Rwanda NGO ED Marie Ange Raïssa Uwamungu Dies

The Rwandan civil society sector is mourning the death of Marie Ange Raïssa Uwamungu, the Executive Director of Impanuro Girls Initiative (IGI), an organization known for championing the rights and welfare of girls and young women.

IGI announced her passing on Saturday in a statement shared on social media.

“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of our executive director,” the organization said.

The group described Uwamungu as “a remarkable leader whose kindness, vision and dedication touched many lives,” adding that she leaves behind “a legacy that will continue to inspire all.”

The organization did not immediately disclose the cause of death but said further information would be shared in due course.

Tributes quickly poured in from colleagues, friends and development practitioners who remembered Uwamungu as a passionate advocate for girls’ empowerment and community development.

Among those paying tribute was JC Muhire, who described Uwamungu as a close friend, mentee and fellow changemaker.

“For nearly a decade, Raïssa dedicated her life to serving others. Since founding and leading Impanuro.org, she built partnerships, mobilized support, and created opportunities for hundreds of girls and women, particularly in addressing teenage and early pregnancies,” Muhire said.

He added that her work reflected “a deep belief in dignity, opportunity, and hope for all.”

Muhire also revealed that Uwamungu had recently been battling a serious illness.

“Even recently, when faced with a life-changing diagnosis, her commitment to serving others never wavered,” he said.

According to the tribute, Uwamungu founded and led Impanuro Girls Initiative for nearly a decade, focusing on supporting vulnerable girls and women through advocacy, mentorship and community-based programs.

“She may be gone, but her light will continue to shine through the countless lives she touched,” Muhire said.

Uwamungu is survived by her husband and son, according to family friends and colleagues who shared messages of condolence following news of her passing.

Her death has prompted an outpouring of grief across Rwanda’s civil society community, with many remembering her as a dedicated leader whose work transformed the lives of hundreds of young women and girls.

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