Me Andrews KANANGA
Executive Director(ED)
“Me. Andrews Kananga is currently the Executive Director of the Legal Aid Forum – Rwanda, a position he has held since 2008. From 2004 – 2008, he was a Senior Legal adviser to National Semi-traditional Courts (Gacaca) that were charged with trials of people suspected of having committed Genocide in Rwanda. In 2012, Andrews was among the three Legal experts nominated by the Ministry of Justice in Rwanda to oversee the development of a legal aid policy in Rwanda. He has contributed enormously to legal reforms in Rwanda which ushered in the legal aid policy, legal aid bill, reform of the penal code and criminal procedure code, and many more pieces of legislation that favor access to justice for the poor and vulnerable in Rwanda. Andrews is a founding member of the African Centre of Excellence for Access to Justice (ACE-AJ) and head of research in the same center.”
Leonie MUTONI
Director of Programs
“Leonie Mutoni Karugahe is the Programs Manager at the Legal Aid Forum (LAF), a position she has held since 2022. As Programs Manager, she oversees coordination, implementation and reporting of all project activities, programs and initiatives of the organization. As part of the Management Committee, she assists in developing strategic partnerships and strengthening linkages with donors, government institutions and civil society. She also provides high level technical and administrative support to LAF secretariat.
Leonie has a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Media and Communication, with a concentration in Public Relations.
Jeannette MUSABYUMUREMYI
Director of Finance
“Jeannette MUSABYUMUREMYI has over 14 years of experience in finance and administration. Her experience ensures financial excellence and accuracy at all levels of the project. Ms. Musabyumuremyi is also a high-level communicator and can discuss technical budget details with all levels of project staff to best understand the budgetary implications of various activities and aspects of projects. She has a Master’s degree in Finance and Accounting and Certified Public Accountant in progress.”
Alexis HABIMANA
Director of Operations
“Alexis HABIMANA is currently the Operations Manager at The Legal Aid Forum. His responsibility is coordinating Human Resource Management, procurement, logistics and monitor adherence to rules, regulations and procedures. Alexis deeply understands the value of discipline, commitment, passion, leadership and hardworking. Accordingly, he struggles to implement these values in his day to day life. He has a strong experience in public and private Procurement of over than 12 Years, Strategic Management and Leadership. Alexis received a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Management. .”
Theogene TWIRINGIYIMANA
Senior Case Management Officer
“ Theogene TWIRINGIYIMANA joined The Legal Aid Forum in 2016 as Project Coordinator. Some of Theogene’s responsibilities include but not limited to coordination, support, supervision, and monitoring all project activities ; legal aid to refugees; liaise with and ensure smooth collaboration of stakeholders/partners, participate in project-related meetings at the national level and where necessary at the field level, and ensure that resolutions taken in the meetings are implemented, . Theogene is an experienced Legal Professional with a demonstrated history of working in Humanitarian organizations. Skilled in refugee laws, Child Protection& SGBV laws, International humanitarian law, and Legal Advice. He graduated from the National University of Rwanda Faculty of Law and acquainted with judicial laws and Rwandan court systems. ”
Jules Deo MUGISHA
National Peace Advisor
“ Jules MUGISHA Deo joined the Legal Aid Forum in 2018 as National Peace Advisor at the Peaceful Coexistence Project which is implemented in the Mahama sector Kirehe district by Legal Aid Forum (LAF) in partnership with GIZ-ZFD through the Refugee Component Unit of Civil Peace Service (CPS) for German International Cooperation. He is a specifically responsible for Planning, organizing, and implementing training with the target groups in camps and in refugee host communities; Monitoring participants of training in practicing non-violent conflict resolution and mediation techniques; Strengthening the effectiveness and cooperation of existing conflict resolution mechanisms in the camp and host community; Developing an activity plan with its corresponding budget; Monitoring and evaluating training with especially leaders, lessons learned and adjust training modules accordingly. Before joining the Peaceful coexistence project, Mr. Jules worked at GHDF (Global Humanitarian and Development Foundation) as Monitoring and Evaluation (2016-2018) and at Ombudsman Office as Investigator (2004-2016). Jules received a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Sciences at the National University of Rwanda and holds a master's in Peace Studies and Conflict Transformations at the University of Rwanda.”
