Uganda Today:Kakwenza Rukirabashaija @KakwenzaRukira
My prize acceptance full speech yesterday: Ladies and gentlemen, I stand before you today filled with deep gratitude and profound humility as I accept the tremendous honour bestowed upon me by the esteemed Committee of the Václav Havel International Prize for Creative Dissent. To be selected as one of the laureates for 2023 is an extraordinary recognition, one that humbles me and reaffirms my commitment to the pursuit of creative dissent.
Creative dissent, at its core, is a powerful force that drives positive change, ignites the flames of justice, and inspires others to question, to imagine, and to act. It is a reminder that the world is not confined to the way things are, but rather shaped by the audacity of those who dare to dream of a better tomorrow. It is not lost on me that this recognition is not solely a reflection of my own efforts, but a testament to the collective power of all those who have fought alongside me, who have raised their voices alongside mine, and who have dared to dissent in the face of a terrorist government in Uganda led by brutes Museveni and his deputy/son Muhoozi. I accept this honour on behalf of all the brave individuals who have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of truth, justice, and human dignity.
To the Human Rights Foundation, I extend my deepest gratitude for recognizing the importance of creative dissent and for acknowledging the impact it can have on our world. Your commitment to honouring those who challenge the norm and envision a better future is truly commendable. Lastly, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to my family, friends, mentors, and all those who have supported me on this journey.
Your unwavering belief in my cause and your endless encouragement have propelled me forward, even in the face of adversity. This honour belongs to you as much as it does to me. As I accept this prestigious award, I am reminded that our work is not yet done. There are more injustices to be confronted, voices to be heard, and a better world to be built. Let us continue to stand together, united by our shared commitment to creative dissent, and work tirelessly to create a world that reflects the values of compassion, equality, and justice. Thank you once again for this incredible honour. I am profoundly grateful, and I pledge to carry the torch of protest literature with unwavering determination, courage, and hope. Thank you.
