Editor's Diary

The Rwanda UK Goodwill Organization-RUGO- has been formed at the initiative of individual Rwandans and Britons in the UK.

It takes its name in English but when abbreviated it becomes Kinyarwanda (language spoken in Rwanda).

RUGO means homestead in Kinyarwanda, a homestead is usually a home of people, therefore it is the family spirit which infuses RUGO”.

The aim of the organisation is to promote and foster close cooperation between the peoples of Rwanda and the peoples of UK with a view to increase awareness of each other in various technical ans social areas, also to identify and support projects for development”.

There is a lot that the peoples in the two respective countries can learn from each other.

I remember a couple of questions I had to answer from a cab driver when he was driving me to Heathrow airport on my way to Kigali.

They sounded basic but they were essential for someone eager to know about a foreign country, they included questions like, can aeroplanes land in your country? Do you speak Hutu or Tutsi language? Is your country situated in the jungle or desert? How did you learn English? etc.

Ironically when I arrived in Rwanda, people in my village asked almost similar questions but now about Britain.

Do the Bazungu ‘White people’ do manual work as we do in Rwanda? Are there poor people? Are there forests? Do you ever eat fresh meat or fruits? etc.

That ignorance prevailing in both communities is not surprising, as the historical background of Rwanda was French orientated.

After obtaining independence in 1962, the successive governments of Rwanda heavily tied their relationships to French speaking countries particularly Belgium, the former colonial master, and France.

The diplomatic relationship with Britain was not established until 1995, thirty three years after independence.

Hence the formation of RUGO has come at an opportune moment and RUGO hopes to help to bridge the gap of the past 33 years.

It is an enomous task but with the determination of the members of RUGO and the blessings of the peoples of both countries it is possible.

We welcome contributions covering events involving members both in Rwanda and UK and you can send any articles you wish to be published in future issues to: The Editor, RUGO NEWSLETTER, 15 Disraeli Close, Thamesmead, SE28 8AP.

Ally Mugenzi
RUGO Information Representative