JOHN TUMUKUNDE, aka AK47, is the reigning light weight kickboxing champion. Quick Talk recently caught up with the 28-year-old sportsman at the Ibamba restaurant in Kitante.
Did you just say you are AK47? You know there was a musician going by that stage name…
By the way, by the time he came onto the scene, I was already using that as my stage name. But I was not bothered since he was an artiste and I am a kickboxer. Those are two different things; so, there would not be any form of confusion.
But why AK47? That is a weapon of mass misery!
As a soldier, I was exposed to different types of guns but among all of them, I liked the AK47. [Speaking enthusiastically:] It has both auto and semi auto settings. It works non-stop, even in water. [Hmm. Quick Talk has never imagined the weapon to be that sophisticated]. So, when I chose it, my colleagues agreed because that is how I fight.
So, you also rain blows and kicks endlessly?
[Before Quick Talk completes her question:] Everywhere! Hehehe. If you have watched my match, then you know I am truly an AK47.
I hope you have something to show for it.
I have nine gold medals in total in amateur boxing from Italy, Greece and other countries. I started professional boxing in 2012 and out of my 24 fights, I have lost only one. The rest are wins and I have four knock outs. I have one belt so far and I am a lightweight world champion.
Do hardened kickboxers like you also cry?
Sijja kulimba [I will not lie to you] I don’t remember when I last cried. The only thing that would have made me cry was my father’s death, but he died when I was young. My younger brother and I grew up with our mother. We missed out on our dad’s love and we didn’t study much.
We faced a lot of challenges, because we had no father. For me, I was hardened right from childhood. [Tumukunde was born in Ntungamo to the late Fred Barigye and Christine Kemirembe. His parents later migrated to Ngoma, but he was raised in Luzira by his mum.]
Oh sorry! How far did you go with education?
I was only able to complete O-level. I could not go ahead due to lack of finances; so, I decided to join the army where I am currently a sergeant. I did my primary at Bombo Army primary school and I was at Bombo secondary school for my O-level.
Are you dating anyone?
I have a wife. She is called Peace Ndagire. We met in Bombo barracks. Her sister, who is a soldier, is my neighbour. [Quick Talk can almost imagine those early meetings and rendezvous…] We have two children.
And are you a hands-on dad?
Yes, I am. When I am at home, I am a totally different person from when I am in the ring. I help with housework, I cook some simple meals that I know how to prepare and also help out with the kids. [Good for Ndagire!]
Moving on, what is your dream car?
[Without hesitation] A Jeep! I love it a lot. Mmotoka nsajja! [it is truly masculine] It is a big, strong car and it looks good. I really love that car. [Clearly, for Tumukunde a Jeep is a Jeep. Don’t worry his head about models and types, as long as it is a Jeep.]
Finally, who is that one kickboxer you can’t wait to fight?
Ronald Mugula, the former world champion. [Not Moses Golola? Bannange, what happened to that guy? It does not seem to be a topic many professional kickboxers want to get into; so, I say my goodbyes.]
pbaike@yahoo.com
