A plea to our sisters in Kabalagala and Kansanga

The first attribute of a Rwandan is self- worth and integrity. A true Rwandan will rather go without food or even proper clothing for days than give up their dignity for a better life. So, with misty eyes, I write this piece. If you’ve been to Kampala lately or read the tabloids, you will agree with me that we are being abhorrently disgraced by our very own. A number of young Rwandan women are engaged in prostitution in Kampala and its shady suburbs.I know you don’t want to believe it, I don’t want to either, but denying reality won’t make it fake! Although sometimes stories are exaggerated areas like Kabalagala and Kansanga are surely crowded with our own.Like a mother calling out to her stray daughter, we beg you to come home (whoever you are). If your mothers, aunties and elders who were forced into exile when times were tough didn’t stoop that low then why should you?Please don’t lower your agaciro for anything in the world, if you can’t do this for yourself, do it for your country. You give all Rwandan women a bad name. Scavengers (also called men) think it’s cheap and will never take such a character seriously. The most hurtful thing is that this doesn’t stop; some people think all Rwandan girls are immoral and do not hesitate to treat them like trash every chance they get. You think that’s bad? There are composed songs that portray Rwandan girls as loose, money minded people. Today many decent Rwandan women and girls reside in Kampala, doing business or pursuing studies but instead of being given a little courtesy, they are referred to as ‘Nyaru babes’ - a demeaning term. And this is not only degrading to an individual, but to the country at large.After what Rwanda has been through we can’t afford getting our hard earned reputation destroyed. Please, if you have ever loved your country, even for a single second, please pack your bags and come home. I know there is not much we can do to stop you but have a heart .It is not too late to start a new life at home where you will not be judged but rather treated like the special human you are. We are one and we can’t sleep at night knowing you are out there surviving at the mercy of strangers. The government has actively put in place an environment that favours the youth to thrive and many indeed are. Come and we grow and prosper together in a nation with the most optimistic and proud citizens.