I am my own fan!

By Agnes E. Nantaba

Abby Mukiibi is an actor and radio personality. He spoke to Agnes E. Nantaba

Any three things we don’t know about you?

I am a shy person and hate crowds but because of the love for my job, I am forced to pretend. Am temperamental, a workaholic who works 16 hours a day; I leave home at 5am and get back at 11pm.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Being able to afford what you want in life but in a modest way. It’s also making the best out of what you have although happiness is of late attached to money.

What is your greatest fear?

Failure and for that reason I am a perfectionist who does not tolerate excuses on results. I have also learnt to shape my life.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I am temperamental who at times never wants to be stepped on.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Lazy people; if you cannot do something for me, rather you tell me than relying on you where there are no results.

Which living person do you most admire?

Justice Julia Ssebutinde and Margaret Ssekajja; I have this opportunity to let them know. These two people have stood up for the rights of people, never compromised and soldiered on to greater ranks.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Cars; I currently drive a Benz S320 but my dream car is a Vogue. The beauty about it is that I am getting there.

What is your current state of mind?

I am living my dream as an artist, movie star and media personality which makes me relaxed.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Politics; the whole country is now on tenterhooks as the general elections near.

On what occasion do you lie?

When I am acting but I would also lie if the intention is to protect someone.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

My big nose; it’s distinctively made that every one attacks it if they want to annoy me.

Which living person do you most despise?

I despise character not any specific person; I never associate with lazy people.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Truthfulness and honesty; you don’t have to be my friend for me to work with you but I would love to work with an honest man.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Confidence and hard working; such a woman has a choice and is not vulnerable.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

That’s something I have not taken note of; for one reason, I am free with words and tend to explore more. Never the less, my employees say I use the word pertinent frequently.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

Not one but three; there are three women in my life; my mother Hajati Ssemwogerere, wife Stella Mukiibi and daughter Jemimah.

When and where were you happiest?

On my wedding day in 2008; my wife had a particular car (Freelander) that she always adored so I surprised her with it on that day and we were all filled with joy. She still owns it to date.

Which talent would you most like to have?

Playing drums; either English or traditional, they just excite me.

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

I wish I could work less and spend more time with my family and friends; it is something that my family is not happy about.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Being part of the team behind Delta TV; we have built it from scratch over the last four years but getting it on air has not been a smooth journey.

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

I would still want to come back as I am; I love myself and I am my own fan.

Where would you most like to live?

Uganda for it’s a beautiful country.

What is your most treasured possession?

A few years back, my wife lured me into farming and it has been a fabulous experience observing how things grow. My farm is something that I continuously adore.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Losing a father who has been a friend; my father was in a comma for 17 days and I didn’t have a chance for his last words.

What is your favorite occupation?

I am living my dream as a media personality and actor.

What is your most marked characteristic?

People around me say that am very tough although I think I am just ugly.

Who are your favorite writers?

I read almost everything administrative and artistic but the dictionary is my favourite. It makes me informed.

Who is your hero of fiction?

Christopher Mukiibi; I have taken up his acting style of late. His expression on stage being himself and natural; for every actor, creating a stage presence from the audience is the goal.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Abu Mayanja; my father named me after him for his intellectual legacy. He did his best at that time

Who are your heroes in real life?

My mother who has always been there for me and my wife who is part of me.