The media fraternity is mourning the loss of one of its pioneers and a lifetime trainer, Emmanuel Rushingabigwi, who died yesterday at a health facility in Kabuga, Gasabo District.

Rushingabigwi, 61, reportedly succumbed to cancer.

The deceased veteran journalist has previously worked with Deutsche Welle (DW), Radio Muhabura, Benevolencia and Rwanda Television, and was at the time of his demise working with the Rwanda Patriotic Front secretariat as an advisor to the secretary-general.

Rushingabigwi’s friends and colleagues commended him for having pioneered great projects in the media industry, which has tremendously shaped the industry in a more profession structure.

Arthur Asiimwe, the director-general of Rwanda Broadcasting Agency, told The New Times that Rushingabigwi’s death was a terrible blow to the media fraternity and that he has left a big gap that will need to be filled immediately for the bright future of the industry.

"We will miss a big icon in the sector, someone who has been a mentor and a role model to many journalists; we will live to fill in his footsteps. He has been a strong pillar to the industry,” he said.

Gonzaga Muganwa, the secretary-general of Rwanda Journalists Association, said the deceased was an experienced journalist who has worked in many local, regional and international media outlets.

"There is no doubt young practitioners will miss his inspirational training and the zeal to work professionally,” Muganwa said.

The deceased’s brother, Jean Bosco Rushingabigwi, himself a mentor in the media sector, told that the late’s illness was initially mild around November, but then it became severe since and that before his death he had been under regular chemotherapy.

Rushingabigwi’s burial is scheduled for March 26 and the vigil is being kept at the deceased’s home in Gacuriro, according to his brother.

The deceased is survived by a wife and four children.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw