Elizabeth Kasujja: Queen’s award winner

Elizabeth Kasujja’s Liteside

Any three things that we don’t know about you?

I am a God fearing person and this means that God is at the centre of everything about me. I am very personal with my relationships which is why I keep a small circle of friends around me. I am also an ambivert.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

It is something felt within. It’s always centered around people and moments or those you would call little tit bits.

What is your greatest fear?

I was raised in an environment where I was pumped with all the weapons against fear.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I am a soft person which is why it’s very easy to take advantage of me. Sometimes I over commit to running so many errands.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Dishonesty.

Which living person do you most admire?

My parents Margaret and David Kasujja Kalule. I have drawn so much inspiration from them. They loved us in abundance and taught us to share.

What is your greatest extravagance?

I like to spend on my nephews and nieces. What is the greatest thing you have ever done? Sustaining CYM because raising the resources has been a struggle without any external funding. However this has come with a lot of appreciation from the community.

What is your current state of mind?

I am happy. What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Other people’s opinions; most people mind so much about what their environment will take them for. We should learn to own the universe around us and do our best within that framework.

What does being powerful mean to you?

Wealth, wisdom, knowledge of God and self-discovery.

The ability to positively influence people and this starts with the ability to make them listen to you.

On what occasion do you lie?

I refrain from telling lies. Most times, I choose to avoid the situation. What do you most dislike about your appearance? I have accepted my insecurities and fallen in love with the person in me.

Which living person do you most despise?

I don’t have too much energy to spend on such negativity.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

God fearing.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

God fearing.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

Our whole extended family.

When and where were you happiest?

When I was selected for the Mandela Washington Fellowship in 2017. It was really exciting for the family. I was also happy sharing the news with my parents right after the handshake with the queen. It’s a moment they always longed for since they named me after her.

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

I wouldn’t change a thing.

Where would you most like to live?

I continue to fall in love with the little things in Uganda. Things like the smiles and people’s hospitality make Uganda the best home.

What is your most treasured possession?

The persona in me; there is a positive effect that I have on people.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Getting to a point where the only option is to take their life. Suicide doesn’t take away the burden but just multiplies and transfers to your own people.

What is your favorite occupation?

Being able to heal people psychologically.

What do you most value in your friends?

Different people relate differently with others. I value the mutual benefit.

Who are your favorite writers?

Sigmund Freud’s psychology writings teach me a lot. I also love reading ‘Rhythm of Life’ by Mathew Kelly. I like the so many lessons that both authors tell in story form. They take you through a whole journey with a character which gives you a chance to walk your own journey.

What is your greatest regret?

I wish I had gone to the flying school. It’s an experience that I still want to walk. However, I also believe that everything happens for a reason; so for wherever I am, no regrets. How would you like to die? I don’t want to die.

What is your motto?

‘Never give up’ and ‘Gakyali Mabaga’