The Kangabe Foundation
Meet our Founder
Maman Marie Nzungize
Dear friends and partners,
I am pleased to introduce myself as the Founder of Kangabe Foundation, an initiative born from a lifelong commitment to fitness, positive lifestyles, nutrition, physical rehabilitation and equitable access to care and to education. I am a retired nutritionist with a professional career spanning over several decades across Africa and the United States of America.
Learn more…
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.
By investing in education and post-acute care simultaneously, we hope to create sustainable impact of empowering future professionals while restoring dignity and social status and improving health for those in need of Physical Rehabilitation Therapies.
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
Marie Nzungize
Statement
Kangabe Foundation is a Common Benefit Foundation- aimed at providing, financial, technical, material and equipment support for “ UpliftingTechnical Education focusing particularly on Physical Rehabilitation and Nutrition Programs, Strengthening the Rwanda’s health Care service delivery Systems where support is most needed, Restoring Movement/mobility and Securing Equity in the Health and Education Sectors” to Rwandans and to people from countries neighboring Rwanda.
Our Flagship
At the heart of our foundation mission lies our flagship initiative, that of “IKIRENGA CARE CBC”- a complementary initiative targeting on one hand, Tertiary Education with particular focus on Physical Rehabilitation and Nutrition/Dietetics Programs at IKIRENGA International Training College CBC and on the other hand, high quality, compassionate and competitive post-acute care services from IKIRENGA Physical Rehabilitation and Nutritional Care Center CBC to household levels. By uniting education with quality healthcare deliver, we hope to create pathways not only for job creations for the Rwandan’s youth but also for recovery, lifelong resilience and productivity, and more importantly, contributing to the Rwanda Government’s 2050 Vision.
Team
Meet the leadership behind this noble cause
Prof. Denis Bikesha
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Bio
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.
Council Member
Alphonse Rugigana
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Bio
Alphonse Rugigana is a seasoned finance and administration professional with over 12 years of experience in financial management and 10 years in human resource leadership across businesses and NGOs. He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Kigali Independent University.
As a council member, Mr. Rugigana brings expertise in strategic oversight, governance, and organizational management, having led budgets, procurement, and staff coordination in multiple organizations. He has also consulted for startups, focusing on project analysis and financial planning.
A committed volunteer, he supports initiatives that empower vulnerable children and social entrepreneurs. Fluent in English and French, with basic proficiency in Swahili, Mr. Rugigana combines technical expertise, leadership, and a strong commitment to social impact—key qualities that guide his contributions to the Kangabe Foundation.
Council Member
Sibomana Faustin
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Bio
Sibomana Faustin holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the Independent University of Kigali and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the National University of Rwanda. With extensive experience in administration, project management, and human resource leadership, he brings strong organizational and operational skills to the Kangabe foundation.
He has held leadership and management roles with FATE Consulting Ltd, The Country Inn Hotel, OrangeKat Company Ltd, and Heaven Restaurant, overseeing project execution, team supervision, human resources, logistics, and client relations. Through these roles, he has developed expertise in managing teams, coordinating operations, and ensuring the smooth delivery of projects and services for both organizations and their clients.
Fluent in Kinyarwanda, English, and French, with proficiency in Kiswahili, Sibomana Faustin combines strategic coordination, administrative expertise, and a commitment to social impact, ensuring the Kangabe foundation’s operations run efficiently and effectively.
Executive secretary
Valence M Rukesha
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Bio
Valence M. Rukesha is an experienced legal professional specializing in banking and finance law, corporate and commercial transactions, alternative dispute resolution, and financial sector regulation. He holds a Master of Laws (LL.M) in Business Law from the University of Rwanda, a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Institute of Legal Practice and Development, and an Executive Master’s in the Financial Services Industry from the Luxembourg School of Business (ongoing). Valence also holds multiple professional certifications in mediation, arbitration, banking, and management development.
Valence currently serves as a Senior Associate at Liedekerke, where he advises on corporate and commercial transactions, mergers and acquisitions, property and real estate matters, energy deals, private equity, venture capital, and complex banking and finance operations. Prior to this, he worked with ENSafrica as a Senior Associate in Banking and Finance, providing specialised legal advisory on syndicated lending, due diligence, dispute resolution, and business restructuring.
With over a decade of experience in the financial sector, Valence previously served as Senior Legal Officer and Deputy Head, Legal & Company Secretary at Ecobank Rwanda, where he advised on complex credit structures, corporate governance processes, regulatory compliance, policy formulation, and litigation. He also held key legal and documentation roles at KCB Bank Rwanda Plc and the Rwanda Development Board.
Beyond his corporate work, Valence has a strong record of industry leadership and professional service. He served as Chairman of the Legal Committee of the Rwanda Bankers Association, contributing to legal reforms, regulatory reviews, and strategic capacity-building for the banking sector. He is also a part-time lecturer at the Rwanda Academy of Finance and the Institute of Legal Practice and Development, teaching banking law and legal practice.
Valence is affiliated with the Rwanda Bar Association, International Bar Association, East African Law Society, Insol International, the Loan Market Association, and is a Certified Professional Banker.
With his broad exposure in legal practice, financial services, governance, and professional training, Valence M. Rukesha brings strong expertise and strategic insight to the Kangabe Foundation’s Council.
Council Member