Dr Kahangwa was the UDASA Chairperson for two consecutive terms from 2016-2018 and from 2018-2020, and before that, he was the Treasurer from 2014 to 2016. He has held many other leadership positions and for that, he is commonly referred to as "Mwenyekiti" (Chairperson).

Dr Kahangwa has a PhD in Education from the University of Bristol (2013 in the United Kingdom, a Master of Arts in Education, and a BA with Education (Honours) from the University of Dar es Salaam. Before joining UDSM for undergraduate studies, Dr Kahangwa had a long teaching experience in primary and secondary schools. He obtained a certificate in Teacher Education (Grade IIIA) from Korogwe Teachers College (1995).

Currently, Dr Kahangwa is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Educational Foundations, Management and Lifelong Learning. His research areas and areas of expertise include Educational Leadership, Planning, and Policy Studies. He teaches several courses and supervises Masters and PhD Students on topics related to his research areas.