Professor Geoffrey Rugege has been eulogised by family and friends as a distinguished educationist whose humility and generosity shaped much of his life. Rugege died on Tuesday, December 2, at the age of 85 after an illness. He held several key roles in the education sector, including leading the Higher Education Council, serving as Vice Chair and Deputy Legal Representative of the Kigali Collaborative Research Centre, and working as Vice Chancellor of the African Leadership University (ALU) Rwanda. He also served on the Board of Governors of the University of Rwanda, the Advisory Council of Riviera High School, and was a member of the Rwanda Academy of Language and Culture. At a vigil held on December 4 in Kigali, colleagues shared memories that highlighted not only his intellectual strength but also his deep commitment to supporting and uplifting others. ALSO READ: Educationist Geoffrey Rugege passes away at 85 “Rugege loved communication, unsurprising for a man with a PhD in linguistics and nearly three decades of teaching experience. He was passionate about language and helping others express themselves,” said Andrew Rugege, his brother. “As people who lived abroad, our Kinyarwanda wasn’t perfect. Rugege encouraged us to study it. His empathy extended to everyone around him,” he added. ALSO READ: Geoffrey Rugege installed as new president of Rotary Club Kigali Virunga Dr. Emile Rwamasirabo, a friend of Rugege, said that he was known for his academic competence and strong connection to his cultural roots. “Linguistics is not an easy field; it carries culture within it. Rugege taught at universities in the United States, conducted extensive research, and authored several books, including important contributions to African language lexicography,” he said. ALSO READ: Function of debt financing in business Ambassador Charles Murigande, the Former Minister of Education, shared a deeply personal recollection that illustrated the professor’s generosity and devotion to Rwanda. In 1986, after completing his studies in Belgium, Murigande returned to Burundi, where his family had taken refuge during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. While searching for a job, he came across an article in Impuruza, a Rwandan‑diaspora community news paper, highlighting Rugege’s academic work. He reached out to Rugege, and despite postal delays, Rugege responded warmly and even welcomed him to the United States. “I arrived in the middle of the academic year and discovered that the position had already been filled. Still, Rugege welcomed me into his home for two months. He offered his help purely as a fellow Rwandan, he didn’t know anyone in my family; he simply assisted me out of solidarity,” he recalled. Their paths crossed again years later when Rugege returned to Rwanda. “He once told me he wished he had come back earlier to help build the country alongside others. Despite his weakening health, as he was nearing retirement, I encouraged him and helped connect him to opportunities that allowed him to continue serving the nation,” Murigande recalled. Their collaboration continued when Murigande became Minister of Education. “We worked together daily. We discussed the challenges of the education sector. Rugege always contributed with passion and commitment.” According to Joseph Murenga, a family friend, Geoffrey Rugege and his wife, became a second family for many Rwandan children far from home in the United States. Their household offered warmth, laughter, and a true sense of belonging. “Every Sunday, I was at his house, enjoying the food Auntie Anna cooked and just feeling at home. It was a place where we could be ourselves, speak like we did back in Uganda, and leave behind our American accents,” Murenga recalled. The Vigil will be followed by a celebration of life on 5, December at the same venue. A church service is scheduled for 6, December at EAR Remera, Giporoso Parish, before his burial on 8 December in Omugyenyi, Ntungamo, Uganda.