Arielle KAMANZI
Procurement Officer
“ Arielle KAMANZI is currently a procurement officer for the legal Aid Forum-Rwanda, a position she has held since 2019. From September 2018 to December 2018, she was a child protection officer for the legal aid forum at Mahama camp (Kirehe District) where she was in charge of identifying, receiving, and following up the unaccompanied and separated children (UASC) for family re-unification and Facilitating birth registration of children in the camp. Arielle was a project coordinator for the right to protection and participation, a project implemented by the Legal aid forum in partnership with plan international Rwanda. She holds a bachelor’s degree in travel and tourism management from the University of tourism and business studies. She is passionate about her work and able to learn new tasks quickly.”
Crispin RWIRANGIRA
Senior IT Officer
“ Crispin Rwirangira is a Senior IT Officer, a role she has held since 2021. She joined the Legal Aid Forum - Rwanda in 2018 as an IT Consultant, bringing over 12 years of experience in software development, IT project support, staff and network support, programming, database management, and networking. Her expertise extends to graphic design and proficiency in technologies such as PHP, databases, Windows Server, Java, and HTML. Crispin is a results-driven professional with strong skills in networking and a keen focus on efficiency. She thrives in both independent and team-oriented environments. Additionally, she holds certifications as a Microsoft Certified Professional, Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist, and Microsoft Technology Associate. Crispin earned a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) degree in Computer Science and Systems from the National University of Rwanda, further solidifying her strong foundation in IT and design.”
Cecilia RUTEMBESA
Head of Legal Empowerment Unit
“ Cecilia RUTEMBESA is an intelligent and open-minded researcher with expertise in legal analysis. She holds a bachelor’s degree in law from the University of Rwanda, and currently pursuing a diploma in legal practice from the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD).
As a Research Officer, Cecilia undertakes research projects from their preliminary stages to their finalisation and ensures that they are conducted with due diligence given her experience in qualitative and quantitative research. As one of our core programs, research has always been the basis of evidence-based advocacy to ensure that every Rwandan has access to Justice, and Cecilia is dedicated to ensuring the effective implementation of all research projects at LAF. She is a native speaker of Kinyarwanda, fluent in English and Swahili.”
Nathalie NZOBE
Accountant
“ Nathalie NZOBE serves as the Legal Aid Forum's Accountant. For 14 years, Nathalie has built an extensive experience in civil society and Public Accounting and Budgeting. She joined the Legal Aid Forum as a Budget Officer Whereby her responsibilities included but were not limited to the overall preparation of the Budget and Cash flow of the Institution. Before joining The Legal Aid Forum (LAF), Nathalie worked at Rwanda Agricultural Board (RAB) where she occupied various positions. Nathalie graduated from Kigali Independent University (ULK) where she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Management Specialization in Finance. ”
Patrice MUNYANTARAMA
Legal Officer
“Patrice Munyantarama is the Legal Officer of The Legal Aid Forum since 2015. Patrice worked as a Legal Officer responsible for facilitating children's birth registration, monitoring detention, legal advice and legal advocacy in Mahama camp, guiding, aiding in filing complaints, and advocating before judicial, administrative, or other bodies, according to the rules and procedures pertaining to provision of legal services, more especially SGBV related Cases and Develop, disseminate accurate to the beneficiaries leaflets with SGBV, crime prevention messages, evidence preservation as well as equipping refugees with preliminary information on National Laws; with overall objective of ensuring legal aid to refugees is delivered on time. Before joining The Legal Aid Forum, Patrice worked as a Prison Project Coordinator with ARDHO, providing legal assistance/ representation to Rilima or Bugesera, Musanze, and former 1930. Patrice also worked as a legal officer in Kigeme camp, Kiziba camp, and Gihembe camp working for ARDHO in partnership with PLAN international. He also worked as a consultant to train refugees in preventing SGBV working with Rwanda women’s network. Patrice received a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from Kigali Independent University and many other different trainings in different domains.”
