Gerry Opoka: on God and Zumba dance

Gerry Opoka’s Liteside

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

I am a life enthusiast; I love the fact that we are alive and it has to count for something. I love God; I understand in a super special way that God is at the centre of everything and I let Him guide me. For everything that I am, do and want is all about love for humanity.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

I have the joy of the Lord in me. I have a joy that surpasses all human understanding. Happiness is an inner feeling; everything around me may be falling apart but I will retain the inner happiness.

What is your greatest fear?

Sometimes I am afraid of my own greatness which sometimes holds me back.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I talk too much.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Pretence; I don’t like people who pretend especially when they try to show that they are better than others. Then they end up putting other people down.

Which living person do you most admire?

Michelle Obama has broken all the barriers; she’s been a first lady, who maintained a record of being clean, sophisticated, intelligent and very well-educated but continued to speak to young minds. She continues to shine even after presidency.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Shoes.

What is the greatest thing you have ever done?

It is still a work in progress.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

We are lying ourselves too much. We need to stop and be more real if we are to move ahead.

What does being powerful mean to you?

The ability and awareness to move people at all levels and directions.

On what occasion do you lie?

Like any other human being, I tell lies although sometimes I find it extremely unnecessary because I am an open person.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

I love everything about myself.

Which living person do you most despise?

I don’t despise people; there is a story behind every behaviour and character.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Patience.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Patience and understanding.

Which words or phrases do you overuse?

I talk a lot so I don’t know of any words that I use more than the rest.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

Mu husband Oscar Kagimu Ssebunya and my daughters Tiyanna and Imani.

When and where were you happiest?

The day I got married on September I, 2018 and the day I had my first child in November 2004.

Which talent would you most like to have?   

I would love to learn writing short stories because I feel like I have a lot to share.

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

Changing a thing about me makes a different person and it changes the entire story. It is exactly who I am that has shaped me.

Where would you most like to live?

Uganda is my only destination to live.

What is your most treasured possession?

A happy heart has taken me through so many things and lightens loads.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

When your freedom is taken away especially freedom to make a choice.

What is your favorite occupation?

I am living my best life as a fitness instructor

What do you most value in your friends?

Openness and being true.

Who are your favorite writers?

I love Jack Carter Richardson’s series of books. They are action books that bring characters to life.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

At some point in my life, Martin Luther King would have been one person to identify with but I got tired of fighting. I need to find another person who gave up on fighting and is okay.

What is your greatest regret?

I don’t regret anything because life is a journey.

How would you like to die?

Slow and painless so I can say bye to my people.

What is your motto?

Do not stop moving but in everything ask God to be with you.

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