Our bond got stronger with time-says Richard Alumai

With a world torn by change, some people befriend others based on who they are, what they have depending on how they will benefit. Richard Alumai an accountant with Clinton Foundation Rwanda is best friends with Canadian based Rwandan artist Frank Rukundo a.k.a Frankie Joe. Regardless the distance, the two friends have maintained their friendship by communicating using social media especially facebook. Born in Uganda to the late Sam B. Ajju and Didacienne Mukanabana, Alumai is the fourth born in the family of ten. However, to his mother, he is the second born. “In 2001 I joined Kigali International Academy for my A’ Level and that’s how I first met Frankie Joe. We shared everything, from class, dormitory and his bed was closer to mine,” Alumai recalls. He further adds that they easily connected because both of them were new at the school. “When we interacted, we discovered that we had the same tastes and preferences. During those days besides studies, our talk was more on music, artists and movies nothing serious,” he narrates. He said: “Our bond got stronger with time. There are those unique things that connect people. For instance I can never forget the times we used to exercise. I would do 20 press ups while Frankie Joe did 80 and above. By the way he is so strong.” The two went separate ways after senior six. Frankie Joe joined the National University of Rwanda while Alumai went to Kigali Institute of Science and Technology to pursue a Bachelors Degree in Management in Accounting. However, the faculty was transferred to School of Finance and Banking (SFB). “At the time Frankie Joe stayed at our home since his family was still in Uganda. The friendship gradually changed from the interactive kind to brotherhood. Our parents became friends as well,” Alumai discloses. They kept in touch, but Alumai had never visited Frankie Joe in Butare. “The nature of friendship for men differs from the feminine kind of friendship. Girls visit each other, send cards but for the boys, as long as we communicate or maybe meet and catch up its ok,” says Alumai. Regarding if they ever dated the same girl, he said: “It was kind of magical since we always got interested in sisters (he laughs) but we never dated the same girl.” If there was something Alumai would change about Frankie Joe, it would be his openness. “Although it’s a good, at times when people get to know everything about you, they could use it to manipulate you,” he explains. In a message sent on Facebook, Frankie Joe stated that: “I and Richard have a long story line, you would write a big novel and it would be sold out in a day. We met as we were both registering in school.” They both explained each others strength like it was a photocopy of a statement from one person. “About his weakness, I know none, truth to be told, I would love to be like him (he laughs). His strength include; being tenacious, God fearing and very respectful. In a nutshell, his character, personality and intelligence made him one in a million, am so proud to have him as my best buddy,” Frankie Joe stresses He adds that if there is anything Alumai hate is conspiracy and any other thing related to it. Since Frankie Joe is a musician, Alumai is one of his favorite fans. “I enjoyed his ‘Garuka’ hit the most especially its video,” says Alumai. Dorau20@yahoo.co.uk