THE LOW DOWN - PETER MUKURU
The Editorial Team of the Kampala South Rotary Times thought Peter Mukuru is most fascinating person this week and followed him up to get know what makes him ticks.
ET: WHO IS ROTARIAN PETER?
PK: My first encounter with Rotary was around 1996 while in the mighty Namilyango College, when, together with other colleagues, we started the Interact Club of Namilyango College that was sponsored by Rotary Club of Kyambogo. Interestingly I later join RC Kampala south in 2004 which also happens to be a baby of RC Kyambogo. I have served as attendance officer, SAA, and currently IT Officer. I have served on the club administration committee as well. My classification is Information Technology Services.
ET: OUTSIDE ROTARY?
PK: I am a father of two lovely boys – Karl and Kraig. Karl is about 5 minutes older than Kraig. The boys’ mother is my gorgeous wife and friend Clare.I have great friends in different age groups. I easily fit in with the old guys as I do with the young ones. I want to believe that my friends know that I will be there for them no-matter what. I am also not so good with keeping up appearances.
ET: FUN & GAMES
PK: I used to play volley ball back in school. I don’t want to bet on my performance on the court now. Except for business purposes, I am not good with animals as pets.
ET: DOWN TO BUSINESS
PK: I joined rotary for service, fun and networking. It’s a great thing to know that through my humble effort and contribution, I am able to touch and change a life of a less privileged person.
ET: WHAT IS YOUR HIGHER CALLING?
PK: I wanted to be a pilot when I grew up. I still want to be a pilot when I grow up – not as a career, but a skill or for fun. I have checked with some of the training schools and one of these days I am going back to school (mature entry). And of course have financial independence.
ET: A WORD TO THE WISE
PK: Two “words”….
· “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” – Ralph Emerson.
· “You never have a second chance to make the first impression”
ET: BOOKWORM
PK: I do buy a book every month, whether or not I read it is another thing. But four books come to mind
· Who moved my cheese by Spencer Johnson – a great inspiration about change.
· Grapes of Wrath by John Steinback – a great story about Hope even in the toughest of times
· Good to Great by Jim Collins – a good reading about what makes companies great.
· Who says elephants cant dance by Louis Gerstner – the story of IBM’s turnaround.
ET: CRAZY BIN
PK: May be some secrets are better left in the closet! But I can safely say that I do love speed. I sometimes like to push my car beyond 180kph, with the stereo blasting some nice songs.
ET: LAST WORD
PK: Two things
· I am proud to be in the business of service to humanity. We are one on this planet. Let’s help those who are less privileged than ourselves.
· Dance as though no one is watching you (you can google that for a more lengthy version).