Lawmaker Fidel Rwigamba, who died of illness will be laid to rest on Sunday, February 19, after a state funeral that will take place at Parliament.

Rwigamba, 73, died on Wednesday, February 15 after battling illness at King Faisal Hospital where he was admitted.

Part of his send-off programme includes lying in state at Parliament on the same day of his burial.

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Before he lies in state, it is expected that Rwigamba’s body will be taken from King Faisal Hospital at 07a.m – 8a.m to his home in Kicukiro District for family and friends to bid farewell to him.

The state funeral at parliament (lying in state) is expected to last for one hour, from 11 am – 12 pm.

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Lying-in-state describes the formal occasion in which the coffin of a departed official – who has rendered distinguished service to the nation – is placed on view, to allow the public to pay their last respects to the deceased, before their burial.

Later, mourners will move to Catholic Church’s Kicukiro Parish, for a requiem mass. His burial is scheduled 04p.m at Rusororo Cemetery.

About Rwigamba

Rwigamba was a parliamentarian since 2013 – he was serving his second term by the time of his passing (on February 15, 2023).

He was also the Chairperson of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Security at the Chamber of Deputies, for a term of two years and a half.

Prior to that, he served as the secretary-general in the Senate (Senate Clerk) from 2009 to 2013.

Before joining Parliament, he held various positions, including the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service and Labour in 2003, and director of monitoring and coordination for Government actions in the Prime Minister’s Office in 2001.

His fellow MPs described him as a man of courage, discretion and intelligence, as well as a great advisor who did his best in serving his country.