Teaching was good, comedy is better

Obedi Karim Lubega

What is your typical day like?
I only wake up for prayers at 6am, then sleep between 1pm and 4pm. After, I prepare for the different gigs. Work starts at 7pm with performances in different places. On average, I have four gigs. However, it gets hectic at the weekend. Every Tuesday I rehearse for Honourables, a TV series.

My first time on stage as a comedian……
In 2016, I got sweaty palms and nervous at Waikiki pub at Centenary Park. I talked very fast, I paced the stage the entire time.

You say you were a teacher. What was your first experience like?
The worst. I was teased and made fun of by pupils during my first teaching practice. On entering the classroom I was nervous and never made eye contact with any of the pupils. Addressing the class was hard. However, after teaching for a couple days, I gained confidence.

How do you spend your free time?
I don’t think I have any free time because I work in the night and go to bed at 4am. What I call free time is the time I am working on comic scripts with friends. It is hard to find free time away from my job.

My first job was...
Selling chapattis and kikomando in Mengo and my first pay was Shs5,000 every day.

What was your first time on stage like?
After months of rehearsing, the first time I stood on stage I failed to perform. I was shy, I remember stammering and before long Kato Lubwama had sent me way.

What are the memories of your first date?
I was in first year at the teacher’s college. Instead of me making the first move, the girl did. Confessing her love for me felt weird, but I accepted her proposal. We were at the school canteen and the best I would buy her then was cassava.
The second time we met I bought her a rolex. However, our relationship ended in Year Two.

My best film is...
Prison Break, a series I watch over and over again. I find every character interesting with lessons from each one of them. Michael Scofield keeps me anxious.

What annoys you the most?
People who disrespect others. Everyone deserves respect regardless of who they are. You never know what the future has in store for that person you think is not worth your respect.

Best moment is...
The time I first had sex. However, the moment was interrupted by a friend who was least expected.

Worst moment...
In 2016, while on stage with a colleague ready to perform, the MC hid the second microphone at the Twins Bar in Bulenga. We struggled to share the one we had and he got us off the stage. It hurt but we left the stage.

Qualities you would look out for in a woman...
She must have a good body shape, humble, hardworking and supportive. Professionally, this person must be a teacher or nurse and a good cook because I love good food.

Your biggest fear is...
I fear being tested HIV-positive and that explains why I carry condoms with me all the time. Not that I sleep with any woman but for security purposes.
If you caught her cheating would you give her a second chance?
If I love her, why not. However, I first take her for a blood test and this would determine the way forward.

What are your life principles?
I respect everyone despite their status and I love to be respected as well. When people see comedians on stage they think they can take us for granted.
The other you must be humble in order to achieve your desires.

Your must-haves are...
A packet of condoms. My mobile phone because without it I have no business and a jacket, because I work late in the night.

First book I read…
Animal Farm and my favourite character was snowball. He tried to keep everything the same way as the old mayor had said.

Best advice received...
My mother said every decision I make there will always be consequences.