Rwakafuzi: free justice for the poor

Rwakafuzi’s Liteside

Any three things we don’t know about you?

I always speak my mind may be some people have misunderstood me. For instance, there are people in NRM who think that I hate President Yoweri Museveni yet I don’t. I know he has done much for this country but he should have the humility to go because this country can keep going without him.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

There is no better happiness than sharing.

What is your greatest fear?

I fear hatred; me being hated is a thing I can handle but people hating each other to the point of killing is something I fear most.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Sometimes I ignore too much for instance there are people who take my money and I ignore them and yet if I squeezed them, they would pay so I lack that courage.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Selfishness and incorrigibility; people with such traits are difficult to live with.

Which living person do you most admire?

I admire Pope Francis because we share the same perspective of life; having a broad mind to accommodate everybody and to look at everybody in the image of God.

What is your greatest extravagance?

I spend most on others something I don’t regret.

What is the greatest thing you have ever done?

When I was first admitted at St Henrys College Kitovu for A-levels, I was given sciences but changed to arts and a decision that turned me into a lawyer and I love what I do.

What is your current state of mind?

I am okay.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

They are quite many, keep recurring and I can’t point to one.

What does being powerful mean to you?

There is statutory power and that acquired due to wealth but to me, a powerful person is one who can sacrifice for others.

On what occasion do you lie?

I tell lies every day; for instance to cover up many things. There are times you don’t need to tell the truth because it may not be relevant.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

When I was young, I used to mind about my looks but I have grown to accept my identity.

Which living person do you most despise?

Anyone who loves material things to the detriment of humanity because such people are narrow minded.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Kindness and broadminded.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Broad minded and respect of people including those she doesn’t agree with. Women are in a weaker position in a relationship because our society still expects too much from them; so a good woman should be able to know all this.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

It is quite hard to point to one because each person makes a different contribution to my life. I love my wife and also have my children who are my friends and love them as well.

Which talent would you most like to have?

Writing drama for TV is a talent I want to redevelop.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

The fact that some people are willing to consult and listen to me even when they may not take my advice; it means they believe that I have some sense and that my views might influence society in one way or another. It is the most important of all.

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

The same person practicing law but also marry my wife again.

Where would you most like to live?

I would love to stay in my village, Kyaaka, so I can offer my services to my people in the form of mediation between people who have conflicts.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Losing a dear one is a very miserable thing but also when power is abused for instance when someone in a powerful position abuses those below him or her is so hurting. We are building a lawless society where the property of the poor is grabbed and yet in some of those cases, even lawyers are involved.

What is your favorite occupation?

I have only done law so it’s one thing I know.

What do you most value in your friends?

Anybody who knows me can be my friend.

Who are your favorite writers?

That must be Chinua Achebe because he is a realist. I love the realism with which he analyses African weaknesses and strengths.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

My father Gregory Kafuzi was a great friend of mine. Every time I would go home, we would discuss about politics and issues in society at length. Bakulungero is my former primary school teacher who made me what I am today because he identified me when I was young.

Who are your heroes in real life?

Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala is one man who loves everybody the same regardless of their religious affiliation. Dr Besigye is another one; that man has sacrificed a lot and can live a far better life but he has courageously carried on the fight in a civil manner and discouraged many people from taking up arms. Professor Fredrick Juuko is a great influence on me because he introduced me to dialectical materialism which was a new thing but I have internalised it and helped me understand life much better.

What is your greatest regret?

I regret many things once in a while for instance for some cases I tend to think that if I had put in more time, we would have won.

How would you like to die?

I wish it happens in my village when I have retired peacefully in my sleep.

What is your motto?

I have never coined it but it’s about sacrifice, humility, hard work and smart work.

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