I’m still looking for my queen

By Joan Akello

Moses Golola, the 34-year old national kickboxing champion talks to The Independent’s Joan Akello about the sport and early retirement plans.

Any three things we don’t know about you?

I love my country, a prayer warrior, no joke, want to retire after my international fight in April next year to promote sports and also get married though I am still looking for my queen. I give kickboxing 98 percent yet women want a lot of attention.

What has made you succeed in kickboxing?

I’ve always wanted to be a champion since childhood. I started boxing in 1995 and left in 2000. You fight but you do not get anything from boxing, not even a sweet to motivate your lips. I joined kickboxing in 2001 but left for Tanzania. When I returned, media people like Lugudo Bashir Khan (RIP) of NBS and Patrick Kanyomozi made kickboxing famous. Now, if you want to be famous fight Golola.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

When you are winning. When I win, I can even fail to sleep for two days.

What is your greatest fear?

Disappointment.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I’m so merciful yet I’ve got a temper. Some people are no joke.

Which living person do you most admire?

Golola because I can’t admire (Floyd) Mayweather Jr. who is in America. Maybe the Kabaka because he is treasured so much and the President because he is never stuck in jam.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Food.

What is your current state of mind?

Thinking a lot about Uganda, Golola Foundation; lifting up the youth in the ghetto, even the ghetto president and; my upcoming Kiwatowato show.

What do you consider most exaggerated?

The role of the government, is it the one to give you a job?

On what occasion do you lie?

Lies work for conmen; apart from joking that when I look at a woman she will get pregnant, I don’t.

What do you dislike about your appearance?

I wish I was 7 feet, I’m about 5 feet.

Which living person do you most despise?

Shallow minded people because we work according to our minds.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Smart in his appearance and has wisdom.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Very respectable and creative.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

Jesus Christ, I cannot spend a day without talking to Jesus.  I’ve cried to God to give me the anointing to be loved. People do not appreciate even if you love them so much.

When and where were you happiest?

Not yet, I ‘m still young in fighting and number two in the world ranking. I’ll be happiest when I become number one.

Which talent would you most like to have?

Being an entertainer.

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

I wouldn’t want to be a woman.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I’m still chasing the dream, being famous is not my achievement, I want to be a living hero, I have to lift up children who will bring Uganda a gold medal.

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

A lion or priest; because I would have seen heaven or hell, it would be a story to tell the church.

Where would you most like to live?

Quiet place probably a village.

What is your most treasured possession?

My smile.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

People who suffer out of ignorance yet they have the ability.

What is your favorite occupation?

I’m a freestyle person so anything can keep me busy.

What is your most marked characteristic?

Happy and aggressive since I was in my mother’s womb; she did not suffer in labour and I did not cry. I instead slapped the nurse and she cried.

Who are your favorite writers?

I’m not a man of books.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Muammar Gaddafi, he loved and wanted Africa to be independent and united. If all the presidents of Africa recognise this, there will be big difference.  When he died, I saw that this will not happen.

Who are your heroes in real life?

President Museveni. He has done great things for Uganda. If only he had helpful ministers.

What are your favorite names?

Golola, Kipsiro, Kiprotich, Nyakana

What is it that you most dislike?

People who mistreat people and also that people who love and work for Uganda are ignored. Majid Musisi who promoted football died a peasant, Kassim Ouma is hiding, and Mugabi is washing plates in Australia. Why we are not valued? I will ask the president.

What is your greatest regret?

I don’t want to regret. Before you do something, meditate about it.

How would you like to die?

As an old man, where I will call my grand grandsons and give them my last word, share my life experience and have the last supper with them.

What is your motto?

I do not give up.