My name is Mukarukwaya Christine, and I have been a paralegal for Haguruka since 2001. I started my journey in Gatsata after working as a social worker in the Muhima Sector and being a member of the CNF at that time. Back then, issues affecting women, such as family disputes and children’s lack of paternity rights, were prevalent. I played a crucial role in assisting women and children in Gatsata and Muhima. I often spoke with men to help them understand their responsibilities, and I provided them with documents to sign, which served as evidence in many cases.
WHAT HAS HELPED YOU SUSTAIN YOUR WORK FOR SO LONG?
My passion for helping others drives me. I genuinely love assisting people without expecting anything in return. I focus on vulnerable individuals, and during the early years, we didn’t have computers, so we relied on direct communication and support.
BESIDES YOUR PASSION, WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO BECOME A PARALEGAL?
I once had a case against very powerful individuals in this country, and after 15 years, I won. I came to Haguruka for consultation and learned a lot about my work with the help of a lawyer. I became skilled at filling out court forms and understanding legal procedures. The knowledge I gained from Haguruka was instrumental in winning that case, which began in 1998.
WAS THERE SOMEONE YOU HELPED WHO TOUCHED YOUR HEART? WHAT HAPPENED?
Many people have touched my heart since 2001. I helped four individuals, including a woman I didn’t know personally. I was motivated to assist her because Haguruka supports women. They won their cases and returned home, unaware that I had appealed on their behalf after they were initially convicted. They thought they would be attending court for their own cases, not knowing what was happening behind the scenes. I paid for their legal representation, and they were acquitted. Those individuals became my friends, and we remain close to this day. Another rewarding experience was advising a man to accept his child, who has since been recognized and returned to school.
WHAT CAN YOU SAY ABOUT HAGURUKA’S ROLE IN PROTECTING WOMEN AND CHILDREN?
Haguruka plays a vital role in supporting the people we assist, and we receive positive feedback from them. When I see individuals benefiting from our services, especially regarding DNA testing, it reassures me. Many people have doubts about their children’s paternity, and Haguruka has been the organization that society desperately needed.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE COMMON CAUSES OF MARRIAGE PROBLEMS, AND WHAT ARE THE SOLUTIONS?
Poverty is a significant issue. Financial struggles and disputes over property can lead to problems in marriages. When couples marry without resources and later acquire wealth, it can create tensions, leading one partner to seek relationships outside the marriage.
WHAT BRINGS YOU SATISFACTION IN YOUR WORK?
What satisfies me most is knowing the impact of my work and believing that I will be rewarded by God. I see blessings in my life, and when I help others, I often encounter people who may not remember me but express their gratitude with heartfelt hugs. It brings me immense joy to do good for others. While I also seek support, my happiness comes from being kind and generous. I have made many friends through Haguruka, and I intend to continue this work for the rest of my life.
Paralegals like Christine serve as a vital bridge, connecting citizens with Haguruka’s services. They play a crucial role in raising community awareness about these services, guiding citizens on legal matters, and conducting case follow-ups. Recognizing the importance of paralegals in advancing justice and addressing gender-based violence (GBV) issues, Haguruka has organized capacity-building programs to enhance their ability to serve the rights-holders effectively.