Richard Todwong: On being powerful but simple

Richard Todwong’s Liteside

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

I am very simple; people often mistake me for Todwong’s driver. It’s because I don’t carry titles and offices with me. I love that simplicity and humility which means that power hasn’t gotten to my head. I love nature and people and so I can’t afford to stay alone.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Happiness is internal or within. It means being happy with whatever you have, express yourself with it and live happily.

What is your greatest fear?

None that I am aware of.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

At times when I am emotionally charged, I withdraw from people for some time until I cool down. It is something I am trying to fight.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Lying and opportunism.

Which living person do you most admire?

I admire President Museveni; I have worked with him as a mentor, supervisor and a boss. He is too patient for life and will give you time to correct your mistakes. He has reached a level of maturity where he believes that everybody should be given room to reform and correct his or her mistakes.

What is your greatest extravagance?

At times I spoil my children because I like the feeling of having them receive me with something.

What is the greatest thing you have ever done?

I have been able to achieve a lot at my age; I have been an MP, Commissioner, minister and now Deputy Secretary General. There is nothing more I am yearning for.

What is your current state of mind?

I am contented.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

We are so much focusing on theoretical politics than practical.

What does being powerful mean to you?

Power can be broken down to mean those who want to be defined by their titles or what they do, those who think everything is about them and the humble ones. Once you allow your character to lead your passion, you will succeed. But to me being powerful is the ability to persuade others and get things done fast.

On what occasion do you lie?

I have never told a lie; perhaps others take my being frank and open as pride.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

I am a perfect creation.

Which living person do you most despise?

So many of our friends in opposition; they seem not to understand certain traits in leadership. They leave people with a lot of expectations and when they are not met, it has negative implications on the country. They focus on the problems or blame but never offer solutions.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Decency in word, action, and deeds.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Honesty and let your words be bankable.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

I love President Museveni for giving me every opportunity to be what I am. I also love my parents and children.

When and where were you happiest?

I am happy every time I return to my village, sit around the fire place and play my local instruments to church music. I am also happy every time I am around a happy community and when NRM wins an election.

Which talent would you most like to have?

Wisdom to interpret nature and apply it in day to day life

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Being educated and informed; I read a lot to help myself. I have also made friends beyond my tribal boundary; I am not an Acholi limited.

Where would you most like to live?

Uganda is the most beautiful country to live; I don’t think I can live elsewhere that is not Uganda

What is your most treasured possession?

I don’t treasure worldly things; whatever I have should make me happy and if it doesn’t, then it doesn’t belong to me.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

The experience of staying with my father in the same compound but only see him once a week was traumatizing; especially the fact that we didn’t know where he was staying. He survived death four times under Amin’s regime because our family was a target for genocide. It is not something anybody would wish to go through.

What is your favorite occupation?

Being a Secretary General is very challenging and tough but I enjoy solving a challenge and eventually turn out victorious.

What do you most value in your friends?

Traits that improve me; I only befriend those with qualities that I don’t have because it helps me to learn from them. Such friends add value to my life and work.

Who are your favorite writers?

I like reading stories written by African authors. I have read books by Pecos Kuteesa, president Museveni, Janet Museveni and Dr Martin Aliker. The stories are told and written by indigenous authors who were part of the walk.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Jesus, because he lived a simple life for a short time and his messages are still applicable today. He lived a simple life as if he was not the son of God so if what we read about Him is true, he is a dream man.

What is your greatest regret?

I don’t regret anything because whatever decision I have taken in life was made consciously.

How would you like to die?

I wouldn’t allow anyone to take care of me on the death bed; I want to go at once.

What is your motto?

Challenge myself in all ways and gather more knowledge.