Political leaders and other public figures have paid their tributes to Senator and former Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Donatille Mukabalisa, following her death on Thursday, July 30.
Mukabalisa, who also served as president of the Liberal Party (PL), died while receiving treatment at King Faisal Hospital in Kigali. She was 66.
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Senator Frank Habineza, president of the Democratic Green Party and spokesperson for the National Consultative Forum of Political Organisations (NFPO), said he had the privilege of working alongside Mukabalisa in both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, as well as through the consultative forum.
"Over the years, I came to know her as a humble, principled and dedicated leader who always placed Rwanda&039;s interests above all else," Habineza wrote in a post on X.
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He described her as a leader whose wisdom, kindness and unwavering commitment to public service earned her the respect of colleagues across the political spectrum.
"On behalf of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, and in my capacity as spokesperson of the National Consultative Forum of Political Organizations, I extend my heartfelt condolences to her family, the Liberal Party, fellow senators, friends and all Rwandans. May her legacy continue to inspire us, and may she rest in eternal peace."
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Former Senate President Augustin Iyamuremye also paid tribute, writing: "May God receive her among His chosen, and grant strength to her family."
The Social Democratic Party (PSD) extended its condolences to Mukabalisa's family and members of the Liberal Party.
"Mukabalisa leaves behind a lasting legacy for both young and old of loving their country and inspiring others to do the same. Her contribution to promoting democracy will always be remembered."
Jean-Pierre Karabaranga, Rwanda's former ambassador to the Netherlands, said Mukabalisa's passing had left many at a loss for words.
"She will be missed beyond words. My heartfelt condolences go to her family, her loved ones and her colleagues," he wrote.
Arielle Kayabaga, Leader of Government Business in Canada’s House of Commons, said she was deeply saddened by the news of Mukabalisa's passing.
"It was a privilege to get to know her and to witness her distinguished service to Rwanda as a parliamentarian and senator," Kayabaga wrote in a post on X.
"My heartfelt condolences to her family, colleagues and the people of Rwanda."
Fred Mufulukye, Director General of the National Rehabilitation Service (NRS), described Mukabalisa as "an extraordinary leader with humility, wisdom and respect for everyone."
"My sincere condolences to her family, loved ones and colleagues. May her soul rest in eternal peace," he wrote.
Jean-Marie Vianney Gatabazi, a commissioner at the Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC), remembered Mukabalisa as an honest, compassionate and knowledgeable leader with whom he worked closely for nearly 14 years.
He said she had fought a courageous battle and completed her journey with dignity, praying that she rests in peace.
Mukabalisa began her parliamentary career in 2000 as a member of the National Transitional Assembly, where she served until 2003.
Following the adoption of Rwanda's Constitution, she was elected to the Chamber of Deputies in 2003 and served as a lawmaker until 2011.
In 2011, she was appointed to the Senate before returning to the Chamber of Deputies in October 2013. She was elected Speaker of Parliament, a position she held until June 2024.