The family of a British national who was recently found dead in his home in Kigali has said that the 56-year-old man died of natural causes.

Matthew Robert Wilson, who owned a Kigali-based printing firm called Colours Company Ltd was found dead in his home in Kacyiru on April 3.

"It is with an extremely heavy heart that we announce the death of Matthew Robert Wilson, a much-loved son, brother and uncle on Friday 3rd April 2020.  Matthew passed away at his home in Kigali, due to natural causes,” reads part of the family statement.

This follows rumours that went viral on social media, triggering speculation that the UK national succumbed to COVID-19.

The speculations unfolded following a message that trended, stipulating that the deceased had talked to his co-worker and Canadian friend prior to his death, telling them that he had a cough and wasn't feeling well.

However, Rwanda Investigation Bureau Spokesperson, Marie-Michelle Umuhoza recently told The New Times that subsequent a test conducted by Rwanda Biomedical Center revealed that the deceased was COVID-19 negative.

She said they cannot reveal the real cause of death because an autopsy report is confidential and is only shared with the family.

According to his family, Matthew had an enormous love for Africa, for its people, its wildlife and its outstanding beauty – a love affair that lasted over 25 years.

The statement continues to say that: "Due to the current situation globally, we are unable to organise a memorial service to celebrate Matthew’s life but will endeavour to do so when things return to normal."

Currently, all passenger flights coming in and going out of Rwanda are suspended, just like the case for many other countries as they try to contain the spread of the virus that was in February declared a global pandemic.

The family added that they would like to be left to continue mourning for their loved one in private.

Rwanda has not yet confirmed any COVID-19 death. As of now, the country recorded 113 positive cases, and seven of them have recovered already.