First Lady Jeannette Kagame joined mourners at the funeral mass of the late Lt Gen Innocent Kabandana, who passed away after a long illness at Kanombe Military Hospital.
The requiem mass was held at Regina Pacis Catholic Church in Remera on September 12, 2025, followed by burial at the Kanombe Military Cemetery.
The Mass was celebrated by retired Bishop Philippe Rukamba, former head of the Butare Diocese and a longtime neighbor of Lt Gen Kabandana. It was the General’s personal wish that Bishop Rukamba preside over his final mass.
The ceremony was attended by family members, government officials, military leaders, friends, and relatives.
In his homily, Bishop Rukamba reminded the congregation that death is a passage all human beings must face, but that life does not end with death, as believers know.
“God did not create us for death,” he said. “He created us for life, for eternal existence. Lt Gen Kabandana, like every Rwandan, grew up in a family that nurtured him, and he became a valuable citizen and a committed soldier. A Christian does not die; rather, he rests in the hands of God.”
He further emphasized the importance of prayers for the deceased.
The Kabandana family expressed deep gratitude to the country’s leadership, especially President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame, for their support during the General’s illness.
His wife revealed that Lt Gen Kabandana had been undergoing treatment for two years and three months and that the Government, the President, and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) stood firmly by his side. “We are not strong because we ignore our pain,” she said, “but because of the support you have given us. We are truly honored that the First Lady is here today. My husband always expressed his gratitude for the care he received.”
She added that though her husband had passed away, he had been given every possible medical assistance thanks to the leadership of the country. “The support you provided gave him the strength to fight for over two years. His soul has gone to Heaven, and in due time, we believe we shall meet again,” she said.
Their eldest child, Dr. Monia Kabandana, also expressed gratitude to President Kagame and the First Lady for facilitating her father’s treatment. She recalled that before his passing, Lt Gen Kabandana rejoiced in their support and urged his children to continue loving their country.
She noted that her father was grateful to die in Rwanda, something he had always wished for, considering it a blessing not to pass away abroad.
The family’s elder, Antoine Bizumuremyi, praised Lt Gen Kabandana as a man of great value to his country and thanked all those who had stood with them during their time of grief.
Lt Gen Kabandana joined the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) in 1990, playing a key role in the liberation struggle and in stopping the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He held various senior positions in the RDF until illness prevented him from continuing his service.
Author: Justinmind HARERIMANA
