The farewell ceremony was held at the Parliamentary building on August 7 and was attended by senior government officials, members of her family, relatives, and friends.
Speaking on behalf of the Liberal Party (PL), MP Munyangeyo Théogène said that beyond serving as the party’s president, Mukabalisa was a mother figure, mentor, and teacher to many.
“Within the Liberal Party, Hon. Donatille Mukabalisa was not only our president. She was a mother to many, a mentor, a teacher, and a leader who was always committed to building a party founded on unity, cooperation, and a long-term vision,” he said.
Munyangeyo added that Mukabalisa leaves behind important initiatives and a broad vision that will continue guiding the Liberal Party in contributing to Rwanda’s development.
President of the Senate, Dr. François Xavier Kalinda, said Mukabalisa leaves Parliament with a lasting legacy that fellow lawmakers will always remember, praying that she rests in peace.
“Our dear colleague, Hon. Donatille Mukabalisa, you leave behind a remarkable legacy that members of Parliament will always cherish. May the good work you accomplished for your country, your family, and all whose lives you touched accompany you, and may you rest in eternal peace,” he said.
President Paul Kagame’s condolence message was delivered by the Secretary General of the RPF-Inkotanyi, Ambassador Christophe Bazivamo.
In his message, President Kagame said Mukabalisa embodied the values that have formed the foundation of Rwanda’s development, including integrity, humility, perseverance, dedication, and unwavering commitment to duty.
“She understood that serving one’s country is the highest calling and one of the greatest responsibilities. That spirit of selfless service defined her entire life. It earned her the respect of those she worked with and the confidence they placed in her time and again. The nation is grateful for her dedication,” the message read.
Donatille Mukabalisa was born in Nyamata, Bugesera District, in July 1960. She worked as a law lecturer at the Independent University of Kigali (ULK).
She also served for 16 years with United Nations agencies, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
In October 2003, she was elected to the Chamber of Deputies, serving until 2008. She later became a Senator from 2011 to 2013.
In 2013, she returned to the Chamber of Deputies and served as Speaker until 2024, when parliamentary elections were held. She did not seek another term after completing the constitutional limit of two terms as Speaker.
Mukabalisa had served as a Senator since 2024 until her passing in July 2026.
