The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Sam Bagenda’s Liteside
Any three things we don’t know about you?
Modesty is one. I am also very patient to the extent that it gets annoying at some point. I am also a people person and when it gets to those who appreciate my work, it takes no time for me to smile and mix with them. I treasure such love and support .
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
My children are my happiness; with seven girls and one boy, my relationship with them is more of colleagues so we can jazz about anything.
What is your greatest fear?
Being embarrassed in public is something I fear so much that is why I am so conscious of my words and actions.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I tolerate a lot which makes me slow to anger but when I am really angered and can’t hold it anymore, it gets to my nerves and I may fail to control it.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Deceit, hypocrisy, and betrayal.
Which living person do you most admire?
I admire JW Katende Ssembajjwe because as a lawyer, businessman and actor, he has mentored and inspired me a lot. I have borrowed a leaf from some of his work ways and found myself very successful in one way or the other.
Andrew Benon Kibuuka is another one who has mentored me in the arts industry; so I still admire him.
What is your greatest extravagance?
I spend a lot on other people not only on my family but others because I realise how important education is as an investment.
What is the greatest thing you have ever done?
It’s still work in progress.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
The whole thing about high class living. We tend to want to live a big life that we haven’t worked for or even achieved. Even the young people are indoctrinated into that kind of life of wanting to get there quickly
What does being powerful mean to you?
Prof. Maggie Kigozi is a true description of a powerful person; she is educated, runs her business so well, inspired so many people including young people and raised her children. From her, I have learnt that it’s not all about money but the respect you are accorded in society.
On what occasion do you lie?
When greeted, I am quick to say that I am fine even when all may not well. And in the wife husband affair, I may be forced to sugarcoat to move on with the happy life.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I am still trying to cut weight because as an entertainer, I need to be a little bit lighter.
Which living person do you most despise?
I strive to live a happy life; so I don’t have time to waste on despising people.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Being empathetic.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
It all goes back to being empathetic and understanding.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
I love my children and wife in equal measure. Even when some have really grown and can fend for themselves, I still follow up to help direct their paths.
When and where were you happiest?
As a young actor, I used to admire Sylvester Stallone and always wished to meet him and in 2010, I had the opportunity to visit Hollywood and one of the people I met was him.
I also remember in 2011 when I and my family had a Christmas holiday together. I enjoyed the moment.
Recently when the president honored me with a medal of appreciation for my role in the industry was an awesome moment. I have received several awards before like best actor in the country for 15 consecutive years and actor of the millennium but the one from the president was very humbling.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?
As a human being and doing exactly what I am doing because I have enjoyed it all.
Where would you most like to live?
East or west, home is the best so I love to stay in Uganda.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
We are all potential prisoners but it’s something I don’t wish anyone to go through.
What is your favorite occupation?
Acting is passion and part of my life.
What do you most value in your friends?
The advice I get from them.
Who are your favorite writers?
I am not attached to any writer but most things that interest me are related to history and culture.
Who is your hero of fiction?
I love Harrison Ford’s acting style.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Nelson Mandela is a humble man who lived a life that will forever be celebrated.
What is your greatest regret?
I may have made some mistakes in my life but they are not too big to regret.
What is your motto?
Persistence, patience, passion and prayer solve it all.
