{"id":51678,"date":"2024-10-17T15:41:13","date_gmt":"2024-10-17T15:41:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/in-loving-memory-of-dr-joseph-karemera-a-tribute-from-amb-christine-umutoni\/"},"modified":"2024-10-19T10:55:42","modified_gmt":"2024-10-19T10:55:42","slug":"in-loving-memory-of-dr-joseph-karemera-a-tribute-from-amb-christine-umutoni","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/in-loving-memory-of-dr-joseph-karemera-a-tribute-from-amb-christine-umutoni\/","title":{"rendered":"In Loving Memory of Dr. Joseph Karemera- A tribute from Amb. Christine Umutoni Nyinawumwami"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dr. Joseph Karemera\u2019s journey through life was intertwined with those he cared for, beginning in Umutoni\u2019s family home in Kireka, Kampala, where he stayed while studying at Kololo Secondary School in the early 1980s. He developed a strong bond with her father and they shared a lot.<\/p>\n

His warmth extended to many young people who lived in the home where Umutoni\u2019s parents Rutwaza Leonidas and Didasiana Kiguzi treated every child as their own including Karemera.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy parents instilled in us resilience and self-confidence, even in the face of adversity. When we were ridiculed for being called “Rwandese” during our time as refugees, Uncle Karemera empowered us by affirming our identity,\u201d Umutoni said.<\/p>\n

“There is nothing wrong with being Rwandese, he would say, dissolving any insecurities we harbored and replacing them with pride,\u201d she recalled<\/p>\n

Umutoni says that as a role model, Karemera ignited aspirations in many, including herself. His pursuit of medicine inspired her to dream of becoming a doctor. She passed all her science subjects but due to unforeseen circumstances arrived two weeks late at the school and science classes were full. Karemera personally encouraged her toward the arts section and she eventually pursed law at the university.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis unwavering support taught me to excel in any path I chose. Later, when I hesitated during law school, he reminded me of our shared determination, famously saying, “Rwandese never quit!” His faith in us never wavered, and his mentorship stretched far beyond academics,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\"Amb.<\/figure>\n

“Afande Karemera\u2019s generosity knew no bounds. He opened his home to students and family alike, whether during our school holidays in Kenya (Lamu, Mombasa, Machakos, Nakuru, Nairobi Kenyatta Hospital). He accommodated us in his home in Uganda, or Rwanda. He shared what little he had with everyone, a testament to his selflessness and genuine care for those around him.”<\/p>\n

His dedication to education was unwavering, as he continuously supported young people\u2019s endeavors, even in times of personal difficulty. Umutoni remembers when she had a two-year-old (Amanda Akaliza), was pregnant with her second child (Paula Kami) and couldn\u2019t afford tuition for a master’s degree.<\/p>\n

He encouraged and facilitated her studies, proving that challenges should never hinder ambition. Pregnancy is not a disease he would say, “with hard-work and determination you will make it.”<\/p>\n

\u201cBut perhaps what truly defined Karemera was his patriotism. Long before Rwanda\u2019s liberation struggle reached its crescendo, he planted the seeds of love for our homeland in us,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

He foresaw the importance of everyone\u2019s participation in building a free Rwanda and never failed to remind each one of the need to fight for that vision. His early involvement in the formation of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) in 1987 showed his deep commitment to the cause.<\/p>\n

His service as Head of Medical Services during the liberation struggle embodied his unyielding dedication to the wellbeing of others and it is an achievement that should be documented because it was a very critical role that was much need by everyone on the battlefield.<\/p>\n

\"Amb.<\/figure>\n

“I first new about plans for Liberation in his home and like he did to many young people, he shaped my decisions to join the liberation struggle. I later served with him in Government, we became ambassadors almost at the same time. all this long he was mentoring me.” says Umutoni.<\/p>\n

Dr. Karemera was more than just a doctor, minister, or diplomat. He was a visionary leader a comrade whose actions were rooted in love for his country and for his people. Whether as Minister of Health, of education, promoting education in sciences and other courses, or as a diplomat, negotiating and advocating tirelessly for Rwanda\u2019s benefit, he exemplified patriotism and integrity in every role he held.<\/p>\n

