The Ubuntu Village of Life (UVL) commemorated four years of its impactful collaboration with the United States Embassy in Burundi with a vibrant celebration themed “Four Years of Impact: Strengthening Health, Education, Nutrition, and Food Security through U.S.-Burundi Collaboration.” The event, held in Mugamba commune, of Bururi province on May 08, 2025, highlighted transformative progress in healthcare and community development, spearheaded by Dr. Alexis Nizigiyimana.
Among the distinguished guests were U.S. Ambassador to Burundi Lisa Peterson, Defense Attaché Major Christopher Conner, Public Affairs Officer Jeff Cole, and Governor of Bururi Léonidas Bandenzamaso. The delegation toured UVL’s agroecology fields—emblems of sustainable farming practices that have enhanced local food security and nutrition—and the UVL Clinic, where modern medical infrastructure, including surgical, neonatology, and echography units, has brought life-saving care to one of Burundi’s most underserved regions.
The groundbreaking of a new Mother and Child Pavilion
The celebration also marked the groundbreaking of a new Mother and Child Pavilion, aimed at expanding maternal and pediatric health services in Mugamba.
Dr. Nizigiyimana shared the personal tragedy that shaped his life’s mission: at age seven, he lost a newborn sibling due to the absence of nearby medical care. This loss motivated his pursuit of medicine, which began at the University of Burundi and led him to further training in Israel, the United States, and Canada. A Mandela Washington Fellow and alumnus of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), he launched UVL with his wife, Yolaine, in 2020.
Dr. Alexis Nizigiyimana, Founder at Ubuntu Village of Life
At that time, Mugamba had no doctors or functioning medical equipment. Pregnant women often walked over 50 kilometers to the nearest hospital—journeys that frequently ended in loss. Dr. Nizigiyimana began by launching a mobile clinic in 2013 while still a student. By 2019, he opened the first UVL clinic in a rented bar. With support from local partners and the Madiro Foundation, the facility expanded into a full-service polyclinic.
A $500,000 contribution from the U.S. Department of Defense allowed the acquisition of state-of-the-art medical equipment, enabling surgeries, cesarean sections, dental care, radiology, and neonatal services. Since then, UVL has recorded a 676% increase in patient visits and has provided critical care to over 4,400 children under five and 1,600 mothers—including 26 life-saving cesarean deliveries. The institution has also created 54 jobs, trained more than 1,200 youth in digital skills, and reached over a million individuals through the American Corner in Bururi.
Defense Attaché Major Christopher Conner
“This hospital is a powerful symbol of what we can achieve together,” said Major Christopher Conner. “Through the leadership of Dr. Alexis and support from the U.S. government, we’ve seen tangible improvements in maternal and child health. Strong families are the foundation of any society, and this work is about securing a healthier future for all.”
Bururi province Governor Léonidas Bandenzamaso
Governor Bandenzamaso hailed UVL as a model institution. “This clinic ensures access to quality healthcare close to home. We thank Dr. Alexis, the U.S. Embassy, and the Department of Defense for their unwavering support. The community’s unity and embrace of modern care practices show that this hospital truly belongs to the people.”
Ambassador Lisa Peterson praised the initiative as a beacon of bilateral cooperation: “It’s a great honor to celebrate the accomplishments of this remarkable center. The work done here exemplifies the strength of U.S.-Burundi relations—rooted in shared values and mutual respect.” She commended the contributions of both UVL and American Corner Bururi, led by Lionnel Mbazumutima and Alexis Arakaza, for their holistic approach to development through programs in English, digital literacy, and gender equality.
The human impact of UVL was underscored by testimonials, including from a woman whose life was saved during a complicated childbirth. “When I arrived at the clinic, I was near death. I didn’t know such care existed here. Thanks to the compassionate staff, I recovered. I wish they continued getting more support at UVL so that more women can be saved.”
The event concluded with an awards ceremony honoring top students and young leaders from UVL’s basketball academy and the ACCESS English program, celebrating the human stories that have emerged from this thriving partnership.
