Proud to be Mr Fowode 2010

For Ali Kaviri, being Mr Fowode means a lot given his start in life. He’s thrilled to be in the limelight and for people to recognise that he has ability of some kind. The 21-year-old talked to Agnes Namaganda about his background and how he got the award.

How would you describe yourself?
I am dynamic, outspoken and self-motivated.

So what is this Mr Fowode title?
The title is conferred upon a man selected by a panel from Fowode (Forum for Women in Democracy) whom they feel understands and supports women’s causes in their quest to be the best that they can be.

And how did you get it?
I coincidentally came in touch with Fowode in 2009. I was in S.6 vacation when I saw their advert in Daily Monitor calling for young people to participate in a young leadership programme by writing in articles about the challenges faced by their communities and also suggest solutions to these problems. The winners take a three weeks residential training and mentorship. During this time, I got to know a lot about Fowode. At their annual get-togethers, they usually select a man and woman who clearly represent the vision of Fowode and these positions are applied and contested for. I hadn’t thought of applying but my friends thought I was one person who could do well, so I went for it. I was nervous because I didn’t know what to expect but the judges asked questions whose answers I knew very well because I had read very well the materials that we were always given and that’s how I won.

Okay you’re Mr Fowode, so what? Why should that concern us?
This position has catapulted my self-esteem and confidence. I was very shy but now I can even talk to you and I can also address huge crowds. I grew up first with my maternal grandmother deep down in Paliisa then went to stay in Busesa in Iganga District with my paternal grandmother where we stayed in a shack. It was one-roomed, we used to share it with goats and chicken and we didn’t have a toilet. I passed my primary seven very well but still school fees was a problem until I was taken on after senior four by an uncle. I completed senior six at Kyambogo College and although I haven’t joined university, my uncle has promised that when he gets money I will join. Having gone through all this, for me becoming Mr Fowode is a dream come true. I can talk and people listen attentively.

So what does Mr Fowode do?
Targeting young people, I conduct school outreach programmes and teach them about social injustices in our society like domestic violence, gender inequality and child trafficking. I inspire girls to take up leadership positions right from family level.

Now that you’re working with a women’s group, what do you think of women emancipation?
Before going for the Fowode training, I used to also think that women were just making noise trying to attract attention but I have realised that all they are looking for is equal opportunities like men. All they want is to be treated with respect, like human beings.

What fascinates you about women?
Their honesty, the love for their country because they feel they are the mothers of the nation. They are also very accountable, women-managed organisations perform well with Uganda Investment Authority as an example.

Which women inspire you?
Locally, it is Miria Matembe, Winnie Byanyima and Nabirah Ssempala for their fight for democracy. Internationally it is Suu Kyi of Philippines and Oprah Winfrey.

So would you stand for a Mr Uganda title?
I would join the contest if it advocates for my principles; to make a positive difference in people’s lives like I am doing now.