“He was very loyal to the leadership of the country and this is something he instilled in all around him. Leadership structure, discipline and following guidance of the country were key virtues in his life.”<\/p>\n

\u201cIn his passing, I reflect on the monumental role he played in shaping not just our nation but the lives of all who had the privilege to know him and be guided by him. We appreciate Karemera\u2019s family for embracing all of us. To Mrs. Ann Karemera, we thank you for sharing him with us, and for your own role as a heroine alongside him. Besides every Hero there is a Heroine and vice versa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Amb.<\/figure>\n

\u201cYou were very young when he left you to join the armed struggle. The sacrifices of the many women who were left with young children, pregnant or newly married and yet you supported all these families. You all deserve to be honored and remembered,\u201d Umutoni emphasized.<\/p>\n

\u201cUncle Karemera, your legacy will live on through the lives you touched, the wisdom you shared, and the love you gave so freely. You will forever remain in our hearts, you are seated with the Lord, watching over us as we and the generations to come continue the work you and your comrades began,\u201d she concluded.<\/p>\n

I dedicate this poem as a tribute to You my mentor, parent, dear friend, my guardian Angel; known to many as simply \u00ab Uncle Karemera \u00bb
\n.{{
\n{To my dear mentor and anchor, My treasured guardian
\nIn the quiet shadows where memories reside,
\nI will always cherish your guide.
\nIn wisdom, like an eagle you taught me to soar,
\nEach lesson a treasure, each word I adore.
\nWith discipline amid laughter you remain a beacon of kindness and a source of inspiration and pride.
\nIn your nurturing voice, I found strength, you are my mentor and a compass forever true.
\nIn the depths of my heart, your light shines strong and laughter lingers on.
\nAs stars shine above, I\u2019ll carry your wisdom.
\nSo here’s to my mentor, my friend: Time after time I will honor your name.
\nIn my heart you will continue to bloom just the same.
\nFare thee well to a true guardian Angel
\nWe will carry your memory with us always.
\nYours truly Ambassador Christine Umutoni Nyinawumwami
\n(One of the many that you mentored)}}}<\/p>\n

\"The<\/figure>\n
\"Ambassador<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

To many, he was simply Uncle Karemera: An uncle, a mentor, a guardian, and a friend who made everyone feel special. While his official titles may have reflected his prominence, to Ambassador Christine Umutoni Nyinawumwami, he was more than just a leader. He was a man who left an indelible mark on the lives of those around him, nurturing and shaping lives with the same love and wisdom he brought to the world.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":135,"featured_media":2000075955,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[75],"byline":[3135],"hashtag":[],"class_list":["post-51678","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-homenews","byline-sam-k-nkurunziza-2"],"bylines":[{"id":3135,"name":"Sam K Nkurunziza","slug":"sam-k-nkurunziza-2","description":"","image":{"id":0,"url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/?s=96&d=mm&f=y&r=g","alt":"Default avatar","title":"Default avatar","caption":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","sizes":[]},"user_id":null}],"contributors":[{"id":3135,"name":"Sam K Nkurunziza","slug":"sam-k-nkurunziza-2","description":"","image":{"id":0,"url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/?s=96&d=mm&f=y&r=g","alt":"Default avatar","title":"Default avatar","caption":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","sizes":[]},"user_id":null}],"featured_image":{"id":2000075955,"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/profile-32.jpg","alt":"","caption":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","width":0,"height":0,"sizes":{"thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/profile-32.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"medium":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/profile-32.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"medium_large":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/profile-32.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"large":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/profile-32.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"full":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/profile-32.jpg","width":0,"height":0}}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51678","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=51678"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51678\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2000075955"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=51678"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=51678"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=51678"},{"taxonomy":"byline","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/byline?post=51678"},{"taxonomy":"hashtag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hashtag?post=51678"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}