We should worship our own local talent

By Joan Akello

Eng. Godfrey Mutabazi, executive Director of Uganda Communications Commission talked to Joan Akello about peaceful living.

Any three things we don’t know about you?

I was so fascinated about making an engine at the age of eight. When I worked as a pilot in UK, I flew somebody from London to Paris as a birthday surprise and one of my friends once landed a plane on its belly after he forgot to put down its landing gear. Everyone survived.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

When I’m at peace with myself and my God and all my neighbours, churches, mosques, prostitutes and everybody around must also be happy. I don’t judge anybody but if somebody is unkind to anybody, then that will spoil that peace.

When and where you happiest?

Always, because I love meeting, talking and listening to people like kids in the village, artists, fashion designers, musicians, and going for operas when I’m abroad. I like seeing new things like new gadgets on the market and how it affects my life.

What is your greatest fear?

To leave my people and village worse than I got them.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I don’t like hurting people and if I do I say I am sorry and if we disagree I do my own thing and you do yours.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

People who hate others; we are one and I believe in reincarnation. So if I am unfair to you, something or somebody will be unfair to me.

Which living persons do you most admire?

Sylvia Owori; she is unique and different, and visual artist Taga Francis Nuwagaba of Taga Frame. We should worship our own local talent.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Designer clothes

What is your current state of mind?

I’m happy.

What is most overrated in Uganda?

That you are over suffering.  We have lost focus, once you discover the purpose of your life; you will know what to do.

On what occasion do you lie?

A lie in Western society is an insult, in Africa, it is a joke.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

My appearance is yours. Everybody is beautiful; the difference between a flower and shrub is a judgment, so we are all one.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Should be responsible and take care of all these women- their wives, mothers, sisters and daughters.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Women are special, do things we men can’t and any man who does not respect a woman does not deserve my respect.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My wife, Mrs Mutabazi. As the Bible says, she is my best half.

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

This attitude that the government should give people money, was anybody born with money?

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I have come to see every human being as a beautiful crowd or flower garden. I have travelled a lot, met a lot of people, and realised that the difference between good and bad, tall and short is a matter of enlightenment.

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

I don’t care; I wouldn’t know that I’ve come back.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Poverty.  Once you admit that you are poor and convince yourself that you are poor and can’t feed or take care of yourself.

What is your most marked characteristic?

Happy and listen more than I talk.

Who are your favorite writers?

Robert Kanigel, especially The Man Who Knew Infinity: A Life of the Genius Ramanujan, about an Indian mathematician; Fritjof Capra (The Tao of physics), and Stephen Hawking (The theory of everything).

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Those who did and do service to mankind, fought for other people like Mother Theresa, and give hope.

Who are your heroes in real life?

As long as you’re alive, I admire you whether controversial or not. I have spoken to a few people in opposition and they are interesting.

How would you like to die?

The Bible says that the day you die is more important than the day you are born but I wouldn’t want to go through long suffering.

What is your philosophy about life?

Life is a journey, I live in the present, I don’t believe in the past or future, you cannot tell the future.

How do you want to be remembered?

I don’t want to be remembered, I’ve come, lived and  followed the formula that is seek your God with all your heart, mind and soul and the rest will follow.

What is your motto?

Enjoy every moment of your life.

Should those you regulate enjoy too?

Yes, because I regulate according to the law and the operators must enjoy themselves and work within the law.