Last Wednesday evening, Quick Talk caught up with renowned kickboxer, TITUS TUGUME aka Hard Rock.
The soft-spoken 31-year- old soldier-cum-sportsman talked about his spiritual life, love life and retirement plans.
You surprised us with a university degree last year…
Yes. I want to change the attitude people have towards sportsmen. They think we are illiterate people; so, when I got a chance to further my education, I decided to pursue my degree in public administration and management at Kampala University. I am now doing a master’s in International Relations at the same university.
So serious with studies! Won’t it affect your career?
No. For me, education is very important. When I retire from sports, I plan to have a good job somewhere in an office; so, I am preparing myself for that life. I also offer full bursaries with accommodation and meals to young kick boxers so that they can have a good fallback position after retiring from sports.
[Tugume was born in Kashekuro, Kitagata, Sheema to the late Yoab Babundabyaho and Naome Kamarembo. He went to Kashekuro primary school, Kakanju primary school, St Kaggwa secondary school and Ngabo secondary school. He also coaches karate and Taekwondo at Kampala University.]
Tell me about a typical day in your life.
My days are usually busy. I wake up at 4.30am and prepare myself for my morning run and other workouts at 5am. After that, I wash my car – I wash it myself everyday. [Eh, some car love there!] I then prepare to go out for my daily errands. As a sports coach at Kampala University,
I also have to be there. I meet my coach and sponsors.
In the evening, I train at the Auto Spa gym and go home. [Basically, two workouts a day! Being a star at anything is no simple job!] I usually sleep after midnight.
And still wake up at 4.30 am?
Yes. I am used to that. You know I am a soldier so, I don’t need to sleep so much. I don’t even set an alarm. My body is just used to being awake at that time. Even if I sleep at 2.30 am, I will be up as soon as it is 4.30am.
Doctors will not be happy with your sleeping hours; at least you find time to hang out…
No. I hardly go out to party. I live in Munyonyo and have full membership at Auto Spa. They have a nice nightclub. As a member, I can get in freely and get free services for me and my guests but I rarely go there. I don’t even drink alcohol and I don’t like dancing; so, that is not my kind of place. The few times I go there, I just take a soda and then go home.
So, what is your kind of place?
Church. In my free time, when I am not at gym training, I am at ETM church along Salaama road. I love reading and quoting the Bible.
Actually, if I was not a soldier and sportsman, I would be spending most of my time doing God’s work.
Ok, tell me about your family.
I have two kids from my previous relationship. I also have a girlfriend.
Oh, what is her name?
I call her Sweetie. But let me first ask her if she is okay with me mentioning her name. [After about three minutes of chatting with his girlfriend, he tells meher name is Ruth.]
Wow! Do you also ask for her opinion or permission to do other things?
I do, because I really respect her. You know, respect is very important if a relationship is to last. We have been together for two years and I can’t wait to marry her. She is at Mbarara University [of Science and Technology] and she is finishing school this year. I can’t live with her until I have married her.
So, would you share your phone’s password with Ruth?
[In a matter of fact tone:] Do you think I can hide anything from the one I love? For me I am a very faithful person; I have nothing to hide
in my phone. Actually, most of the time I am with my girlfriend, she is the one who carries my phone.
Of course when she sees something she is doubtful about, we talk about it. I wouldn’t want to annoy my loved one by creating mistrust. But I never touch hers.
Hope she also keeps your ATM card…
Hahaha. Of course I keep my own ATM card, but once in a while, when she needs money and it is there, I trust her enough to get what she needs. But do you think I have a lot of money on my account? You also know our country when it comes to sports financing. But all the same, I am happy with my career, because whatever I have, I got from kickboxing.
pbaike@yahoo.com
