Rwanda Office

Rwanda

International Bridges to Justice, P.O. Box 4356, Remera, Kigali, Rwanda

	John Bosco Bugingo – Fellow and Country Manager John Bosco Bugingo is lawyer and IBJ Fellow based in Kigali, Rwanda. John Bosco grew up in Uganda and since he was a child has looked up to lawyers as symbols of intelligence and wit. When he left Uganda for Rwanda in 1996, he knew it was time for him to pursue his legal career. He completed his Bachelor of Laws, LLB at the National University of Rwanda in 2004. He swore in as an advocate at the Kigali Bar Association in 2006. As a senior partner of Fountain Law Chambers, he has developed expertise in human rights and legal defense as he restlessly strives to provide committed counsel to vulnerable categories of prisoners. He is the co-founder of the Centre for Judicial Excellence- a rights advocacy Institution which intends to pioneer legal rights advocacy and education across the country. With his innovative spirit, John Bosco provides the on-the-ground leadership to IBJ’s nascent Rwanda program. Read more about John Bosco here.
	Hadijah Habba Batamuliza Kamwesiga – DRC Coordinator Hadijah is a Rwandese and a third-year student from the Kigali School Of Finance and Banking (SFB) pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration In finance (BBA). Born in Uganda, Hadijah has previously lived in Jamaica. Prior to joining IBJ as the Rwanda DRC Coordinator, Hadijah has worked two years for KK Security as their Customer Service Administrator where she gained a significant experience in business administration and customer relations. At IBJ, she will be supporting John Bosco in the development of the Rwanda Program and managing the accounting, book keeping and Defender Resource Center to ensure greater efficiency and efficacy.
	Herbert Rubasha – Rwanda Country Advisory Council Member Herbert Rubasha is a lawyer with the Kigali Bar Association (KBA). With more than 5 years experience in the field of law, Herbert combines rare qualities of an advocate, consultant and university lecturer of law. His ability from experience relates to working with a range of Institutions: planners and decision-makers in government, NGOs, private sector organizations, civil society organizations and donor agencies. He holds a Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) from the National University of Rwanda and Master of Laws (LLM) from the Centre for Human Rights – University of Pretoria. Herbert is a member of the East African Law Society (EALS) and co-founding member of the Centre for Judicial Excellence (CJE). As a member of Rwanda Country Advisory Council, he will use his local networks to aid fundraising efforts, mentor IBJ Rwanda Fellow on specific cases and provide long-term vision for IBJ’s Rwanda program.
	Johnson Kabera – Rwanda Country Advisory Council Member As a former prosecutor for over six years, Johnson knows too well how the lack of access to legal counsel impedes the justice system to meet his ideals of fairness, equity and transparency. In 2006, Johnson joined the Kigali Bar Association. He is also a member of the East Africa Law Society. Along with his sound experience both as a prosecutor and lawyer, Johnson brings with him an extended network of contacts within the judicial system, which will help IBJ Rwanda Fellow build a larger movement in favor of the rights of the prisoners across the country. His strength of determination in producing creative solutions when working in a challenging environment will help him, Herbert and John Bosco realize their vision of a legal aid system that ensures universal access to counsel in Rwanda. Johnson holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) (Licence) (Hons) from the National University of Rwanda.