Leaders, lawmakers and family members gathered at Parliament on Friday, August 7, to bid farewell to Senator and former Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Donatille Mukabalisa, who was remembered for her years of dedicated service to the country.

Mukabalisa, who was also the chairperson of the Liberal Party (PL), passed away on July 30 while receiving treatment at King Faisal Hospital.

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The farewell ceremony was attended by senior officials, including Senate President François Xavier Kalinda, Speaker of Parliament Gertrude Kazarwa, Supreme Court President Donatilla Mukantaganzwa and Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva.

Also in attendance were Members of Parliament, representatives of the Liberal Party and other political parties, family members, relatives and friends who gathered to pay their final respects to Mukabalisa, who served in the Rwandan Parliament since 2000.

"Senator Donatille Mukabalisa embodied the values that have formed the foundation of Rwanda’s development, including integrity, humility, resilience and an unwavering commitment to duty,” said RPF-Inkotanyi Secretary General Amb Christophe Bazivamo, who delivered a message on behalf of President Paul Kagame.

He added that throughout her career, Mukabalisa had been entrusted with different responsibilities that required dedication and sacrifice, which she carried out with commitment.

"This was because she deeply understood that serving the nation is the highest calling and one of the greatest honours.”

"That spirit of selfless service defined her entire life. It earned her the respect of those she worked with and the confidence placed in her, time and again. The nation is grateful for her dedicated service,” he said.

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Mukabalisa’s contribution to political leadership and institution building was also highlighted by members of the Liberal Party, which she served since its founding in the early 1990s.

Theogene Munyangeyo, PL’s first vice president, said Mukabalisa was more than a political leader, highlighting her role as a mentor to many within the party.

"She leaves behind important initiatives and a broad vision aimed at strengthening our party and advancing the development of our country," Munyangeyo said.

Senate President Kalinda reflected on Mukabalisa’s contribution to Parliament, saying she left behind a legacy of service that will continue to be remembered by lawmakers and those who worked with her.

"Once again, I wish her family strength and assure them that we will continue to stand by them,” Kalinda said.