‘I laugh even about things that are not funny’

Jackie Lumbasi is a presenter on Capital FM’s Morning Show and a news anchor on UBC TV. PATRICIA NAKAGGAWA spoke to her.
When are you happiest?
Whenever I go out of my way to help someone in need. For instance, I was really happy when I helped get a paralysed old man off the street recently. He’d been there for several days and it was during the rainy season, but no one had given him a second thought. I desperately looked for the police and helped take him to Mulago Hospital.

What is your greatest fear?
Losing any of my nuclear family members: dad, mum and my four siblings. That scares me!

Which living person do you most admire and why?
My parents. They have lived an exemplary life, raising us to smile even in the toughest times. They taught us the value of sharing even when we do not have enough for ourselves.

What is your most embarrassing moment?
Falling off a boda boda at the Kayunga Road junction when the traffic jam was heaviest! Luckily I was not hurt.
I really laughed at myself though and was embarrassed because men were staring at me.

What is your most treasured possession?
An iPod I received as a gift from a friend.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?
Nothing specific. I love the whole of me.

What is your most unappealing habit?
I laugh even about things that are not funny.

What is your favourite scent?
I am an all-scent person…depends on what my sister buys me. She loves perfumes and always gets one for me.

What is the worst thing anyone’s said to you?
There was this man who had a crush on me. I rejected him and he asked me who the hell I thought I was.
I looked him from head to toe, gave him a piece of my mind and left him staring. He later apologised.

When did you last cry and why?
In July this year, when I lost my paternal grandfather; I literally wailed! He was a good person.

To whom would you most like to say sorry and why?
Saying sorry is part of my nature so if there is anyone I am supposed to tell, I am sure I have already told them. If I haven’t, they don’t deserve it.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My family.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Being able to counsel young people. I am happiest when they email to say the advice worked.

What song would you like played at your funeral?
Any song…I’d be dead anyway, so those alive can play whatever pleases them.