The message was read by the Minister of Local Government, Jean Claude Musabyimana on Monday 23rd January 2023 during a ceremony to bid last farewell to late Prof Mbanda.

The ceremony took place at Regina Pacis Parish after a church service led by Cardinal Antoine Kambanda.

It was attended by various top government officials, the Secretary General of RPF Inkotanyi, François Ngarambe and former Senate President Dr. Augustin Iyamuremye among others.

Cardinal Kambanda said that the death shocks the most especially when it takes an important person like Prof. Kalisa Mbanda.

He eulogized him as a man of virtues who socialized, loved people and strived for common interests.

Cardinal Kambanda said that Prof. Mbanda left a legacy of loving one another, cultivating compassion and passing the values to others.

Through a message conveyed by Minister Musabyimana during the ceremony, the President of the Republic said that Rwandans will always remember the contribution of Prof. Mbanda.

“The President of the Republic and his family learnt about the sad news that Prof. Kalisa Mbanda passed away. We are shocked by the demise and stand in solidarity with Mbanda’s wife, children and his entire family during these days of deep sorrow,” he said.

“Prof. Mbanda served our country through various positions he assumed. Rwandans will always remember him for his dedication while assuming those duties. The President of the Republic and his family, extend wishes for Mbanda’s wife and the entire family to remain strong during this period of sadness. May Prof Mbanda rest in peace.”

Prof. Mbanda who breathed the last on 13th January 2023 succumbing to natural cause, was laid to rest in Rusororo Cemetery. He is survived by his wife, four children and six grandchildren.

Prof. Mbanda was named the Chairman of NEC in 2012 for five-year term that was renewed. He replaced Prof. Chrysologue Karangwa at the time. He has been also serving as the Chancellor of Kigali Independent University (ULK).

Prof. Mbanda held different positions where he once served as an Expert for Eco-development and Community-Base Projects, in charge of Planning and Monitoring between 1990-1995 and Consultant for Regional Rehabilitation and Development Plan (1998-99) at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

He also spent long time in the education sector as he served as the Dean of Faculty of Agriculture at the National University of Rwanda between 1995-1998, National Expert for Strategic Planning, in charge of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Sector 2000-2003 and Rector of the Higher Institute of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry from 2003 to 2007.

Prof. Mbanda later worked as a consultant with different institutions including the ministry of Local Government (MINALOC), Rwanda Local Development Support Fund (RLDSF) and Genocide Survivors Fund (FARG) among others.

In 2006, Prof. Mbanda was the Chairman of Kigali City Council. He holds a PhD in Biology obtained from the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium. Prof. Mbanda also graduated as Tropical Agriculture Engineer at the same university.

Prof. Mbanda was laid to rest in Rusororo Cemetery.

Minister Musabyimana read conveyed a message from President Paul Kagame to the bereaved family of Prof. Mbanda.

Click here to view more pictures of Prof. Mbanda’s burial.