During the liberation war, Dr. Karemera was on the frontlines as a doctor, treating wounded soldiers.
His contributions continued post-war, as he became Rwanda's first Minister of Health after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
In this role, he made bold decisions, including permanently banning doctors from practicing in Rwanda if they were found guilty of serious offenses. His tenure was marked by a steadfast commitment to restoring integrity and trust within the health sector.
A long-time member of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), Dr. Karemera spent 40 years in exile before returning to his homeland.
He frequently spoke about the driving forces behind the RPF's victory, emphasizing their deep love for Rwanda and their determination to dismantle the oppressive regime.
Reflecting on the RPF's success, he once stated, 'Our strong will, commitment, and determination to uproot dictatorship in our country gave us strength to defeat the enemy.'
As Minister of Education, Dr. Karemera's leadership was equally uncompromising. He focused on improving the quality of education and addressing issues of negligence by both teachers and students.
Under his watch, numerous school head teachers were dismissed for poor performance, and students involved in cheating faced severe disciplinary measures, including expulsion or suspension, some lasting up to three years.
In one of his most impactful decisions, Dr. Karemera ordered the annulment and recall of certain high school diplomas, citing irregularities in their issuance.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/former-minister-col-rtd-dr-joseph-karemera-passes-on
