MP Mbwatekamwa Gaffa; on love for dogs and his unusual name

Mbwatekamwa Gaffa’s Liteside

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

I am very assertive; if I am to do something, I will confirm straightaway. Being assertive has contributed a lot to my self-esteem.  I am also very comic and if I want to make you laugh, I will do it. I believe that I am also very friendly to most people.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

The definition of happiness is broken down to mean neither poor nor rich but living a comfortable life. I don’t want to be among the richest people in the country but I want to live a comfortable life.

What is your greatest fear?

Assertiveness has helped me to curb my fears.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Being so assertive does not go well with some people. I have hurt many including my immediate family.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Hypocrisy is not a good.

Which living person do you most admire?

In Africa, it is challenging to appreciate someone as he or she lives because you end up being disappointed. At the moment, I don’t admire anyone.

What is the greatest thing you have ever done?

Setting up a charity organisation to cater for vulnerable children of HIV positive clients because our family was one of the most hit. Many relatives succumbed to HIV. Just recalling the memories tells me that I have to something more in that line if not being limited by resources.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

In Uganda, we normally concentrate on trivial issues like people’s ethnicity to make decisions. We end up making stereotypes about tribes basing on one individual. It has done more harm than good from home to work and other institutions.

What does being powerful mean to you?

Being empowered with all the life skills and this guides in effective decision making.

On what occasion do you lie?

I can tell lies for the purposes of saving life.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

I am weighing 80kgs and my body has not allowed to change even after struggles to weigh down.

Which living person do you most despise?

I despise President Museveni because he is a person who camouflages like a chameleon. The words he said when he was in the bush or even swearing in as president have since changed so I can no longer believe in him.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

I appreciate natural beauty and high self-esteem.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Responsibility to family.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My beautiful wife, Atuhiire Dona and elder brother Cuthbert Gaffa for standing by us to ensure that we survive.

When and where were you happiest?

The day my wife introduced me to her family in 2005. I was also very happy coming through as an MP and most recently when my colleagues who had been arrested in Arua were finally granted bail.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I have not yet exploited the comic character in me. I also like wrestling and boxing but I have not had the chance to go at them.

What is your most treasured possession?

My dogs; a dog is very loyal, will never disappoint or take a bribe to terminate you. They can provide security and they are a source of income.

What is your favorite occupation?

Being a health worker is fulfilling; people believe in you being a life savior and at the end of the day, you feel fulfilled seeing someone recover and smile.

What do you most value in your friends?

Outgoing.

Who are your favorite writers?

Chinua Achebe in ‘Things fall apart’; from a humble beginning, despised by the whole community, Okonkwo was forced to work hard and emerged victorious.  I also like George Orwell in the ‘Animal Farm’; I imagine someone who sat and thought about what he highlighted in his book being real life.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Nelson Mandela never thought that because he had liberated South Africans, he should be life president. Even when people still loved and needed him, he chose to step down.

What is your greatest regret?

The most regrettable decision is joining NRM because we have failed to deliver on the promises we made to our people.

How would you like to die?

I would love to go having raised my children to adulthood.

What is your motto?

Love for all and hatred for none.