ABOUT US
Who we are
Ubuntu Empowerment and Justice for All Initiative is a Rwandan non-profit organization dedicated to empowering marginalized communities, promoting social justice, and creating sustainable opportunities for vulnerable groups. We focus on youth, women, refugees, and persons with disabilities, addressing critical issues such as sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability.
Founded on the African philosophy of Ubuntu – “I am because we are”, we believe in solidarity, compassion, and collective action. Our approach integrates advocacy, education, and community-led programs to create lasting impact.
Through our Justice, Empowerment, and Environment pillars, we provide legal aid and psychosocial support, promote inclusive social and economic programs, and foster climate resilience in communities. By building capacity, offering safe spaces, and leveraging arts, sports, and technology, we enable beneficiaries to realize their potential and participate fully in society.
Operating primarily in Bugesera District and expanding nationally, we collaborate with local authorities, government ministries, NGOs, and international partners. Our programs are guided by transparency, accountability, and evidence-based practices, ensuring that every initiative we implement leads to meaningful and measurable change.
Ubuntu Initiative envisions a Rwanda where all people live free from discrimination and violence, empowered to thrive in a just, inclusive, and sustainable society.
Our Story & History
Ubuntu Empowerment and Justice for All Initiative was founded with a vision to create a Rwanda where every person—regardless of age, gender, ability, or background—can live with dignity, equality, and opportunity. The organization emerged from the recognition that marginalized groups, including youth, women, refugees, and persons with disabilities, often face barriers to education, healthcare, legal protection, and economic independence.
Since its inception, Ubuntu Initiative has focused on addressing these challenges through a holistic approach that combines justice, empowerment, and environmental sustainability. Our early programs began in Bugesera District, working directly with local communities to provide legal aid for survivors of gender-based violence, vocational training for women and youth, and awareness campaigns on sexual and reproductive health.
Over the years, our initiatives have expanded to include creative arts, sports, and community-led environmental projects. Tree-planting drives, climate-smart agriculture training, and sustainable livelihoods programs have become integral to our mission, ensuring that social progress goes hand in hand with environmental stewardship.
Ubuntu Initiative has grown through strong partnerships with government agencies, local authorities, NGOs, and international organizations, allowing us to replicate successful models beyond Bugesera District and contribute to national and regional development goals.
Today, our story continues as we strive to empower individuals, transform communities, and promote justice for all, leaving no one behind in the journey toward a just, inclusive, and sustainable Rwanda.
Our Team Members
Our strength lies in our people. Our dedicated team is passionate about creating positive change, empowering marginalized communities, and advancing justice for all. Each member brings unique expertise, skills, and lived experiences that drive our mission forward—from legal advocacy and social work to youth engagement, environmental conservation, and community development.
Together, we work collaboratively to design and implement programs that are inclusive, sustainable, and impactful. Meet the people behind Ubuntu Initiative—leaders, changemakers, and champions for justice.
UMURINGA Beata
President
UEJAI President, Ms UMURINGA Beata is a strategic program leader and, a seasoned entrepreneur and passionate advocate for social empowerment, bringing over 15 years of experience championing inclusive growth and human rights in Rwanda and the Great lakes region. As President of UEJAI, she leads with a rights-based approach – spearheading initiatives that promote human rights and social justice while fostering equal opportunities. Beata has been instrumental in advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for adolescents and teen mothers, and she fervently promotes women’s and girls’ empowerment while championing the inclusion of gender minorities. Her leadership aligns deeply with UEJAI’s mission of justice, equity, and empowerment for Rwanda’s marginalized communities, reflecting her unwavering commitment to uplifting underserved groups.
ZUENA UMUBYEYI
Executive Director
Zuena Umubyeyi is a dedicated human rights advocate with specialized training in defending the rights of vulnerable, marginalized, and underserved groups – including gender minorities. She leverages the power of creative arts and sports as platforms to promote human rights awareness and foster grassroots civic engagement within communities. A passionate feminist, Zuena believes in empowering individuals who have historically been denied access to opportunities, championing gender equality and inclusive growth. She is also an active environmental advocate, championing sustainable practices and environmental protection in her initiatives.
