I began my vocation as a Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Natural Sciences, Physical Education, and French Teacher in Zaire, today the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). After several years of teaching, I went on for further studies in the United States and later, after a Bachelor and Master’s degree from Cornell and Syracuse University, respectively, I worked as a dietitian at Cortland Memorial Hospital in New York. Then, my career expanded in Public Health and Community Nutrition in East, Central and West Africa where I held various positions from Project Officer, to Nutrition Program Manager, to Child Survival Specialist for NGOs and later for UNICEF. These experiences allowed me to work closely with vulnerable populations and to witness first-hand the profound impact that (1) education can have on fighting inter-generation poverty and (2) timely and adequately access to physiotherapy, speech and/or occupational therapy can have on individuals’ lives, entire families and communities.

Throughout my career, one reality remained constant: ‘talented and motivated students are often denied access to higher education especially in critical health related fields, for instance in Physical Rehabilitation therapies due to financial constraints, while many patients in need of physiotherapy or occupational therapy etc.. are left without proper post-acute care once their acute care in the hospitals ends.

Kangabe Foundation is established to respond directly to these gaps in Rwanda. Our mission is twofold:

To fund university education for financially disadvantaged students pursuing their tertiary education in physical rehabilitation or nutrition programs and

To support post-acute treatment care for seriously injured individual whose recovery is limited by economic hardship.

I invite you to learn more about our work, share in our vision and join us in advancing -compassionate, equitable and practical solutions that strengthen the Rwandan’s health care systems, positively transform the lives of our youth and contribute to the Rwanda’s 2050 Vision.

With Sincere appreciation

Prof. Bikesha is currently an Associate Professor of Transitional Justice at the University of Rwanda, School of Law, where he previously served as Dean. His academic work is complemented by significant national service, including membership on the High Council of the Judiciary and the High Council of the National Public Prosecution Authority, where he contributed to strengthening judicial professionalism, legal reforms, and institutional development.

He has played a central role in Rwanda’s post-genocide justice processes, notably through his work at the National Service of Gacaca Courts as Legal Officer, Director of Training, Research and Documentation, and advisor on the courts’ closure and archival processes. His expertise also extends to peace building, where he has trained international and local students, judges, prosecutors, and security actors across Africa, Europe, and North America.

Prof. Bikesha currently serves as Chief Editor of the Rwanda Law Journal, member of Rwanda’s National Technical Operational Safety and Health Steering Committee, and legal expert for various international and national institutions. He has led numerous legal consultancy assignments involving law reform, governance, decentralization, human rights, and criminal justice. His publications appear in respected international outlets, including Routledge, Edward Elgar, and Juta.

With over two decades of experience as a legal academic, consultant, researcher, and trainer, Prof. Denis Bikesha brings to the Kangabe Foundation a deep commitment to justice, rule of law, and the development of strong, accountable institutions.

Prof. Denis Bikesha is an accomplished legal scholar and practitioner with extensive experience in transitional justice, constitutional law, criminal law, and governance. He holds an LL.B and LL.M in Business Law from the National University of Rwanda, a PhD in Law from the University of Dar es Salaam, and professional diplomas in Legal Practice and Conflict Resolution.

Prof. Bikesha is currently an Associate Professor of Transitional Justice at the University of Rwanda, School of Law, where he previously served as Dean. His academic work is complemented by significant national service, including membership on the High Council of the Judiciary and the High Council of the National Public Prosecution Authority, where he contributed to strengthening judicial professionalism, legal reforms, and institutional development.

He has played a central role in Rwanda’s post-genocide justice processes, notably through his work at the National Service of Gacaca Courts as Legal Officer, Director of Training, Research and Documentation, and advisor on the courts’ closure and archival processes. His expertise also extends to peace building, where he has trained international and local students, judges, prosecutors, and security actors across Africa, Europe, and North America.

Prof. Bikesha currently serves as Chief Editor of the Rwanda Law Journal, member of Rwanda’s National Technical Operational Safety and Health Steering Committee, and legal expert for various international and national institutions. He has led numerous legal consultancy assignments involving law reform, governance, decentralization, human rights, and criminal justice. His publications appear in respected international outlets, including Routledge, Edward Elgar, and Juta.

With over two decades of experience as a legal academic, consultant, researcher, and trainer, Prof. Denis Bikesha brings to the Kangabe Foundation a deep commitment to justice, rule of law, and the development of strong, accountable institutions.