Chantal NIYONAGIRA
Administrative Assistant
“ Chantal NIYONAGIRA is currently the administrative assistant of the Legal Aid Forum- Rwanda. Before being promoted, Marie Chantal started as a receptionist, a position she held for 7 years. Some of her responsibilities are processing and directing mail to outside institutions, directing and assisting visitors, and receiving, stamping, recording, and forwarding incoming documents mails, and invoices. Prior to joining The Legal Aid Forum, she worked as a public secretary in a company where she was responsible for composing memos, photocopying, banded books, and invites, among other things. Chantal graduated from Kigali's University of Lay Adventists with a Bachelor of Business Administration and Finance degree (UNILAK).”
Vanessa BUGINGO
Programs Associate
Vanessa BUGINGO is a dedicated development practitioner with a strong background in administrative and programmatic support. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Business Management and Entrepreneurship from Davis College and is currently pursuing a specialization in her Business Administration studies. In her role as Programs Associate at the Legal Aid Forum, Vanessa supports the implementation of initiatives aimed at expanding access to legal services and promoting human rights, especially for vulnerable and underserved communities. Her responsibilities include planning, coordinating, and executing program activities and events; assisting in project monitoring and reporting; and maintaining effective communication with partners, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders. Driven by a deep passion for human rights and social impact, Vanessa is committed to using her skills and experience to advocate for justice, equity, and sustainable development. She aspires to contribute to meaningful, lasting change in society through her work.
Brenda BATAMURIZA
Acting head of Knowledge Management Unit
BATAMURIZA Brenda is the Acting head of Knowledge Management Unit at the Legal Aid Forum, spearheading research, advocacy, and capacity-building initiatives to advance human rights. She oversees legal and policy analysis that informs strategic advocacy efforts, disseminating insights through reports and position paper, public dialogues, media, and stakeholder engagement. Brenda holds a Law degree from the University of Rwanda and a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD).
Sandra KABASINGA
Executive Personal Assistant to ED
“Sandra Kabasinga” serves as the Executive Personal Assistant to the Executive Director at The Legal Aid Forum. A role she has held since June 2024. In her role, Sandra provides executive support to the Executive Director, ensuring the smooth coordination of daily operations, strategic scheduling, and communication both within and outside the organization. Beyond the Executive Director's office, she contributes to fostering effective collaboration across departments, supporting organizational initiatives, Sandra holds a Bachelor's degree in Monetary Economics and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at East London University, further strengthening her ability to align executive support with strategic organizational goals.
Aline UWAMAHORO
Legal Officer
“Aline UWAMAHORO is a Legal Officer at the Legal Aid Forum, a position she has held since November 2016. She specializes in handling client complaints, case management, and legal advisory services, while ensuring data protection and privacy. Previously, she supported birth registration, detention monitoring, and legal awareness in refugee camps, and served as a Community Engagement Officer at Plan International Rwanda, where she led violence prevention and community protection initiatives. Aline began her legal career as an intern advocate with the Rwanda Bar Association. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Law from the University of Rwanda and a Postgraduate Diploma from the Institute of Legal Practice and Development.
Ruth MUTAMBA
MEL & Communications Unit
Mutamba Ruth serves as MEL & Communications Unit at the Legal Aid Forum (LAF), a position she began on June 12, 2025. In her role, she actively contributes to enhancing the organization’s communication strategies and brand visibility, supports media relations, and assists in effectively communicating LAF’s activities and impact to the public. Her work involves close collaboration with the press and aligns with LAF’s broader communication goals. Ruth holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Media and Communication, with a concentration in Public Relations.
Me Job Nzovu
Chair and Legal Representation
Jacques Kabano
Deputy Chair and Legal Representation
Juves Tchiamala
Board Member
Mupenzi Ejid
Board Member
Liberal Majyambere
Board Member
Gregroire Rucamumihigo
Board Member
Ninette Umurerwa
Board Member
Jean Donald Munyeshuri
Board Member
Innocent Rwagasana
Board Member
Me Andrews Kananga
Officer