The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
By Joan Akello
Lawyer, Commissioner Legal Affairs at the NRM party Electoral Commission, and the Executive Director of Destiny Consults
So how did you meet your husband?
We met at Gayaza High School when I was in senior three and he had come to sing. It is just that I saw him but all girls were all over him and I was the quieter one. We met again at University when he had come to Christian Union to sing. But we met when I walking with a girlfriend and he was playing basketball. He came out and ran up to me.
Who are you in two sentences?
A lawyer and teacher by calling because I love teaching adults. I travel a lot because I teach at international universities in Africa and Asia like Haggai Institute.
What have you learnt from teaching adults?
Adults learn when they want to learn. 80 percent of adult learning is on their own, so they compare what you are telling them with what they already know. You engage intellectually and through experience. It’s fun but also very taxing.
Why do you love teaching?
It is my passion to empower people to be all they can be in God.
What have you observed about Ugandans?
I do not know whether it’s because of our history; most Ugandans have a lot of low self-esteem – they feel ashamed of themselves.
Are you thinking of empowering people below 35?
I attended my first leadership training when I was 35. I agree that we have to train leaders; probably in secondary school, and give them skills when they are still young.
What was your turning point?
My first leadership training, in terms of work, interfacing with people; I started gaining confidence to participate in the growth of my economy and politics of my government.
Your advice to a woman who out there?
Circumstances usually make women. For instance, if their marriage is not working or they have an issue with their sexuality, they feel so down trodden and nothing. You need to hook up with people who have some strength in this area and start walking a deliberate path.
If you were 16, what would you change?
If I knew my worth and value, I would not have done some of the things I did. I would have made better choices.
Memorable gift you have received
In our first year of marriage, my husband organised a surprise birthday party and bought me an expensive watch. He wrapped it in many things and he made me look for it. I was like this man actually loves me.
What makes you happy?
I get lost in great worship music and very empowering and emotional talk. Steve Jobs is one of them.
What kind of people do you love?
Go getters like Allen Kagina who go for the challenge.
What kind puts you off?
People who do not want to go an extra line about life.
What annoys you?
People who put people down, practice a prejudice of any kind.
What is your philosophy about life?
I believe that life is for living, don’t live with regret. If you feel something, do something about it. Don’t make yourself a victim, be a victor.
How do you want to be remembered?
Empowering people, and spurring people to go for their vision and destiny.
What did you want to become as a child?
A teacher but my mother felt I should first study law. Initially my mother and father were teachers so teaching was all I knew about although father went on to become a medical doctor.
How many children were you?
My mother had ten children but my father had more children.
One thing you cannot live without?
Books
Which one are you reading nowadays?
The Fifth Discipline by Peter M. Senge, The 8th Habit by Stephen R Covey. I have also read Jim Collins’ Good to Great, Steve Watiti and Justice Mike Chibita’s books. I love stories about leaders.
What movies are you watching currently?
Season four of the Downton Abbey series, Pride and prejudice. I love the romance and aristocracy.
What is your best colour?
I love the peach and the yellows. Peach agrees with my colour and when I dress it, I often get good comments.
Which men have inspired you?
My male mentors are Dr. John Edmund Haggai of Haggai Institute, Nicholas Wafula. I do not relate with them closely but their visions on how they want to change lives inspire me. I love President Museveni’s leadership strength.
One mantra you have taught your children?
Be focused. Life is a journey and I am a traveler. I have my personal roadmap and I have a destination. So I shouldn’t try to go to other people’s roads but stick to mine.
What is your message to your husband?
We will mark 25 years in marriage this year. We are so different but I am thankful for his support to be who I am and his singing gift.
Is that what attracted you?
He was a wild singer but it was not music.
So how did you meet?
We met at Gayaza High School when I was in senior three and he had come to sing. It is just that I saw him but all girls were all over him and I was the quieter one. We met again at University when he had come to Christian Union to sing. But we met when I walking with a girlfriend and he was playing basketball. He came out and ran up to me.
