This discomfort isn’t limited to the bereaved. Even the process of confronting death can be difficult, and many find it challenging to view the deceased face-to-face. This fear often extends to those who work with the deceased, especially mortuary attendants.
While many shy away from such work, one individual has dedicated the last two decades of his life to it at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK).
Ngarambe Assiel, a 76-year-old man from Ruhango District, has spent 20 years working in CHUK’s mortuary, with a career spanning 43 years in the healthcare sector.
Since 1982, his role has involved receiving bodies, ensuring they are properly stored in fridges until claimed by relatives, and assisting in the medical examination of bodies, particularly in cases of diseases and accidents.
“I’ve never feared working in the mortuary. It’s just a job, and I treat it with respect,” Ngarambe says with a calm demeanor.
Each day, Ngarambe prepares for his work with care, donning protective clothing like a lab coat, gloves, and a mask to avoid direct contact with bodies.
He checks the mortuary fridges regularly to ensure they are functioning properly, preventing any damage to the bodies. Upon receiving the bodies, he ensures they are properly prepared for storage or transfer to the appropriate place for family viewing.
Ngarambe’s work is guided by professionalism and a deep respect for human dignity. He takes great care to ensure that bodies are handled respectfully, especially when families come to identify their loved ones.
He carefully explains the process of storing bodies in cold rooms and ensures that family members are treated with sensitivity and empathy during these emotionally charged moments.
Ngarambe also assists with bodies brought from outside the hospital, meticulously documenting each one and ensuring proper handling. Even when bodies are brought from distant locations, Ngarambe carries out his work with professionalism and care.
Despite his long experience, Ngarambe acknowledges the emotional toll of working in the mortuary. He reflects on the impact of seeing young, vibrant people pass away, which reminds him of the fragility of life.
“There are times when you prepare the body of a young person, or someone in their prime, and you can’t help but think about how short life can be. It makes you reflect on your own mortality and how precious time is,” Ngarambe shares.
For him, the job isn’t just about technical tasks; it’s about showing humanity and respect to the deceased and their families. He emphasizes that he never downplays anyone’s loss, always offering condolences and explanations in a thoughtful, respectful manner.
Despite common superstitions about supernatural occurrences, Ngarambe dismisses these beliefs. He’s never experienced anything unusual, even though some people believe that spirits may return in different forms.
“Those are just stories people tell. The rooms we work in are just like any other. There’s nothing supernatural going on here. I’ve never seen anything strange, even at night,” he explains.
Though he has vast experience, Ngarambe admits that sometimes he dreams about his work. However, this does not frighten him; he simply accepts it as part of his job.
Over the years, Ngarambe has witnessed countless deaths, including those of children, the elderly, the rich, and the poor. For him, this reinforces one simple truth: death does not discriminate. He encourages everyone to live humbly, for none of us knows when the time will come.
“Death doesn’t care if you’re young or old, rich or poor. It comes for everyone. That’s why we should live kindly, treat others with respect, and cherish the time we have,” he says.
This elderly man works day and night, depending on his shift. In 20 years, he has handled countless bodies, including those of his own family members. While he can’t recall the exact number, he says it can reach 50 or 60 in some months.
He recalls the heartbreaking moment of receiving his own child’s body at the morgue: “My child fell ill, and we took him to a health center. His condition worsened, so we brought him here, but he passed away. I received him the same way I do with others. It’s devastating.
“Watching your own child leave this world while you remain behind makes you question, ‘Who will bury me when those who should do it are leaving before me?’ It takes an immense amount of strength to bear such pain.”
Mukantaganda Bernadette, a social worker at CHUK, praises Ngarambe’s dedication to his work, noting his professionalism and compassion.
“He’s an exemplary worker, always respectful and considerate. He also helps guide new staff with his wisdom,” she says.
Working in the mortuary is not for everyone, it requires patience, empathy, and a strong emotional constitution. For Ngarambe, however, his role is more than just a job. It is a calling, one he approaches with dignity and care, always ready to support others in their time of need.
