The Rwanda Bar Association has appointed Umuhoza Barbara as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and William Niyongabo as Chief Operating Officer (COO), as part of efforts to strengthen the management and administration of the Association’s Secretariat.
The appointments, announced on September 7, 2026, are intended to improve efficiency in the delivery of services to advocates and support the implementation of the Rwanda Bar Association’s strategic priorities.
As CEO, Umuhoza Barbara will provide strategic and administrative leadership to the Bar Secretariat and coordinate the implementation of decisions taken by the Association’s Governing Council. Her responsibilities will also include overseeing the Association’s day-to-day activities, representing the Bar when delegated by the President, and leading resource mobilisation, communications and partnership initiatives.
William Niyongabo, in his role as COO, will support the CEO in coordinating and executing the Association’s programmes and operations. He will also focus on strengthening internal systems and processes and improving the efficiency of services delivered across the Bar Secretariat.
The Rwanda Bar Association said it expects the experience, commitment and leadership of the two appointees to contribute to the continued professionalisation and transformation of the organisation.
The Governing Council has called on advocates, staff members, partners and other stakeholders to support and cooperate with the new leadership as they take up their respective responsibilities.
The appointments come as the Association seeks to strengthen its institutional management while advancing its role in supporting the legal profession and the administration of justice in Rwanda.
