Dr Thomas Muyombo, commonly known as Tom Close, leads a life that weaves together the realms of science and music, creating a tapestry of love, passion and purpose. His life journey is rooted in a remarkable lineage tracing back to courageous individuals who valiantly battled for the liberation of Rwanda. Tom Close's parents, Lt Col Edward Karangwa and Sgt Grace Dukuze, emerge as luminous figures among the many that risked everything to fight for the liberation of Rwanda. Their unwavering determination propelled them forward, as they fearlessly confronted the oppressive regime of president Juvénal Habyarimana. Through their resolute actions, they were among the many instrumental men and women involved in bringing an end to the harrowing 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. ALSO READ: Tom Close talks art, music and social causes His father, who was an integral part of the rebel National Resistance Army (NRA), had already played a crucial role in liberating Uganda. The NRA, the military wing of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), was a rebel army that waged a guerrilla war against the government of Milton Obote, and later that of Tito Okello. Recognizing the need to free his homeland as well, Karangwa joined the ranks of the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) during the early days of the liberation strugle. Soon after, Tom Close's mother, a banker by profession, also joined the liberation movement in 1991. By then, Tom Close was just about five years old. Growing up, Tom Close only had fleeting moments with his brave parents. But their absence left an indelible mark on his young heart. The striking moments I remain with till today are the words they used when they spoke about why they were in the struggle; 'giving us a chance to have a country we can call home. ALSO READ: Tom Close on his comeback with ‘Essence’ Their absence was a constant reminder of the sacrifices made to birth a new Rwanda. As he grew older, Tom Close often wondered about the path he would take to tread in their footsteps. While fate led him on a different path, Tom Close channeled his passion through two different realms – music and medicine. In his heart, he continued to bear the weight of his parents' sacrifices. Their sacrifices energised and propelled him to excel in both arenas and contribute, in his own way, to the transformation of Rwanda. To continue his parents' legacy, Tom Close aspired to be a beacon of hope and unity, bridging the gaps between his two chosen domains. He would go on to create melodies that resonate deeply with the people, spreading messages of liberation and inspiring patriotism. Through my musical milestones, I have tried to heal wounds, transform perceptions, and instill a sense of pride in Rwanda, he said. He also made invaluable contributions as the head of the Blood Transfusion Service at Rwanda Biomedical Medical (RBC). He participated in various activities across the country, encouraging people to donate more blood, and addressing the challenge of blood shortage in banks, given the increasing demand for blood by hospitals. Tom Close celebrates Liberation Day with a sense of profound gratitude. I listen to liberation songs on the radio since they always take me back to the liberation struggle era. One of the gifts that my mother gave me when she came back, for a brief visit, during the liberation struggle was an audio cassette with liberation songs. I love listening to songs like, 'Hata tukonde kama misumali, nywele zetu zitoke kichwani, hatuwezi kurudi nyuma' and many more.” Tom Close's message for the young generation is to not take for granted the sacrifices and achievements of their forebears. He encourages them to solidify Rwanda's unity and embrace the shared heritage. It's high time we use this opportunity and cast all that we have achieved in stone so that it can never be overturned by anyone in our lifetime or that of the generations after us. We can never change our past. But we can create our future, he emphasized.