She often emphasizes that a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. In her current role as Executive Director of UEJAI, Zuena continues toempower women artisans through training, mentorship, and cultural initiatives, leads rights-based programs that uplift underserved communities, and manages the daily operations of the organization. Her inspiring leadership and multifaceted approach to advocacy reflect her unwavering commitment to building a more just, inclusive, and sustainable society.
Nyirahabimana Aisha
Finance Manager
Ms. Nyirahabimana Aisha is an accomplished financial manager with over 10 years of experience overseeing the accounting and financial management of corporate and nonprofit organizations. She holds a Bachelor’s and a Post Graduate degree in Finance and Management and has successfully managed multi-governmental and institutional funds and grants with precision and transparency. Aisha brings to UEJAI a wealth of expertise in financial planning, grant management, compliance, and resource accountability.
Beyond her professional excellence, Aisha is deeply passionate about defending the rights of the less fortunate and advancing social justice through equitable resource allocation. She integrates a rights-based approach in her financial stewardship, ensuring that every resource contributes to empowerment, inclusion, and sustainability. Her dedication to uplifting vulnerable communities, especially women, youth, and marginalized groups, aligns perfectly with UEJAI’s mission of promoting justice, empowerment, and equal opportunities for all
Tamara Kabuye
Advisor (Mental Health and Young Women in Conflict with Law)
Advisor for Mental Health & Youth, Tamara Kabuye is a compassionate psychology professional dedicated to the intersection of mental health and social justice. She holds a degree in psychology from Coventry University and has hands-on experience providing psychosocial support. Tamara served as a psycho-social counselor at various Human Rights, Youth and Women organization where she helped develop strategies to address gender-based violence and advocated for vulnerable individuals, including those with HIV/AIDS In her role as UEJAI’s Advisor on Mental Health and Young Women in Conflict with Law, Tamara ensures that women and youth involved with the justice system receive the mental health support and empathy they need for rehabilitation and growth. She has also volunteered with organizations supporting people with disabilities, reflecting her broad commitment to vulnerable groups. Tamara’s empathetic approach and expertise in trauma-informed care strengthen UEJAI’s capacity to provide holistic legal support and counseling. Her work is key to advancing UEJAI’s mission of healing, empowerment, and second chances for at-risk young women, embodying the initiative’s values of compassion and justice.
Me Dancille Uwingeneye
Strategic Litigation Advisor
Me Dancille Uwingeneye is an experienced legal advocate specializing in strategic public interest litigation[ As UEJAI’s Strategic Litigation Advisor, she provides expert legal guidance to drive systemic change through the courts. Dancille has a strong background in using the law to protect human rights and champion the underrepresented. She plays a pivotal role in identifying and pursuing cases that address injustices – from defending the rights of women and girls to tackling environmental and community issues – ensuring that the law serves as a tool for social transformation. Dancille’s dedication to advancing justice and her deep knowledge of Rwandan and international law align perfectly with UEJAI’s mission to offer legal support to vulnerable communities. Through her strategic litigation efforts, she helps uphold the rule of law and promotes accountability, furthering UEJAI’s vision of a fairer, more equitable Rwanda for all.
FIona Mbabazi
Advisor (Organizational Development)
Advisor for Organizational Development, Fiona Mbabazi is a seasoned communications and media professional who has built a distinguished career in public relations and journalism She formerly served as a national news anchor and later as Head of Marketing & Communications for RwandAir, where she led strategic campaigns and strengthened stakeholder engagement Fiona brings to UEJAI deep expertise in strategic communication, brand building, and advocacy. As the Advisor on Organizational Development, she helps strengthen UEJAI’s institutional capacity and outreach. Earlier in her career, Fiona coordinated public awareness campaigns for a human rights
organization, promoting justice and human rights education in the community, her leadership in media and her passion for social impact ensure that UEJAI’s message of empowerment, gender equality, and justice for all is effectively communicated. Fiona’s innovative approach and commitment to uplifting underserved voices bolster the organization’s impact
Ubuntu Empowerment and Justice for All Initiative works to empower marginalized communities, promote social justice, and create sustainable opportunities for youth, women, refugees, and persons with disabilities in Rwanda.