Fancy dating a politician?

Betty Amongi Ongom, the Member of Parliament for Oyam County South

What you need to know:

SOUND OFF. Would you fancy being a politician’s spouse? Christine Katende asked around.

The good and bad
Betty Amongi Ongom, the Member of Parliament for Oyam County South is a wife to a politician. She says being a spouse to a politician has smiles and frowns, however, one needs to be a patient and above all, spouses need to involve each other in decision making, and be transparent to build and strengthen trust.

“It is sweet having a politician as a spouse because it comes with leverage on many issues depending on the circumstances. It is also easier to handle certain issues given the name recognition, respect and privilege that come with it. The biggest challenge for me is the people who frequently storm my home, depriving me and the children of our privacy. It is also difficult when our family time is overtaken by political issues, and children may never see their father because he comes back late. It sometimes becomes hard to even involve him in any of the family programmes due to his uncertain programmes. But I understand since we are in the same career.”

What others say

"Would I have run mad to have a politician as my husband? If I hate politics itself, where else can I get the guts to even bring such a person close to me? Besides the lots of money they earn, I can never be comfortable with him or whatever he does. Being in the limelight means living a public life, who on earth wants to be exposed all the time? More still, there will be unending wrangles and arguments from his opponents which might put our lives at risk. Aggie Nantezza, businesswoman

"I wouldn’t even try dating him because we all know how dirty politics can get. The so many things involved like fights and wrangles that normally come from the position have continuously turned my heart off. Besides, they are too busy for life, their meetings never end. If he is not in a meeting, he has travelled for a seminar or gone to a far village for burial. I hate such. Lillian Nambatya, caterer

"A politician as a wife! Never, why would I waste time with someone who will never find time for me. They are so busy, always traveling in and out of country, they never settle at home and on top of that, she will never respect me given the kind of people she interacts with. Really, I will totally be nothing compared to those loaded men she meets every day. John Fisher Yiga, chef

"A part from that exposure which is really an individual benefit, I wouldn’t wish to because politics needs a lot of time in order to deliver. So, this practically shows that she will never have time for me and the family due to the so many movements and engagements involved. And still, politics has a lot of propaganda, hearing something bad about wife, true or false will leave me hurt which I can’t bear. Joseph Bbale Bwanika, councillor

"I would, no matter the kind of challenges involved like torture and disrespect more so during the time of arrest by the police. I know it comes with tension more so when he leaves home but so long as there is love and trust between us, there is no reason why I wouldn’t stand by him. Having such a person as a lover needs one to be more patient and tolerant, it’s the only way to achieve a good life. Rose Nassuna, businesswoman

I see no problem with it because being a politician does not make him less of a man and besides, if I decide to love him, it will be for who he is, his personality. A politician is just like any other person, so being a public figure, he is bound to face so many challenges and nothing which needs me to stand by him as my loved one. Politics cannot really stop me from going in for the man I love. Maria Babirye, manager

"No I wouldn’t, I am not even interested. Those guys are liars, they are never straight forward, and they are cheats. You can never know what he is thinking, even when he is traveling out of the country, he will only tell you when he is at the airport or at his destination. They always create room for doubt which is not called for in a relationship. Susan Tazi, student

"I have no objection though I am not a fan of politics. However, people have different goals and dreams which is not easy to change so what matters most is someone’s behaviour and attitude towards a relationship and family. The other thing would be if she doesn’t involve me in her political issues because it’s none of my business. Ivan Zirintuusa, I.T specialist