Rwandan content creator Enock Uwizeye, popularly known as Kagarara or Ashton Small, on Saturday, September 26, launched his maiden book, Muraho, My Name Is Kagarara, at the Kigali Convention Centre. The 24-page book, published in both Kinyarwanda and English, tells the story of Kagarara’s life hurdles growing up with a disability that resulted in extremely short stature. The book, he said, seeks to inspire children with disabilities to overcome challenges, remain hopeful and understand that difficult experiences do not have to define their future. “I wrote this book about the life I went through as Kagarara. I do not want another child with a disability to go through the challenges I experienced. At the same time, the book helps young children understand that a person with a disability can also succeed,” Kagarara said. ALSO READ: Rwandan content creator Kagarara goes viral after meeting Ashton Hall Kagarara said the book also carries a message for parents, encouraging them to recognise that children with disabilities have the same rights, abilities and potential as others. It also seeks to promote acceptance and reduce discrimination and mistreatment. “If a child goes to school and is insulted because of their disability and decides to leave, reading this book can help them see that there was once a child named Kagarara who went through similar experiences but continued studying through secondary school and university,” he said. During the launch, Kagarara reflected on three difficult experiences from his childhood and early career. The first involved his early days as a content creator, when he said comments on his first videos were harsh and, at times, insulting. The second was an incident in which a person refused to eat with him because of his disability. The third involved his time at school, where he faced ridicule from fellow students. “I remember when I was at school, I got in the last four positions. The problem was not because I did not follow, but my schoolmates used to laugh at me because of my disability. When they did that, I felt as if I did not have any value,” he said. He said the constant discouragement eventually caused him to miss some classes, but support and encouragement from his parents helped him remain focused on his education. Kagarara went on to complete secondary school and is currently studying Information Technology at Rwanda Polytechnic-Ngoma College. He also hopes the book will reach readers beyond Rwanda. “I wish my book to cross not only Rwanda but go far,” Uwizeye said. Calls for equal opportunities Minister of State in the Ministry of Youth and Arts Sandrine Umutoni said Kagarara’s story is a reminder that disability does not prevent a person from achieving their goals. She urged society to support people with disabilities in their professional and creative endeavours by recognising and creating opportunities for their work. “When a person with a disability starts a business, support it. When they create art, buy it. When they write a book, read it. When they have a qualification for a job, give them a fair opportunity. When they have something to say, please give them space to speak for themselves,” Umutoni said. The minister also urged young people not to allow other people’s perceptions to determine their future. “Youth, don’t accept that how others see you determines who you become and how far you can reach. Recognise your talent, cherish it, look for opportunities and live with dignity,” she said. Musician Niyo Bosco, who has built a career despite his visual impairment, also called for a change in how society treats people with disabilities. “God created a person with the intention of being like others. People need to believe in us and facilitate our survival and participation in society,” he said. He urged people to avoid stereotypes and hurtful language towards people with disabilities, even when such comments are intended as jokes. “Even if you mean them as jokes, they may not sound like jokes to a disabled person. They can hurt more than you realise,” Niyo Bosco said. The launch brought together leaders, celebrities, authors and other public figures, including Umutoni, choreographer Sherrie Silver, Niyo Bosco, artiste manager Alex Muyoboke, footballer Yves Kimenyi and actor Gratien Niyitegeka. A copy of Muraho, My Name Is Kagarara costs Rwf35,000.
