Barbara Nankya: Mothers abandoned babies

Barbara Nankya’s Liteside

Any three things we don’t know about you?

I am a humble person. I learnt that respect is very important regardless of class and status. I respect everyone including one day olds. I don’t look at them as abandoned children but people who deserve respect. I have always worked so hard way back from my childhood. Every single day, I wake up at 04:45am to prepare for my children at home, drop them at school just to ensure that I am at Sanyu Babies Home by 7:30am for the early morning devotion. By 5pm when everyone is closing office, I don’t retire because I need to write reports and from office I head home where I am still the manager so work resumes as usual.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

At work, happiness relates to witnessing a child who came in at a verge of death eventually respond and recover fully. This requires constant prayer and commitment to the recovery process.

What is your greatest fear?

I have had many people tell me that I am brave. Not even death can scare me. And with the life I have gone through including the state of children who come in to Sanyu; I have been shaped not to live in fear. And as a believing Christian, I choose not to become a slave of fear.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Sometimes, I feel as if I am bothered by it but it somehow helps me overcome certain challenges in life. Even when people around me seem held down by a challenge, I remain strong believing that there is always a way out.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

I don’t like associating with slow people both in movement and character.

Which living person do you most admire?

There are so many people I admire but my mother Margaret Kyeyune is so outstanding. She stands out as a brave woman who managed to raise all her 12 children when my father passed on. Even at this point in life she still finds time to check on us all. She has taught me a lot with dealing with life’s challenges and inspires me a lot.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Whatever will make my children happy is worth spending on. Whatever happiness I may not have enjoyed, I work so hard for my children to enjoy it.

What is your current state of mind?

Only at peace with myself and those around me.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

That has got to do with spending too much time on social media. Sometimes, others are influenced by the environment around.

What does being powerful mean to you?

Power comes with being spiritually grounded and knowing your purpose in life.

On what occasion do you lie?

There are many times when I have approached people about our work and challenges. If they don’t seem to understand the need, I may make the situation appear tense and urgent.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

I am wonderfully made in the image of God although I need to work out and burn some belly fat.

Which living person do you most despise?

I don’t despise a person but I hate disrespectful people; we are all special and unique in one way or another.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Being understanding to all people.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

The courage to stand in what she believes in without letting anyone look down on her.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

It is kind of tricky because I love my husband, children, mother and siblings though not in equal share. I love them all.

When and where were you happiest?

I have had so many happy moments but if I weigh out when I was happiest, my wedding day and moments when I have had all my four children are just outstanding. The most recent one are the Shs19million donations for solar batteries towards Sanyu Babies Home in a short time when we had almost lost hope.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I have tried out all talents that I desired to have; for instance I have done music, played a trumpet, key board and sports among others.

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

The same person though with a softer life.

Where would you most like to live?

I want to stay home in Uganda.

What is your favorite occupation?

I am still happy working with children until God decides otherwise.

What do you most value in your friends?

Honesty and truthfulness.

Who are your favorite writers?

I try to read but I am not the best. I however enjoy the writings of Joyce Meyer.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

King David in the bible teaches me a lot; even when you think you are far away from God, you can still get closer to him. He remains a great man.

Who are your heroes in real life?

My mother; Margaret Kyeyune is my life hero.

What are your favorite names?

I have so many names that I treasure depending on the seasons but I have always given them to my children at home or at Sanyu Babies Home.

What is your greatest regret?

Whatever has happened to me has turned out to be a lesson and I always look out for the positives in it.

How would you like to die?

In old age after saying my last wish.

What is your motto?

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

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