Robert Bake is the founder of World of Inspiration, which organises the monthly Authors’ Forum sessions. He’s also a published author and motivational speaker. Dennis D. Muhumuza caught up with him.
Your name Bake sounds exotic for a Mukiga man
These days abbreviating and “acronyming” is the thing. Heard of Leokardia calling herself LK? Bake is short for Bakeshabira Ruhanga Aheiguru Bererize Emikono Bafukami Ahansi Bagaruka Bamusima!
What a mouthful! So how would you describe yourself in a few lines?
A young author determined to transform society. A God-loving man that wouldn’t trade his faith for anything. A Mukiga that won’t allow anything to stand in his way of success. A sociable and fun-loving husband-to-be, ha ha ha!
What’s your fascination with inspirational things?
When I am inspired I can do in one hour what I wouldn’t accomplish in two days when not inspired.
What’s the most inspirational quote you’ve ever come across?
“If you cannot fly, run. If you cannot run, walk. If you cannot walk, crawl. By all means keep moving,” by Dr. Martin Luther king, Jr.
Which living person do you admire most and why?
Barack Obama. He challenged history and proved that nothing is impossible under the sun.
And who in your opinion is the best Ugandan motivational speaker?
Patrick Bitature. He’s mastered the art of bringing out simple principles that many people take for granted and yet are crucial for our success.
What’s the most fascinating thing about the Authors’ Forum?
The fact that it’s where nation-changers meet. Imagine the interaction amongst Uganda’s top authors, motivational speakers, artistes, media personnel and business people. It’s a whole package of real inspiration, empowerment and entertainment.
Do you get comments from ladies about you being a short man?
I haven’t but I if I got one I’d say, “Short men don’t easily fall down, because we have a good relationship with the law of gravity. Besides by being closer, we always know better what’s on the ground!”
Do you dislike anything about your appearance?
Nothing! I’m fearfully and wonderfully made. I wish my fiancée was here to tell you!
What do you consider the measure of man?
What society gains from him during his lifetime and after he’s gone.
When were you happiest?
When someone rung from Eastern Europe to tell me my book, Tapping God’s Blessings: Keys to Open Doors of Success in Your Life, had made him reverse his decision to commit suicide.
What’s your greatest fear?
Parenting my children in this dot com era.
What traits do you deplore most in others?
I hate laziness, drunkenness, homosexuality, corruption, and self-pity – they are all anti-progress.
What would you bring back to life if you could help it?
I’d raise Shakespeare and Dr Martin Luther King Jr, so I could enjoy the story of Romeo and Juliet and the speech I have a Dream, respectively, from the horse’s mouth.
When did you last cry and why?
A few minutes ago; I was crying to God to save this nation from child-sacrifice.
What’s your favourite scent?
Ask the people of Zanzi or Hakuna Matata; they’ll tell you.
Which song would you have played at your burial?
Basiima Ogenze by Dr Chameleone!
And how would your epitaph read?
Here lies a man that stamped the footprints of God in human hearts using his pen.
To whom would you most likely say sorry and why?
My fiancée – for taking so long to find her!
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Maybe sleep, ha ha!
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
Pablo, so he could kill my guests with laughter!
What has been your biggest disappointment?
In S.1 when my head teacher wrote on my report: “Your academic performance is far below standard...!” But that disappointment turned into an appointment for bigger things!
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Publishing three books before the age of 30.
If you could edit your past, what would you change?
I’d cut out and throw into the recycle bin the time I wasted looking for a job instead of creating jobs for myself and others.
What is the greatest love of your life?
Definitely God. Then some African queen that I won’t unveil now.
Finally, tell us something funny for the road
Kampala is the only place in Uganda where drivers don’t keep left; they keep on what’s left after the potholes!
--Sunday Monitor, February 21, 2010