President Kagame Pays Tribute to Senator Mukabalisa, Praises Her Legacy of Service

President of Rwanda Paul Kagame has paid tribute to the late Senator Donatille Mukabalisa, praising her for more than two decades of dedicated service to the country and describing her as a leader known for integrity, humility, perseverance and commitment to her responsibilities. The President’s message was delivered by RPF-Inkotanyi Secretary General Ambassador Christophe Bazivamo during the state farewell ceremony for Mukabalisa, held at the Parliament Buildings on Friday, August 7, 2026. President Kagame said Mukabalisa viewed serving the country as a great responsibility and a duty of hi

President of Rwanda Paul Kagame has paid tribute to the late Senator Donatille Mukabalisa, praising her for more than two decades of dedicated service to the country and describing her as a leader known for integrity, humility, perseverance and commitment to her responsibilities. The President’s message was delivered by RPF-Inkotanyi Secretary General Ambassador Christophe Bazivamo during the state farewell ceremony for Mukabalisa, held at the Parliament Buildings on Friday, August 7, 2026. President Kagame said Mukabalisa viewed serving the country as a great responsibility and a duty of high value. He said her spirit of selfless service defined her life and earned her the trust and respect of those she worked with. He also commended her contribution to the Liberal Party (PL), noting that she was not only its president but also a mentor, adviser and leader committed to strengthening unity, cooperation and a sustainable vision for the party. Senate President Dr. François Xavier Kalinda also praised Mukabalisa for the legacy she leaves behind in Parliament and in Rwanda, highlighting the service she rendered to the country and those around her. A Two-Decade Political Career Mukabalisa entered politics in 2000 as a member of Rwanda’s Transitional National Assembly. In 2003, she was elected to the Chamber of Deputies representing the Liberal Party. She served as a Senator between 2011 and 2013 before returning to the Chamber of Deputies. In 2013, she was elected Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, succeeding Rose Mukantabana. She was re-elected in 2018 and served until 2024. On September 19, 2024, Mukabalisa was appointed to the Senate, returning to Parliament to continue her public service. She died on July 30, 2026, at King Faisal Hospital in Kigali, where she had been receiving treatment. Her death prompted messages of condolence from government institutions and political parties, which recognized her contribution to Rwanda’s governance and political life over more than 20 years.