The news of the passing of Ambassador Dr. Aisa Kirabo Kacyira came as a painful blow, not only to her family but also to the nation she served with rare devotion. On August 12, 2025, at the age of 61, Rwanda lost a woman whose life embodied courage, humility, and service.
Her death was met with deep sorrow across Rwanda and beyond, as tributes poured in from leaders, colleagues, and international institutions who had walked alongside her in her extraordinary journey.
I first met Dr. Kacyira when she was serving as the Mayor of Kigali City. What struck me immediately was her warmth and openness. Unlike many leaders who built walls of protocol, she carried no barriers.
She was approachable, willing to pause her demanding schedule to engage with journalists, whether it was for an interview request, clarification on a contentious issue, or simply to provide background on stories that concerned the city.
For me, that encounter revealed not just a leader of authority, but a human being grounded in compassion.
President Paul Kagame, in his condolence message delivered during the funeral service at Christian Life Assembly, described her as a public servant who embodied “courage, dedication, and love for her country.”
His words resonated deeply with the many who remembered her not just as a leader in titles, but as someone who left behind a legacy of kindness and action. “Rwandans will forever remember her selfless service as a legacy she leaves behind,” the President’s message read.
A Life defined by service
Dr. Kacyira’s public life was nothing short of remarkable. From her time in Parliament to her role as Mayor of Kigali between 2006 and 2011, she brought a fresh vision of leadership that balanced urban development with community well-being.
In 2008, her efforts were recognized by UN-Habitat, which hailed Kigali as a model of cleanliness, peace, and sustainable growth.
Beyond infrastructure, she worked tirelessly to create opportunities for housing and employment, leaving behind a city that reflected order and hope.
Her service extended far beyond Rwanda’s borders. From 2011 to 2018, she became Deputy Executive Director of UN-Habitat, championing sustainable cities and inclusive urban growth.
Later, she represented Rwanda as Ambassador to Ghana with additional responsibilities across West Africa, before being appointed Head of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) in 2023.
In all these roles, she carried with her the same principles she held in Kigali, accessibility, humility, and genuine concern for people.
International colleagues spoke of her in glowing terms. Ambassador James Swan of the UN described her as “a courageous person of vision, gentle-hearted, and a source of hope to others.”
AIG Hilaly Sao of the African Union remembered her as “a true embodiment of African unity,” whose determination brought people-centered solutions to difficult contexts like Somalia. These tributes painted the picture of a leader who carried her humanity wherever her assignments took her.
A legacy of humility and faith
Behind her public achievements lay a quiet humility. Her husband, Col. (Rtd) Simon Kacyira, shared a tender memory from their youth: while others at university sought parties and beach outings, Aisa preferred a milk or a simple soda and fried cassava shared in his room.
“She was never extravagant, and even now as she departs, she remained the same,” he recalled, describing the values that bound them together.
Her children, too, testified to her faith and her love. Her son Joshua said, “One of the greatest gifts our mother left us was her love for God and faith in Him.”
That faith was not only personal but also visible in her professional life. It shaped the way she approached her responsibilities, with humility, patience, and a spirit of service.
In her, Rwanda and the world saw a leader who could combine intellectual brilliance, backed by a PhD in Veterinary Science, with a simplicity of character rarely found in positions of influence. She never outgrew her humanity. She never forgot that leadership was about people.
Her burial at Rusororo Cemetery closed a chapter on a life well lived, yet her legacy remains etched in Rwanda’s history and in the hearts of those she touched.
As someone who had the privilege of knowing her and witnessing her humanity up close, I can only affirm what so many have said. She was a leader beyond title, a servant beyond recognition, and a friend beyond measure.
Rest well, Dr. Aisa Kirabo Kacyira. May your memory continue to inspire courage, humility, and service in the generations to come.
