Peter Sematimba on his love for God and good clothes

By Agnes E. Nantaba

Peter Sematimba is a businessman, pastor, and incoming MP for Busiro South. He spoke to Agnes E Nantaba about juggling business, politics and pastoral work

Any three things we don’t know about you?

This is the first media interview in the last five years having utilised that time to rebuild the strategy that has led me to victory as MP elect for Busiro South.

I have been very open to expressing my identity to the world. Aside from that I remain a great believer in God.

As a young boy, I was greatly inspired by my mother Mary Wanyana Sematimba (RIP) for her determined pursuit of the best. It breaks my heart knowing that she is not around to witness the success in the MP elections.

My first Physical Education class at Kitante Primary School opened up the realities of the world; it’s when I chose to work hard, excel and be smarter than even white kids such that my children don’t suffer the embarrassment I faced.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

It’s a sense of joy despite what’s happening around you.

What is your greatest fear?

There can’t be a worse disaster than being forsaken by God.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I think I can do things with greater urgency than I do it now.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Society has so many issues so it’s best to be part of the solution.

Which living person do you most admire?

President Museveni; it takes an incredible mind to organise 26 men to take over a nation.

What is your greatest extravagance?

I sow in the Lord because then I am sure of reaping. However I also like good clothes, cars, and comfortable homes.

What is your current state of mind?

Relaxed.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

The freedom of speech and expression.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

I am living a content life.

Which living person do you most despise?

Anyone who is selfish and short-sighted.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Loyalty to God and the responsibilities before him.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Loyalty to things that glorify God.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

I am a man of ‘steady…steady’.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

Loving one more than the other creates unnecessary grading of relationships .

When and where were you happiest?

I have been extremely happy many times .

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

To think and perceive more than I do it currently.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Getting into a personal relationship with God.

Where would you most like to live?

I believe in experiencing a life of different places.

What is your most treasured possession?

My relationship with God.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Not knowing your worth as a human being .

What is your favorite occupation?

Being me; I am a father, entrepreneur, leader and preacher of God’s word.

What do you most value in your friends?

Loyalty.

Who is your hero of fiction?

The writers of Sci-fi movies express the realities that people are too scared to deal with.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

I love Obama and President Museveni for different reasons.

Who are your heroes in real life?

My father inspires me with his managerial skills. I also look up to people like Bill Gates, Barrack Obama and Mark Zuckerberg; they create new trends that positively affect society.

What is your greatest regret?

It took me longer to recognise that I didn’t have to run for Kampala Mayor twice.

How would you like to die?

I expect chariots that took up Elijah to pick me up and drop me in heaven.

What is your motto?

Don’t waste your life because your are here for a purpose.