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

I am okay coming back as Rosemary Seninde the leader and teacher.

Where would you most like to live?

I am very comfortable living in Uganda .

What is your most treasured possession?

My faith in God.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Losing a loved one; I have ever lost two babies.

What is your favorite occupation?

It wasn’t my ambition to become a teacher but I ended up being one and loving it because it is fulfilling .

What do you most value in your friends?

Loyalty; I would love a friend who loves me at all times.

Who are your favorite writers?

I am a reader but not so much immersed in it.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Former Minister Namirembe Bitamazire because she was so passionate about her work; I also admire Nelson Mandela and Julius Nyerere for their selflessness.

Who are your heroes in real life?

My late Grandmother and Hilary Clinton .

What are your favorite names?

Any names that start with ‘J’

What is your greatest regret?

I left teaching very early after practicing it for only five years; I feel I would have inspired more students if I had taken it more.

How would you like to die?

In any painless way.

What is your motto?

With God on my side, nothing living or non-living can ever fail me.