Who is Ma Justina Kokugonza?

Ma Justina Kokugonza was a humble rural grandmother whose quiet strength, compassion, and unwavering dedication to family and community left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire change today. She lived in Busingo Sub-Village, Rwanda Village, Kamachumu Ward, Muleba District in the Kagera Region of Tanzania, where she spent most of her life nurturing family, cultivating the land, and embodying the values of care, resilience, and generosity that define many rural African grandmothers.

Despite the limited resources of rural life, Ma Justina believed deeply in the power of care, education, and moral guidance in shaping the future of a child. She played a central role in raising one of her grandsons, providing him with holistic care that went far beyond basic survival. She ensured that he received support in every aspect of his growth — education, health, discipline, and emotional encouragement. In a setting where opportunities were often scarce, her commitment and sacrifice created a foundation upon which her grandson could dream, grow, and ultimately pursue a life dedicated to public service and social change.

That child later grew to become a changemaker, journalist, and social advocate, eventually founding and serving as patron of BIBI CARE, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable communities.

Ma Justina Kokugonza passed away on 9 February 2018. At the time of her passing, she was considered to be 115 years old, a remarkable span of life that witnessed over a century of history in the Kagera region. She left behind not only a grieving family but also a powerful legacy of love and responsibility. In reflecting on her long life and the profound impact she had, relatives, friends, and professionals close to the family began discussing ways to preserve and extend her values to the wider community. From these reflections, the idea of BIBI CARE was born.

The Birth of BIBI CARE

The organization was established to honor the spirit of a grandmother who believed that care is the foundation of human dignity and opportunity. Inspired by her life, BIBI CARE was officially registered on 29 January 2024 with registration number 5150.

The organization works to transform rural livelihoods, particularly focusing on health, education, and social support for vulnerable groups, including girls who struggle to remain in school due to lack of basic necessities such as sanitary products.

Through BIBI CARE, the story of Ma Justina Kokugonza lives on as a symbol of the extraordinary influence of ordinary people. Her life reminds us that transformative leadership often begins quietly — within families, in villages, and through acts of care that shape future generations.