Seasoned Rwandan diplomat and former Mayor of Kigali, Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, has died at the age of 61.

According to reports, she passed away on Tuesday, August 12, after an illness.

Kacyira was most recently the Head of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia, a position she assumed in February 2023 following her appointment by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

Over her career, she also served as Governor of Eastern Province in 2011 and Mayor of Kigali City from 2006 to 2011.

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Between 2003 and 2006, she served as a Member of Parliament, actively engaging in legislative and oversight duties, as well as community mobilisation efforts.

Beyond her political and diplomatic roles, she held several significant positions in development and humanitarian assistance.

Notably, she served as Deputy Executive Director and Assistant Secretary‑General of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN‑Habitat) from 2011 to 2018.

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She also contributed to programme and project management in the Ministry of Agriculture and worked with NGOs such as Oxfam and Care International.

Under her leadership, Kigali received the UN‑Habitat Scroll of Honour Award in 2008, in recognition of its cleanliness, safety, sustainable and affordable housing initiatives, and pro‑poor urban employment programmes.

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Kacyira also served on the Parliamentary Standing Committee for Land Use and Management, Settlement, and Environment.

She also held leadership roles in regional and international associations, serving as President of the Rwanda Association of Local Government Authorities, President of the East African Association of Local Government Authorities, and Vice‑President of United Cities and Local Governments of Africa.

She was married and is survived by four children.