Family members, friends, colleagues, and students are paying tribute to Prof. Thomas Rusuhuzwa Kigabo, the chief economist at the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), who passed on Friday, January 15..
Kigabo, 57, died on Friday in Kenya, where he had gone for treatment after being diagnosed with Covid-19. A family member confirmed to this publication that he succumbed to the virus.
The deceased is renowned for his role in developing the country’s economy through nurturing economists as a university lecturer, and serving as Chief Economist at the Central Bank since 2007.
He is credited with playing an important role in the formulation and implementation of the national monetary policy, which has helped to keep inflation in check and strengthen the country's financial sector.
In a statement, the Central Bank paid tribute to Kigabo saying that he was "A hard-working, selfless and passionate great leader,” adding that "He leaves a legacy of excellence as recognized by all of us.”
Commenting on the communique, the Central Bank’s Governor, John Rwangombwa, said that the death of Prof. Kigabo is "Such a big loss to our country.”
"One of the finest Economists this world had. Professor, you have left a solid legacy that we will cherish forever,” Rwangombwa underscored.
Diane Karusisi, Vice-Chairperson of Rwanda Bankers’ Association (RBA) also commended Kigabo’s contribution to the development of the country’s financial sector.
"The Financial sector mourns Prof. Kigabo who was a brilliant economist, a patriot, a leader with passion for evidence-based policymaking,” she said.
"As an academic and educator, he will be remembered for all the knowledge generated through research, analysis, and the numerous publications that will continue to shape the profession in Rwanda,” Karusisi added.
After three years serving as the Chief Economist, in 2010, the cabinet appointed Kigabo to head a high-level taskforce on the East African Monetary Union, and acted as Rwanda’s chief negotiator.
A motivating lecturer
Kigabo had a Ph.D in monetary, finance, and international economics at University of Lyon 2, France, and a masters in applied mathematics.
As an academician, he served as director, academic affairs, and Rector of Kigali Independent University.
He has been teaching econometrics, monetary economics, applied mathematics and microeconomics at bachelor, masters and PHD levels in different universities such as the now University of Rwanda (UR) and the defunct Jomo Kenyatta University.
Immaculée Wansaula, one of his former students, says that he used to break down the hard courses for everyone to understand.
"He made econometrics so easy to understand, despite how hard it was. He would also motivate us that we will pass the course and later make it in life. He was humble and had Christian values,” she said.
Adeline Mukashema, another former student of Kigabo explained that she credits the skills she has to the deceased.
"He was a very knowledgeable and friendly lecturer. What I know in econometrics, I learned it from him. Thanks to what he taught us, I was able to get a job at the Central Bank,” she said.
She added: "When I joined him at BNR, Prof Kigabo recognized me and encouraged me and fellow colleagues to always seek knowledge and work hard.”
A caring family member
Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo on November 2, 1963, Kigabo is survived by a wife and four children.
According to one of his family members, the deceased has been supportive.
"God had gifted him with a caring and loving heart,” said Agee Mugabe Shyaka, an uncle of the deceased.
Besides his profession as an economist, Kigabo was a believer who would also preach in different churches and participate in religious talk shows.
"The family will always remember him as someone who would strive for the well-being of everyone around him, and this would among others be seen in contributions he would make whenever a need would arise,” he added.
According to a statement from Kigabo’s family, dates of his burial will be announced in due time.