Robert Mukombozi

“I was lucky to keep my sanity.” This is the sentence that really made a shiver run down my spine.  I walk into my public relations lecture to find an incredible man standing at the front of the room. A man who has been captured and exploited for doing his job, for following his passion. A man who sought asylum after coming across his name on a hit list, Robert Mukombozi was waiting to enlighten our young, naïve and sheltered minds about the world of journalism and communication. From the very moment Robert started talking I was encapsulated, his excessively calm and somewhat modest composure amazed me.  Robert’s presentation began with a previously recorded interview, where Robert shared intimate details of his journalism career in Rwanda, creating an image of the conflict that occurred between his involvement in his profession and the Rwandan government. The interview saw Robert explaining multiple times that career expectations and pressures challenged his self-morals, but he always knew when to draw the line. At the conclusion of the presentation I felt honoured and enriched.  It’s truly remarkable that a man that has been through so much was willing to come and share his experiences with a group of novice communication students.

Robert Mukombozi shares his experiences with UQ communication students