The Senate announced that Mukabalisa died at King Faisal Hospital in Kigali at the age of 66. She was widely respected for her decades of service in Rwanda's legislature and for her leadership of the Liberal Party (PL).

"It is with a heavy heart and great sorrow that the Senate of Rwanda announces the passing of Honourable Donatille Mukabalisa, who died today, 30 July 2026, at King Faisal Hospital (KFH) in Kigali," Senate President François-Xavier Kalinda said in a statement.

Kalinda extended condolences to Mukabalisa's family, friends and loved ones, adding that details of the memorial service and funeral arrangements will be communicated later.

A career dedicated to public service

Mukabalisa devoted more than two decades to public service, holding several of Rwanda's most senior legislative positions.

A law graduate, she began her parliamentary career in 2000 as a member of the National Transitional Assembly, where she served until 2003.

Following the adoption of Rwanda's Constitution in 2003, she was elected to the Chamber of Deputies and served until 2011. She was then appointed to the Senate, continuing her role in shaping the country's legislative agenda.

In October 2013, Mukabalisa returned to the Chamber of Deputies, where she was elected Speaker, becoming one of Rwanda's most prominent female political leaders. She served in the role until 2024.

After completing her term as Speaker, she was designated to the Senate by the National Consultative Forum of Political Organisations (NFPO) on 19 September 2024, a position she held until her passing.

Born in July 1960 in Nyamata, Bugesera District, Mukabalisa also made significant contributions beyond Parliament.

She lectured law at Kigali Independent University (ULK) and spent a combined 16 years working with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Her passing marks the end of a long career dedicated to public service, parliamentary leadership and the strengthening of Rwanda's democratic institutions.