Muhumuza and his younger brother Makuza are central to the Joshua Nooverdod story. In Joshua Nooverdod, “Winsford” is a European style developing nation. Karuzi is similar to the culture one might find in undeveloped Africa. Karuzi is in reality a part of Burundi Africa and Winsford in reality is located in England. Muhumuza and Makuza are “Ustoo” from Karuzi. The brother’s experience is eerily similar to the fate of other children from Rwanda Africa. In the book Joshua Nooverdod the Ustoo brothers loose both of their parents in the war. The brother’s parents however were not killed by King Elisha’s army. They were killed by Karuzi soldiers. This backstory builds suspense as the plot concerning Joshua Nooverdod’s prophecy unfolds. Muhumuza and Makuza being central if that prophecy ever comes to pass. This illustration done by then 18-year-old art student from Kiev Ukraine includes a small mark near Muhumuza’s right eye. This detail is hinted at many times in the novel.
Of course, Muhumuza’s difficulties with the Winsford language make Muhumuza a favorite character for many young and old. In fact, one of his funniest sentences was penned none other than by the author’s at the time nine-year-old son. “Muhumuza’s Winsford language better getting”.