Raphael Kasule’s eccentric fashions

Raphael Kasule’s Liteside

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

Humility defines me because it helps me learn new things easily. The push from my side is very hard, so is tenacity to keep on even when things don’t show results as you would want them. My life has always been based on prayer because I come from a very pastoral family.

What is your greatest fear?

Settling down for marriage and people understanding who I am. We usually get a bad perception from people due to the nature of our work – working more with models and having female clients. It has an impact on people’s trust in you.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I am too patient and at times, I tend to be the kind who gives allowance for people and they usually get away with it

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Looking down on others gets me off very easily. Telling lies affects me very much.

Which living person do you most admire?

Pastor Michael Kyazze is a senior pastor but on one particular event while travelling with him, we came across a stalled car and the speed at which he moved out to push it was very touching. That moment was humbling and taught me that, regardless of whom you are, you can still be like any other person. What is your greatest extravagance? I love learning new things; for instance, I’m currently trying to do animations. So discovering new ideas takes more of my money.

What is the greatest thing you have ever done?

There are quite many but the patience to expand my business without being coerced, having to compete with fellow designers and accepting that everyone has their timing is the greatest thing I have done. My fashion expansion journey has been gradual with setbacks but we are getting there.

What is your current state of mind?

I am fulfilled. What do you consider the most overrated virtue? There are quite a number but the whole thing about showing off what we own or possess is overrated. Ugandans have a problem of attaching possessions to class forgetting that it has a lot to do with the making and character.

What does being powerful mean to you?

Having a character checked and power under control. For instance if a king or leader steps out of his convoy or car to push someone’s car that has stalled shows humility and power under control which is a true definition of being powerful.

On what occasion do you lie?

I love being truthful but if I am behind time, I can give a white lie. However, regarding more serious things, I like to be honest.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

I am a bit short.

Which living person do you most despise?

Those who think they are great because greatness is relative. Someone who is humble is actually greater. We’ve seen people like Solomon and Job in the bible who were great but were very humble. Great and humility should be coined together.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Being Godly, having social and cultural values and the ability to maintain them. It keeps them human and reduces the burden to others. A woman must also be charming and energetic.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

It has to do a lot with the background. What or who is the greatest love of your life? I used to love my grandmother and mother the most but since they are all gone, I love my work the most. Also depending on the season and the moment, I am liberal in loving people.

When and where were you happiest?

My birthdate is a happy moment for me. My real joy came when I won the Redds Award in Kenya because the moment meant a lot to my fashion journey. But I am also one person who takes everything whether small and big achievement the same

Which talent would you most like to have?

I am a very handy and gifted person. But even with that, I am currently doing music instruments.

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

I have been small or huge before so I have experienced both and wouldn’t change anything for now.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Achievements have been many but being chosen to produce for a country is serious. It comes with a lot of responsibility because it carries the identity of the country. I am humbled by that opportunity.

Where would you most like to live?

The years I spent in Nairobi made me blend in very easily and I got attached to the place.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

I have been through divorce which made me realise that it takes a lot from the individuals and changes them in so many ways. It’s also a very strenuous process.

What is your favourite occupation?

Animations or sports like rugby and basketball. Unfortunately, they might not pay enough for survival so I end up spending more time on survival.

What do you most value in your friends?

Time and experiences bond us together.

Who are your favorite writers?

I usually read TD Jakes and Myles Munroe; there is a lot of wisdom in their teachings and form my background. I emulate them.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Shaka Zulu knew who he was and the fact that he stood up against the British was great. He died an honorable death and his name still stands high up to now.

What is your greatest regret?

I don’t have regrets because they have all been lessons which I find very valuable. How would you like to die? In old age when I know about it. What is your motto? Endurance in good or bad.