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