RUSAGARA MUVUNANKIKO Valens
National leaders, dignitaries, family and friends gathered at the Parliamentary Building on Friday, 7 August 2026, to pay their final respects to the late Senator Honourable Donatille Mukabalisa, honouring a life defined by selflessness, leadership and unwavering dedication to the nation.
Mukabalisa, who also chaired The Liberal Party (PL) and served for over a decade as Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, died on 30 July 2026 at King Faisal Hospital in Kigali following an illness. She was 66.
Born in July 1960 in Nyamata, Bugesera District, Mukabalisa held a bachelor’s degree in law and began her career as a law lecturer at the Independent University of Kigali (ULK) before spending 16 years with international organisations, including the World Health Organization and the United Nations Development Programme.
She entered politics in 2000, joining Rwanda’s National Transitional Assembly, and went on to serve in the Chamber of Deputies, as a Senator and ultimately as Speaker of Parliament from 2013 until 2024 a tenure during which she also chaired the Kigali Parliamentary Assembly at the 145th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in 2022.
In 2016, she became the first woman elected to lead the Liberal Party. After her term as Speaker ended, she was designated to the Senate in September 2024, where she served until her death.
In a condolence message delivered on behalf of His Excellency the President of the Republic, Ambassador Christophe Bazivamo, Secretary General of the RPF-Inkotanyi, paid tribute to the late Senator’s enduring contributions to Rwanda’s progress.
“Senator Donatille Mukabalisa was defined by values that formed the very foundation of Rwanda’s development, including integrity, humility, patience, and a constant dedication to fulfilling her responsibilities,” the message read. “She was elected to, and appointed to, various demanding roles, all of which she fulfilled with great dedication, for she deeply understood that serving the country is a supreme responsibility of great value. That spirit of selflessness was the hallmark of her entire life. It earned her the respect of her colleagues and their repeated trust. The country is grateful for her dedication.”
Representing the Liberal Party, MP Munyangeyo Théogène spoke of her profound impact as both political leader and personal guide. “Within the PL, Honourable Mukabalisa Donatille was not only our leader, but she was a mother figure to many, an advisor, a mentor and a leader always committed to building a party defined by unity, partnership and a sustainable vision,” MP Munyangeyo shared. “She has left us with projects and a broad vision aimed at continuing to build and develop our country.”
Senate President François-Xavier Kalinda, who first announced her passing in a statement issued on the day she died, paid tribute to her memory on behalf of the legislature. “Sister, Honourable Donatille Mukabalisa, your fellow members of Parliament: you leave us a great legacy, for which we will always remember you. May the good works you performed for the nation, for your family and for all those you blessed accompany you, and may you rest in peace,” Kalinda said. “Leaders and relatives present here, on behalf of Parliament, I thank you for attending this ceremony to give final honours to Honourable Donatille Mukabalisa. I once again wish her family strength and assure them of our continued support.”
Tributes to Mukabalisa poured in from across the political spectrum in the days following her death. Senator Frank Habineza, president of the Democratic Green Party and spokesperson for the National Consultative Forum of Political Organisations, described her as “a humble, principled and dedicated leader who always placed Rwanda’s interests above all else.” Arielle Kayabaga, Leader of Government Business in Canada’s House of Commons, said it had been a privilege to witness Mukabalisa’s “distinguished service to Rwanda as a parliamentarian and senator.” Former Senate President Augustin Iyamuremye also offered condolences to her family.
Mukabalisa is survived by her husband and three children. Honourable Mukabalisa Donatille leaves behind a rich legacy of public service, parliamentary leadership and patriotic commitment one that will continue to inspire current and future generations of Rwandan leaders.
