This archive report was first published on 24 August 2019.
Published on August 24, 2019, by Austin Bukunya.
As I reflect on my encounter with Rwandan scholar Alexis Kagame, I am reminded of the significance of his work on Rwandese-Bantu philosophy of being. This philosophy, which deals with fundamental questions of existence, has laid the foundation for the ideology of Ubuntu, which asserts that 'I am because you are.'
My encounter with Kagame took place in 1969, when I traveled to Rwanda as a research student from Makerere University. I was accompanied by my colleague George Nshemereirwe, and we met with Kagame at his study in Kansi, where he was the Rector of the Minor Seminary and a Professor at the National University of Rwanda in Butare.
What struck me about Kagame's study was the sheer volume of books, files, and folders that filled every available inch of space. It was a testament to his insatiable appetite for knowledge, which had driven him to become one of the most learned men of his time in Rwanda. Kagame's work spanned multiple disciplines, including theology, history, anthropology, linguistics, philosophy, and orature.
One of Kagame's most notable works is his book 'La philosophie bantou-rwandaise de l'être' (Rwandese-Bantu philosophy of being), which is based on his doctoral dissertation. In this book, Kagame explores the concept of being and its various forms, laying the groundwork for the ideology of Ubuntu.
As I reflect on Kagame's work, I am reminded of the need for Africa to develop its own ideology, one that is rooted in its own cultural and philosophical traditions. This ideology, which I call Ubuntu, is not just a moral principle, but a way of life that recognizes the interconnectedness of all people.
As a teacher, I believe that this process of ideological orientation must start with education. I am excited to share my thoughts on this topic with a younger friend, Dr. Evelyn Jepkemei, who has developed an approach similar to mine. Together, we hope to inspire a new generation of Africans to embrace their cultural heritage and develop a deeper understanding of their place in the world.
As I conclude, I am reminded of the words of Chinua Achebe, 'I am because you are.' This is the essence of Ubuntu, and it is a message that I hope will resonate with all Africans, regardless of their background or nationality.
