President Kagame honors the legacies of Col (Rtd) Dr. Karemera Joseph in national liberation

President Paul Kagame has paid tribute to the late Colonel (Rtd) Dr. Karemera Joseph, highlighting his pivotal role in Rwanda’s liberation struggle.

During the memorial service held on October 16, 2024, at the Parliament, Kagame expressed that one of his enduring memories of Dr. Karemera is his significant contribution to the fight for the liberation of Rwanda.

Kagame emphasized that Dr. Karemera was an exemplary leader committed to serving his country and fighting against those who sought to undermine it.

"Dr. Karemera never wavered in his commitment to building the nation after joining the struggle for Rwanda’s liberation in 1990," Kagame remarked.

He noted that Karemera played a crucial role in preventing the Genocide against the Tutsi and, despite being a medical doctor, he actively participated in the military efforts to restore peace and advance the nation post-Genocide.

The President praised Dr. Karemera’s dedication to various leadership roles, including Minister of Health, Minister of Education, Rwanda’s Ambassador to South Africa, and Senator.

"He refused to betray his country during critical times when there were those seeking to destroy it," Kagame stated.

Col. (Rtd) Kamili Karege, Dr. Karemera’s brother, shared insights into his long battle with cancer, which he was diagnosed with in May 2011. He expressed heartfelt gratitude towards President Kagame for facilitating high-quality medical care for his brother, enabling him to live for 13 years after his diagnosis.

"He came to know he had cancer in May 2011, and he battled the illness for over 13 years. His longevity was significantly due to the support of His Excellency the President, who ensured he received treatment in the best possible facilities around the world," he noted.

Karegera recounted that his brother received treatment first in India, and later in Germany, thanks to directives from President Kagame.

"He was initially treated in India, and then His Excellency the President ordered that he be taken to Germany. That treatment extended his life when many cancer patients don’t survive even six months," he explained.

President Kagame also reflected on his first encounters with Dr. Karemera in the 1970s, noting that although they did not spend much time together initially, they connected more deeply as the years progressed.

"I met Karemera in the 1970s, around 1976. It was long ago, but we didn’t spend much time together. We met a few times until as the years went by, we came to know each other better," he said.

Kagame underscored that Karemera was one of the first to conceive the idea of liberating the country, stating, "Karemera was present at all critical times. He was among those who envisioned this, and he actively participated in the discussions as we all did in the Ugandan Army, where the ideas for liberation first took root."

He further remarked that even though Karemera is no longer alive, he witnessed the positive changes in Rwanda. "Though he is not here with us today, he had the time to see the results of his efforts, and he left us knowing what the country has achieved," Kagame added.

Colonel (Rtd) Dr. Karemera Joseph is survived by his wife, seven children, and four grandchildren, leaving a legacy of service and dedication to the nation.