To Mugenga

In my culture, you don’t speak of your father by name due to reverence. But you will find that I often do so in my artistic expressions. That is because my reverence to him surpasses my being his daughter. He is a wonderful human and had I been an objective passerby that was not his kin, I’d have felt the same.

He taught me everything I know, the below are my favorite lessons:

1. Fear God
2. Respect your fellow human
3. Social class is meaningless
4. Ibintu birashakwa (Money is a tool)
5. Women are to be independent
6. Run for US President if you wish!
7. “Only Small minds discuss people”
8. My DNA + Your Mom’s = Magic
9. Wicked People? Mind your business.

To my father, the apple of my eye: In the name of those whose medical bills you paid and whose children’s school fees you paid. In the name of the young man you brought to the city to help with housekeeping, who, thanks to your mentorship, now has 2 stores (boutiques), a car, a house, a wife and twins. In the name of our family and in my very name – THANK YOU! (Lately, I have seen a new side of you: “Never toy with a lion’s cub.”)

To those whose fathers are no longer with us or are not in the picture, may our Heavenly father comfort you, for with him you will know no lack.

To those who have strained relations, because the likelihood of you regretting is too high, I implore you to make things right to the best of your ability.

Happy Father’s Day!

Love,

Liv