Senators and Members of Parliament who worked alongside Senator Donatille Mukabalisa, the former Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, have paid glowing tribute to her following her passing, describing her as an exceptional mentor, a mother figure to many, and an outstanding example of dedicated public service.
News of her death was announced on Thursday morning after she passed away at King Faisal Hospital, where she had been receiving treatment for the past few days.
Harerimana Praises Her Leadership and Patience
MP Musa Fazil Harerimana, who served with Mukabalisa while she was Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies and he was Deputy Speaker, extended his condolences to all Rwandans, Mukabalisa’s family, and her colleagues in Parliament.
Speaking to IGIHE, Harerimana said that during the years they worked together, Mukabalisa embodied gender equality by demonstrating that women are equally capable of providing effective leadership.
he said: “There is so much that can be said about her, but first and foremost, she was a symbol of gender equality between men and women. Watching how she led people and guided them toward consensus showed that women are just as capable leaders. You could see there was no difference between a competent male leader and a competent female leader.”
Harerimana also praised her patience, noting that leading people with diverse political views is never an easy task.
he said: “She was remarkably patient because bringing together people with different political ideologies and helping them reach common ground requires exceptional patience. You could clearly see that quality in her.”
He added that once she became convinced an idea was beneficial, she pursued it with determination while remaining respectful of others.
“Once she believed something was the right course of action, she worked tirelessly to explain it without forcing anyone. She would patiently continue explaining until everyone understood and agreed. That reflected her deep love for her country. Despite the painful experiences she endured, she remained profoundly devoted to Rwanda.”
Harerimana further described Mukabalisa as a humble leader who welcomed diverse opinions, listened attentively, and sought consensus.
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Senator Uwera Remembers a Caring and Inspiring Woman
Senator Uwera Peragie also paid tribute, saying she deeply admired Mukabalisa and regarded her as an inspiring role model.
she said: “Accepting her passing has been extremely difficult because I loved her dearly. She was a wonderful mother, gentle and highly intelligent. Her achievements speak for themselves. My prayer is that she rests in eternal peace.”
MPs Describe Mukabalisa as a Mother Figure
MP Germaine Mukabalisa said she considered the late senator as her own mother, making the loss especially painful.
she said: “To me, she was like my mother.”
Dr. Habineza Highlights Her Mentorship and Wisdom
The spokesperson of the Consultative Forum of Political Organizations and President of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, Senator Dr. Frank Habineza, worked with Mukabalisa in the Chamber of Deputies for six years before they both served together in the Senate.
He described her as a motherly figure who was approachable, wise, and exceptionally skilled at resolving complex challenges.
he said: “I saw her as a mother. We shared ideas, advised one another, and complemented each other. Although she was initially my leader, our relationship evolved into one of siblings. She related well to people and always carried out her responsibilities with professionalism.”
He added that Mukabalisa possessed remarkable leadership skills and extensive experience.
“She had the ability to lead people with different opinions and bring them together. She could simplify even the most difficult issues and turn challenges into solutions. She was an exceptional leader and an outstanding mentor. We met frequently, and the advice she gave was always practical and valuable when put into practice.”
Dr. Habineza served alongside Mukabalisa on the Senate Committee on Economic Development, and the two also shared office space.
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A Distinguished Career in Public Service
Born in Nyamata, Bugesera District, in July 1960, Mukabalisa began her career as a law lecturer at the Independent University of Kigali (ULK).
She later spent 16 years working with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
In October 2003, she was elected to the Chamber of Deputies, where she served until 2008. She then became a senator from 2011 to 2013.
In 2013, she returned to the Chamber of Deputies and was elected Speaker, serving until 2024. She did not seek re-election after completing the two consecutive terms permitted by law.
On September 19, 2024, she was elected to the Senate as a representative of Rwanda’s Consultative Forum of Political Organizations.
Mukabalisa also served as President of the Liberal Party (PL), a political party founded on July 14, 1991.
