In the book's preview, she reveals that during her mother's pregnancy, it was expected that she would be born a boy and named Kevin.
However, Nishimwe who got married in 20244, also addresses the misconception that she grew up in a life of luxury, providing insight into the more humble circumstances of her childhood.
'More Than a Crown' touches on various aspects of her life, from her journey as Miss Rwanda to her personal experiences and the values that shaped her.
The book is set to be released on November 14, 2025, and covers 184 pages, including a powerful story of a comment she read on the X platform, which suggested that children from wealthy families never face hardships.
This comment deeply moved her, making her laugh and cry at the same time as she reflected on her own upbringing. While she was born into a loving family, the world she grew up in was far from perfect.
The book also recounts the time when her mother, throughout her pregnancy, told everyone she was expecting a boy named Kevin, even going so far as to buy baby clothes in blue and prepare a bag labeled "Baby Boy."
While her name was intended to be Kevin, she feels that the name Nishimwe 'Let God be praised' symbolized her parents' love and commitment for unwavering support.
Nishimwe's father's military service
Nishimwe's father joined the military when he was still young, before the birth of his first child, Kathia, in 1996.
The first birth came during during a period marked by Rwanda's ongoing recovery from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and the nation was grappling with the aftermath of the violence, with many survivors left with scars of grief, loss, and trauma.
Families faced immense difficulty in finding out if their loved ones had survived, sifting through destroyed buildings and trying to rebuild their lives.
At the time, Nishimwe's father, who had played a role in Rwanda's liberation struggle, was often far from home. His work involved helping families reconnect and rebuild, even at the cost of being separated from his own family for extended periods.
The lack of communication, and the difficulty in sending money home made it hard for them to stay in touch or know how he was doing.
Nishimwe recalls the challenges her family faced during this time, including the scarcity of food, delayed school fees, and the lack of basic necessities.
Christmas was one of the rare times her mother could buy new clothes for everyone in the family, usually just one item each.
Despite the hardships, she fondly remembers how her mother made sure they had what they needed, and how her family, like many other neighbors, persevered through tough times.
Living in a military compound
During this period, Nishimwe's family lived in a house within a military compound. The compound had a large yard, with mango trees, flowers, and space for the children to play.
Despite this, she notes that they did not consider themselves wealthy. At the time, land was inexpensive, and many families owned large plots.
However, owning land did not equate to financial wealth, as they struggled with the basics such as food and school fees.
Nishimwe remembers that whenever one of the children needed something like a school bag, her mother would patiently explain that there were other priorities.
The most pressing concern was ensuring there was food to eat, clothes to wear, and the money to pay for school. Everything else, such as new items, came as a bonus when they could afford it.
Her mother worked at Radio Umucyo, a Christian radio station at the time, and Nishimwe recalls how she took them there occasionally, which was a source of stability and an opportunity for the family.
She fondly remembers the wisdom her mother imparted, including a focus on faith, believing that prayer and relying on God's guidance were the first steps in overcoming challenges.
The day Nishimwe was born
The story of Nishimwe's birth is a pivotal moment in her family's history. On the evening she was born, her father had left to support his beloved APR FC team at a match.
Meanwhile, her mother, who was pregnant with her at the time, went into labor unexpectedly. Her mother's sister, Nadine, was visiting and had planned to stay for a week. It was during this visit that her mother went into labor and was quickly rushed to the hospital by taxi.
Her father, eager to ensure that his wife received the best care, raced to the university Teaching Hospital of Kigali after the match, navigating the difficult roads of Kigali, which were dusty.
The urgency of the situation, combined with the conditions of the roads, made for a frantic journey. Despite the challenges, her father made sure they arrived at the hospital, where Nishimwe's mother, exhausted from labor, was waiting for them after birth.
Nishimwe was born quickly, and although she wasn't named Kevin as originally planned, her father's deep love for her and her mother is reflected in the moment he first held her.
The family's resilience and strength during this moment are emblematic of the journey they had taken together, through adversity, uncertainty, and eventual joy.
Reflecting on this, Nishimwe humorously notes that she was not born with the name Kevin, as her mother had originally planned, but was instead called Naomie.
Her father had nicknamed her "Mubu," a Kinyarwanda nickname meaning mosquito , because her talking buzzed around and never silenced even after everyone was asleep.
To this day, relatives affectionately greet her as "Mubu, wacu" (our little mosquito), a nickname that continues to make her laugh and reminds her of her childhood.
Nishimwe's story, as shared in 'More Than a Crown', offers readers a deep and personal insight into her life, her family, and the values that have shaped her journey.
IGIHE
