Muhoza Vestine, a 35-year-old single mother of one and a member of Musama’s second incubator, shares her journey of pain, resilience, and healing.
“At the age of 15 or 16, I was in a relationship. After our introduction ceremony, he was shot and killed. Later, in 2019, I got engaged to a pastor. Three weeks before our wedding, he sexually assaulted me. Everything came to a halt. After the assault, he spread lies among my fellow choir members, claiming that we had been intimate whenever he wanted. They believed him and reported it to the church leaders. When confronted about his actions, he simply said he would never have married me anyway because we were from different ethnic groups.”
The Devastating Consequences of Trauma and Betrayal
“Seven and a half months later, I lost my baby. I had hoped my child would serve as proof of what he had done to me, but it was in vain. I carried this emotional wound for six years. On top of the psychological pain, I suffered from severe abdominal pain for four years, which finally healed in 2023. Because of the lies he spread, I was shunned from my church for two years. I withdrew from my community, living in isolation and anguish. For six years, every morning when I woke up, the memory of that man would ruin my entire day. I couldn’t stand being in groups, and every time someone mentioned my story, I would break down in tears. I wouldn’t let anyone into my life.”
Living in Fear and Avoidance
“Whenever I saw him—whether on a bus or in the street, I would immediately change direction. I couldn’t bear to face him or my past.”
A Turning Point with RGW and the ITOTO Project
“At RGW, I first learned about temperaments, which helped me understand myself better. Then, through the module on the five emotional wounds, I realized I had suffered from betrayal and abandonment. I learned to forgive: not for his sake, but for mine. I also learned to be kind to myself, to speak positive words over my life. Little by little, I started to feel free. I forgave him, even without an apology.”
A Surprising Confession
“One day, I met him at the market. He called me and asked for forgiveness. I simply told him that I had already forgiven him. Following that, he ended up confessing to a mutual friend, the one who had introduced us, that he had indeed assaulted me. That truth set me free. My honor was restored in the church, I was welcomed back into their gatherings, and I gained new friends who respect and care for me. Today, I know that I am worthy of love, and I believe that one day, I will meet someone who truly sees my value.”
This testimony is a powerful reminder of the impact of the ITOTO Project and the work of RGW in restoring emotional, spiritual, and social well-being for women facing difficult circumstances.
At RGW, we believe in healing, resilience, and transformation. Thank you for supporting our mission.
