Rwandans mourn Agaciro chief executive Kagabo

Rwandans are mourning Vianney Kagabo, the departed chief executive of Agaciro Development Fund (AGDF), who died yesterday. Kagabo, 53, succumbed to follicular Lymphoma, a fluid cancer at Aga Khan Hospital in Kenya. He is survived by a wife and five children. Martine Muhongayire, the widow, said Kagabo, was admitted to Aga Khan Hospital last Friday but passed on at 5:30am yesterday. “Vianney was a people-oriented person, everybody could feel important in his presence. We are kept by his warmth in this chilly life without him. We trust our Lord Jesus to comfort us,” Muhongayire said in short text to The New Times. The late Kagabo was appointed by the Cabinet, as the head of AGDF in mid-2013. Fancine Uwamariye, the fundraiser manager at AGDF, said Kagabo was calm and welcoming. “He was a very kind, understanding, welcoming and an honest man. He was so intelligent and a father to us. We have lost not only a leader but a hardworking and exemplary friend,” she said. She added that the fund is working closely with the family on burial arrangements. The late Kagabo’s body was due to arrive at Kigali International Airport last night. Sources close to the deceased say, a few months ago, he travelled to India for medical consultations where he was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer. He returned home rejuvenated and had further medical consultations at King Faisal Hospital Kigali. However, last week, he developed complications and was flown to Nairobi. Kagabo served on the taskforce that set up the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Rwanda (iCPAR) and was a founder member of the institute. He served in various capacities thereafter, including iCPAR Governing Council Member (2013-2015). Former colleagues regarded him as a living example of integrity, institutional loyalty, independence and public service dedication, a tireless worker and rigorous professional. “He was perceived as a prudent man but also firm on his convictions and decisions, affable and accessible. He was ever jolly, cracking jokes at every twist and turn,” iCPAR secretary-general John Munga said in a statement last evening. “As friends, we remember many things about him, including his swimming skills at Circle Sportif, fun he shared with his children. Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are with the family and friends of CPA Vianney Kagabo.” The late Kagabo grew up in Uganda and Kenya. His career in Accountancy started at Kenya Institute of Administration and Strathmore College of Accountancy where he qualified as a Certified Public Accountant. ********************** PROFILE - From 1985 to 1991, he served at Kassim Lakha Abdulla & Co. One of the top 10 Audit Firms in Kenya, rising through the ranks to become an Audit Senior. - From 1991 to 1994 he worked at Universal Safari Tours in Kenya as Accountant/Credit Controller - From January 10, 1995 to June 28, 1999 he joined National Bank of Rwanda, and appointed Director of Accounts and Budgetary Control - From June 28, 1999 to December 31, 2003 served at National Bank of Rwanda as Director of Banking Operations - From January 2004 to February 2009 served at National Bank of Rwanda as Director of Internal Operations - February 2009 to October 11, 2010 served at National Bank of Rwanda as Director of Finance and General Services - From 2011 to 2013 joined Access to Finance Rwanda/Consulting for KPMG Rwanda as Director of Finance Services - The Cabinet meeting of September 11, 2013 appointed him Director General in charge of Agaciro Development Fund where he served till his demise. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Rwandans mourn Agaciro chief executive Kagabo