Africa-Press – Rwanda. Rwandan government officials, family and friends of Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, the former Mayor of Kigali and Head of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia, on Tuesday, August 19, paid their last respects to the diplomat who passed away on August 12.
In a requiem service held at Christian Life Assembly Church in Kigali, before Kacyira was laid to rest on Tuesday afternoon, the mourners, who included former colleagues in government and the UN, praised her for humility, care for the needy, and unwavering dedication to public service.
Wellars Gasamagera, Secretary General of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), delivered President Paul Kagame’s message of condolence to the family of Kacyira, who died of a prolonged illness at the age of 61.
“She loved people who were vulnerable and always wanted to help them. In meetings, she would always think of low-income earners. She never wanted to be seen as powerful. Instead, she had humility and encouraged those around her,” Gasamagera said.
He added that her resilience during international missions, especially when Rwanda faced criticism, inspired colleagues to stand firm and use such challenges as opportunities to share Rwanda’s story.
Gasamagera noted that the President and RPF Chairman eulogised Kacyira for her service and courage, adding that her legacy would endure through the lives she touched and the work she left behind.
“Her work was characterised by heroism, good work, courage and patriotism. In her service as a government official in Rwanda and in all missions abroad, she continued to be characterized by loving people and striving for the well-being of all. Rwandans will always remember her good work as her legacy,” Gasamagera said as he read the letter.
“I comfort her family during this difficult situation and wish them strength. May God grant her eternal rest.”
Gasamagera said that Kacyira, who also served as a Member of Parliament and Governor of Eastern Province, was a selfless leader who dedicated her professional life to uplifting those in need.
‘She never put herself over anyone else’
Simon Kacyira, her husband, reflected on the remarkable humility and selflessness that defined her life.
“When I met her during our university studies, other girls sought attention, but she would quietly come to our room, and we’d drink milk and have some fried cassava. Even then, she never put herself above anyone else,” he said.
He shared how her caring nature persisted throughout her life, even during her illness.
“I don’t know what I can say after 35 years together. When we talked during her sickness, she sounded very strong on the phone and would tell friends to take care of me, yet she was the one who was unwell. This shows the heart of caring she had for other people,” he said.
In a heartfelt reflection, Joshua Ntambara, their son, said her as an encouraging mother.
She taught me to combine my passions with purpose, showing me how to serve God through the things I love. Her faith, joy, and dedication shaped who I am today, her guidance was a constant light in my life,” Ntambara said.
“Through her prayers and encouragement, I learned to rely on God while honoring the lessons she gave me, the profound impact of parental guidance, showed me how faith, humility, and encouragement can shape a child’s character and life path.”
‘More than a colleague’
James Swan, the UN Special Representative for Somalia, highlighted Kacyira’s exceptional life and service.
“The United Nations family mourns the loss of Ambassador Kacyira and honours the extraordinary life she led. Today, we gather with heavy hearts to remember and celebrate a remarkable woman whose impact was vast,” he said.
Swan described her passing as a profound loss for the UN, Somalia, and her homeland, Rwanda.
“Kacyira was a pioneering spirit, a gentle soul, and a beacon of hope who left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered. While the UN family grieves her absence, it is her immediate family, we offer our heartfelt prayers that God grants them strength during this difficult time,” he said.
“In all her endeavours, Kacyira’s warmth, kindness, and compassion shone brightly. She was more than a colleague, she was a friend, mentor, sister, and mother, affectionately known as ‘Mama UNSOS’. The presence of her former UN colleagues and friends here today is a testament to the profound impact she has had on our lives. Her loss touches us deeply.”
From 2006 to 2011, Kaxyira served as Mayor of Kigali. She later became the Governor of Eastern Province in 2011 and had earlier served as a Member of Parliament from 2003 to 2006.
Between 2011 and 2018, Kacyira was the Deputy Executive Director and Assistant Secretary-General of UN-Habitat.
In February 2023, she was appointed as head of the UN mission in Somalia.
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