Bagambake: The drug addict turned anti-drug abuse activist

As the world celebrates the International Day against drug abuse and drug Trafficking, thousands of Rwandans will flock Rubavu District in a campaign against drug abuse, the latest in a series of such campaigns. The New Times caught up with a former drug addict, Mudashishwa Bagambake, who spoke of the challenges of being addicted to drugs, how he managed to overcome the vice and his resolve to support others in a similar situation. Bagambake argues that the youth need counselling to help them get rid of drug abuse. The 34-year-old recalls how he was always hunted down by the police and how his chances of eluding justice demished by the day. He says most youth are lured into the dangerous lifestyle by their peers, adding that parents need to closely watch over their children. Bagambake has now started a local NGO, Anti Drug abuse Organisation of Rwanda (ADOR), where hundreds of drug addicts go to share their challenges and seek help. Bagambake started abusing drugs at a tender age of 16 and quit after being taken to Iwawa Rehabilitation and Training Centre four years ago. He is now working as a ‘recovery coach’ and mentor at ADOR. My childhood ambition was to be support vulnerable people or those with limited means of survival. Bagambake spent one year at Iwawa rehabilitation centre. Asked how he found life at the centre, the former drug addict smiled and replies: “For the first few weeks, I would sit and think of what had happened to me to end up at the centre.” “I could not get alcohol which was my favourite drink, so I decided to concentrate on the programme at the centre.” Reaching the Rehabilitation centre “My family requested the Ministry for Youth and ICT to take me to Iwawa due to the drugs that had threatened to ruin my life. “When I reached there, I thought it was the end of my life, but thank God the centre transformed my life and has not only transformed me but has also helped me tranform the lives of others. After spending one year at Iwawa, I became disciplined and patriotic and acquired mechanical skills. At Iwawa, “I had access to clean water, clothing, health care and food. All this helped me to reduce my alcohol addiction. Today I am in touch with my family and I am glad for their kindness and forgiveness.” Starting ADOR “In ADOR, I work with people addicted to drugs, especially the youth. I encourage debate as well as exchange of ideas through meetings.” ADOR focuses on building drug addicts’ self-esteem and a belief that they can change for the better. It also creates awareness on the effects of drug/alcohol abuse on the socio-economic development of society such as unplanned sexual behavior and exposure to sexual transmitted diseases. The organisation started in May 2012, and comprises mainly Iwawa graduates. It is located at Centenary House in downtown Kigali. The organisation is creating strong links between several actors involved in the anti-drug abuse campaign, including civil society, public and private sectors as well as the government. Advice “My advice to the youth is to stop drug abuse so as to secure their future, health and dignity. I also advise those who are addicted to the vice to shun it. ADOR is ready to support all addicts through counselling because we have experienced such a condition before.”

National

Bagambake: The drug addict turned anti-drug abuse activist