Tributes continue to pour in for University of Rwanda’s (UR) top academician Prof. Pierre-Claver Kayumba who passed away on Monday, November 23. The senior lecturer and researcher at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UR, reportedly succumbed to heart-related complications at the Rwanda Military Hospital. Kayumba, who lives behind a family of five children and a wife, was also the chairperson of the board of directors at Rwanda Medical Supply Ltd. In her tribute, Valentine Uwamariya, Minister of Education said, “This is bad news for all of us who lived and worked with Prof. Kayumba P. Claver.” She added; “We have lost a very important person in Rwanda’s Education Sector. We offer our condolences to his family and the University of Rwanda. May he rest in eternal peace.” Vincent Ntaganira, who was one of Prof. Kayumba’s closest associates said; “He was a counsellor, kind-hearted and advisor to everyone around him. I remember we went to University together and everybody wanted to live with him.” “Honestly this is sudden and sad news. He was one of the founders of the Student Genocide Survivors Association (AERG). I worked with him. He was a very intelligent man. And up to now, it’s hard to believe.” To his family, Ntaganira added, I extend my heartfelt condolences. He lives a legacy of unselfishness behind and we are challenged to keep it up, he said. Israel Bimpe, Director of Zipline Africa Growth said; “I was privileged to have Prof Kayumba mentor and coach me and so many pharmacy students and young professionals, he did all he could to get the best out of each of us by encouraging and championing us to do more beyond the limits of pharmacy school, pursue leadership roles, and extracurricular engagements.” “He went to great lengths to accommodate unusual demands and remained graceful through his guidance and advice. Many of us will continue to look up to his distinguished career and emulate his humble personality,” he added. “I am very grateful to have gotten to know and work with him as a student and pharmacy professional”. The fallen professor was among the only three Professors in Pharmacy in Rwanda. Late Prof. Kayumba was a PhD holder in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Ghent University in Belgium. He also previously served at Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) as Founder Director-General and Deputy Director-General in charge of Medical Procurement and Production Department. Until September this year, the deceased was the Training Development Manager for East African Community Centre of Excellence for Immunisation and Health Supply Chain Management. Kayumba will be laid to rest on Friday, November 27, Ntaganira said.
