I have a soft spot for women who cook
Daudi Ochieng is the head of communication at the Uganda Health Marketing Group (UHMG). Stella Nakakande caught up with him and talked about his life and women
Who is Daudi Ochieng?
(Chuckles) that‘s subjective because people think differently. So it is when I look in the mirror, what do I see? I just see an ordinary person trying to make a living.
What do people think of you?
I am ambitious, hardworking and stubborn because I believe in what I do and sometimes changing my mind is hard. Sometimes people do not understand it but I keep to myself most of the time.
What takes up your free time?
(Looks up disbelievingly), of course I like to go to clubs, meet friends because I usually do not see them between Monday and Friday. I get to work at 6:30a.m, leave at 8p.m. and get stuck in jam. So on Friday, I hang out with friends, Saturday with my wife and Sunday I stay home, invite some friends over or take my children out to see their God parents.
And your favourite family time activity?
We all love soccer, my nine-year-old son supports Chelsea, six-year-old daughter- Arsenal, my wife –Liverpool and I support Manchester United. So it is very competitive, we are that kind of dysfunctional family and I really enjoy it. I used to watch soccer from out, but when I discovered that, I stopped.
Which woman inspires you?
Margaret Thatcher. She was one of the most powerful women in this world and yet she was very humble. When she went home, she went to the kitchen, looked after her children, there was always harmony in their home. Balancing all that isn’t hard and she made me realise that there are some special people in this world especially the women.
Are there women who irritate you?
Not at all, I think women are just beautiful (chuckles) even when they nag; there is nothing irritating about them. You can never underestimate what women can do; there are many stories to show that in the bible, and Cleopatra.
Who is your ideal or beautiful woman?
I have a soft spot for women who cook.
Ever been heartbroken?
(He asks if I have; a very uncomfortable subject) of course I have, if you don’t get disappointed, you do not set goals for yourself. It has to happen unless; he is a very good liar. I can’t remember which is which but I got disappointed. I beg to differ from some people who think that when you break up with a person, you are breaking the other person’s heart but may be you are breaking your own heart because you were disappointed.
What are your greatest achievements in life?
They are several; I can’t quantify them in any order. The first was when I was still at campus and was a script writer with CBS, working with Peter Sematimba; I told him the station needed a bump. We scratched our heads for a while but got no ideas until suddenly, I thought of something for the comedians to do the morning show, the famous kalisoliso. The show was about making people happy in the morning as they head to work. I was amazed at how big it became it was number one up to last year.
