I spend 95% of my time smiling

By Agnes E. Nantaba

Renowned Uganda comedian Patrick Idringi ‘Salvador’ talked to Agnes E. Nantaba.

Any three things we don’t know about you?

I bite my nails and am addicted to it because I think a lot and when am very nervous, it helps me. I am also very emotional especially with matters of the heart and also because my business is to make people laugh. I am a very down to earth person in real life; on stage its showbiz and portraying a different person.

Who is Salvador?

My real name is Patrick Idringi born 30 years ago in Kampala but later adopted ‘Salvador’ after mimicking Salvador Lorenzo an actor in ‘second chance’ soap opera; I am a telecom engineer by profession but currently a comedian and broadcast personality.

What is the state of Ugandan Comedy and how do you rate it?

Comedy in Uganda is steadily improving. The only challenge that is still holding us back is lack of professionalism.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Understanding yourself and the people around you.

What is your greatest fear?

Failure; I am scared of failing even in the simplest of things. That’s why I have been in one relationship till now.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I don’t want people to differentiate Salvador from Patrick.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Lack of understanding; we can save a lot of effort and pain if we just understand others.

Which living person do you most admire?

Other than my parents Mr. and Mrs. Dawa Lawrence, I mostly admire women; the Nnabagereka of Buganda, Dr. Maggie Kigozi and Florence Mawejje former HR of MTN who gave me the confidence to believe in myself. She told me I am destined for greater things after resigning my job at the company.

What is your greatest extravagance?

My family; wife and daughter because they deserve the best. Ever since I met her, I have not had any regrets on having her as a wife and my daughter’s reaction to me is priceless.

What is your current state of mind?

Relaxed and happy

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Most people overrate love. Some people reach an extent of rating it in monetary terms while others even go out of their way in the name of love.

On what occasion do you lie?

Always due to the nature of my work but not on serious issues; sometimes I just exaggerate the truth but not lie.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

My protruding belly but since it has become part of my work instruments, I have learnt to live with it.

Which living person do you most despise?

Politicians who fail to deliver on their promises.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Honesty; it’s something my father taught me, I still value it.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Patience and understanding.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

May be ‘I am struggling’ because it’s my trademark.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My daughter Abigail Idringi; she has never judged me.

When and where were you happiest?

On March 24, 2013 when I rose to the ranks of a father.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I wish I could be an instrumentalist to play drums or bass guitar.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

That is yet to come but as of now, it is the successful one man’s show that I staged on June2, 2015 at the Kampala Serena Hotel. It was the first of the kind in East Africa.

If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?

President of Uganda because I feel I have a good heart for people.

Where would you most like to live?

I am very patriotic and feel comfortable living in Uganda, the peace and good climate makes Uganda my best country to live.

What is your most treasured possession?

My voice; without it, I would not pull off a successful career in comedy or acting.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Death; you can never estimate the loss that comes with it.

What is your most marked characteristic?

I spend 95% of my time smiling.

What do you most value in your friends?

Loyalty; with it, expect no breakups or disappointments.

Who are your favorite writers?

I am not a reader just like many Ugandans.

Who is your hero of fiction?

Superman; with him, there are no chances of death.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Philly Bongoley Lutaaya; he disclosed his status and devoted energy to fighting HIV/AIDS.

Who are your heroes in real life?

Allen Kagina because of her honesty and hard work; also the queen of Buganda, Nnabagereka Sylvia Nagginda for her role in preserving cultural norms through programmes like Ekisaakate.

What are your favorite names?

Abigail because it means God’s gift to a father and Patrick because it is my name.

What is it that you most dislike?

I have no room for hypocrites.

How would you like to die?

Comfortably in my sleep

What is your motto?

Live every day like it is your last.