Jules César Kalisa, one of the leaders who played an important role in the development and management of football in Rwanda, has died after an illness, according to people close to him.
Kalisa is remembered for his long career at the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA), where he spent more than 10 years in senior leadership positions. He served as Secretary General and was later known as the federation's Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
According to information from FIFA Master, Kalisa became FERWAFA Secretary General in 2001. His name also appears on the list of students who completed the FIFA Master programme in 2001.
During his time at FERWAFA, Kalisa was involved in the administration of Rwandan football, particularly matters concerning the national team, Amavubi, and international competitions.
In 2010, when FERWAFA formed a new Executive Committee led by Brig. Gen. Jean Bosco Kazura, Kalisa remained in his position as Secretary General.
At the time, local media often described him as one of FERWAFA's senior officials. The New Times referred to him as the federation's Chief Executive Officer. In 2011, the newspaper also quoted him on issues concerning the national team and players selected for Amavubi.
Kalisa's involvement in football went beyond Rwanda. His name also appeared in the activities of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
In 2014, CAF appointed him as a Match Commissioner for a CAF Confederation Cup match between CS Don Bosco of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Djoliba AC of Mali.
This showed that after leaving FERWAFA, Kalisa continued to contribute to football activities at the African level.
On September 13, 2011, Kalisa resigned as FERWAFA Secretary General. His resignation came one day after the federation's then-President, Brig. Gen. Jean Bosco Kazura, also stepped down. Kazura was later replaced by Michel Gasingwa.
Kalisa served in FERWAFA during a period when Rwandan football was expanding its activities and seeking a stronger presence in international competitions.
During his career, he was regularly mentioned in stories about the national team, Amavubi players, CAF competitions and Rwanda's cooperation with international football bodies.
His death has brought renewed attention to the contribution of former football administrators who helped shape the management and development of Rwandan football over the years.
Jules César Kalisa leaves behind a legacy of many years in FERWAFA leadership and involvement in football activities at the African level.
Football supporters, former colleagues at FERWAFA and people who knew him have continued to pay tribute to him as one of the notable figures in the history of Rwandan football administration.
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