What dad taught me about women

Who is your ideal woman?
An active one with something to keep her occupied. I do not want one who will give me a shopping list of requirements. I at least want her to work for five to eight hours a day. It should be a modern woman who does not just sit back and wait for everything to be delivered on a silver plate.
She must be able to cope with my work schedule which begins at 4am and ends at 9pm. I need someone I can have an intelligent discussion with, with a variety of interests ranging from fast cars, travel, music, food, partying, cars and movies. She should be able to respect my family members and bond with them.

Is this dream girl an Indian, European or African?
Love is not like writing a play where you create characters when you feel like. It is real life. We will cross the bridge when we get to it. I am leaving fate to take its course. But I’m single.

Who is your hero in life?
My dad. He built an empire from scratch to what it is today with a capital of£20,000. He can change a sophisticated idea into a very ordinary one. He has the “Midas Touch” in business. He has a sharp nose for opportunities.
His dream is to create jobs and make Uganda one of the best places to live on earth. He has achieved 60 per cent of his dreams. But his shoes are too big for me to fit in and finish the 40 per cent he has left. Dad has always been there in my life. We are friends, more than the typical father/son intimacy.

There were days we would fo together on holiday in South Africa or Greece. That is no more. The business cannot have both of us away. We still have a pint of beer, but his work schedule remains tight.

He is at work by 5am beginning with the gym, before embarking on books of accounts and making business strategies.His friends comprise politicians, royals, the business fraternity and the ordinary mortals. He handles all of them with their due respect.

Has your father also tipped on how to succeed at relationships?
After I was elevated to the status of director of the Meera Group of Companies, I have mastered the tatics of handling people because my desk is opposite his at Crane Chambers. Of course, after he tells me to always be a man of my word, he whispers, “In future when you get a woman, let her feel like she is in control but make sure that you are.”

He keeps repeating that and and also says, “Show her love and you will see the baby in her but show her cruelty and the devil in her will spring to life.” He has always had Mum’s and our portraits in his office. He says this keeps him focused in every step he takes in life.

Did you feel like you lost a family member when Meera wedded?
No, life is a circuit. I’m proud my older sister has started another chapter with Kotecha whom she loves and wants to spend the rest of her life with. It was emotional to see her off, but it has to happen. It is a landmark in the family history. We continue to support each other as a family.

What are your hobbies?
Getting brilliant business ideas, meeting people with grand business views and making things happen. But I also love Facebook. I have thousands of friends there. Away from the business world, I love luwombo (steamed chicken in banana leaves), smoked beef in groundnut stew, posho and beans.

This is one way I can fight obesity and other health hazards associated with dieting. I smoke Dunhill. Generally, I love to let live the child in me. I love to enjoy life with friends. I love to have a hearty laugh whenever I can. It makes me feel healthier.

business lessons from my father
• Always strive to save and invest.
• Patience and perseverance.
• Make your employees part of the business by paying them on time, recognising and rewarding good work.
• Keep time especially if you are going to meet clients or making deliveries because customer satisfaction is key.
• Always tell the truth and sticking to it.
• Be in the good books of the authorities by paying all taxes and dues.
• Avoid borrowing as much as you can but you can lend.