President Paul Kagame and his family yesterday paid their last respects to Asteria Rutagambwa as she was laid to rest in her hometown of Ruhango.

The requiem mass was attended by more than 2000 family and friends from Rwanda, the region and beyond, including a delegation from Uganda led by Foreign Affairs minister Sam Kutesa.

Eulogising his departed mother, President Kagame began by thanking the doctors and nurses who took care of her throughout her illness as well as his sisters and the First Lady, Jeannette Kagame.

Having lost his father at a young age, Kagame described Asteria Rutagambwa as becoming both his mother and father and sacrificing to provide for her family.

"My mother was a dignified woman. She taught us to respect ourselves and give respect to others. She gave us more than we were ever able to give to her,” he said.

Kagame expressed sadness at the loss of his mother but added that the life she lived was one that brought joy and pride to her family.

"The hardships we and our parents have endured should not be wasted but should serve as a lesson. It should transform us for the better. Today, Rwanda remains standing and it is our role to keep it that way. I thank each of you for your contribution to our country’s transformation,” Kagame said.

Asteria Rutagambwa had four daughters and two sons. She passed away on November 22 at the age of 84, leaving 13 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Tweeting on the death of his mother, President Kagame said: "I know mothers are special people to many....mine was very very special to me. She has passed on. May God rest her in peace.”

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