Uwera Juliet is an accomplished academic specializing in regional integration, with expertise at the intersection of law, governance, and public policy. She holds a Bachelor of Laws from Uganda Christian University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre, and a Master of Laws (LL.M) in Regional Integration and East African Community Law from the University of Dar es Salaam.
As a law lecturer, Juliet is dedicated to shaping the next generation of leaders by helping students understand how legal frameworks and public policy drive regional stability, integration, and sustainable development. Her teaching emphasizes the critical link between law and real-world policy challenges, inspiring learners to think critically, engage meaningfully, and recognize the power of informed citizenship in strengthening governance.
Through research, mentorship, and community engagement, Juliet promotes public policy as a tool for achieving equitable and resilient societies. Her work highlights the importance of evidence-based policymaking and the role of citizens in advancing social progress.
As part of the Usisi Amandla 2024 Fellowship, Juliet authored a policy brief focused on strengthening regional integration through improved awareness and citizen participation, reflecting her commitment to fostering inclusive, informed, and transformative public policy across East Africa
Charity Ngabirano is a lawyer, journalist, and passionate advocate for human rights, social justice, and good governance. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), an Advanced Diploma in Legal Practice, and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Journalism and Communication. Charity writes for The New Vision and conducts in-depth interviews with Africa in Dialogue, alongside her legal work with Barireere & Co. Advocates in Kampala.
With experience spanning civil society, media, and literary spaces, Charity has contributed to advocacy campaigns, community mobilization, legal aid initiatives, and storytelling that drives social change. She has authored research papers, articles, creative stories, and interviews that highlight issues of justice, accountability, and human dignity.
As part of the Usisi Amandla 2024 Fellowship, Charity developed a policy brief focused on strengthening digital literacy for young mothers, an insightful piece that reflects her commitment to inclusive governance and empowering vulnerable groups. Her work continues to bridge law, storytelling, and advocacy, making her a rising voice in Uganda’s policy and media landscape.
Ruth Aber is a lawyer and Advocate of the High Court of Uganda with a strong commitment to human rights, civic awareness, and public accountability. She holds an LLB from Makerere University and a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre. Ruth currently serves as a Legal Officer at Evidence and Methods Lab, a civic tech organization dedicated to strengthening transparency, accountability, and access to public information.
Known for her dedication, integrity, and problem-solving mindset, Ruth is a self-driven and results-oriented professional with strong communication, organizational, and teamwork skills. She has been actively engaged in public interest work, having participated in the Rule of Law Champions initiative by CEPIL in 2019 and later serving as a program mentor in 2021. Ruth is also a member of the Network of Public Interest Lawyers (NETPIL), where she contributes to efforts that promote justice and civic participation.
As part of the Usisi Amandla 2024 Fellowship, Ruth authored a policy brief focused on enhancing access to civic education and strengthening citizen participation in democratic processes. Her work reflects her commitment to empowering communities through legal awareness, evidence-based advocacy, and inclusive governance.
Sophie Brenda Namonye is a Climate Change Officer at Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment, specializing in carbon markets, mitigation, and adaptation strategies. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Technology, and Management from Kyambogo University and is deeply passionate about climate action, shaped by firsthand experiences with the realities of climate change in her community.
Sophie’s climate leadership began with the Green Futures Initiative, where she volunteered as a youth climate advocate, delivering climate education to schools and communities across Central Uganda. Her efforts have reached more than 20,000 people, raising awareness and inspiring community-driven solutions to environmental challenges.
She is committed to supporting ordinary people to adapt to climate change by building climate-resilient communities grounded in understanding, knowledge, and practical action. Beyond climate work, Sophie is a member of the Careers Network, where she mentors young people to unlock their potential by cultivating a growth mindset.
As part of the Usisi Amandla 2024 Fellowship, Sophie authored a policy brief focused on strengthening local climate adaptation strategies, highlighting her dedication to community resilience, environmental justice, and inclusive climate solutions.
Victoria Babirye is an agri-food systems specialist committed to championing policies that improve the livelihoods and resilience of smallholder farmers. She currently serves as a Program Manager at Fairtrade Africa, supporting teams across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, while leading resource mobilization efforts for the East and Central Africa Network. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Mechanization and Irrigation Engineering and is pursuing a Master’s degree in Development Studies.
Victoria’s career spans both humanitarian and development sectors, where she has implemented high-impact programs for refugees, host communities, and farmer groups. She has worked with organizations including Alight (formerly ARC), Dan Church Aid, CARE International in Uganda, the Centre for Governance and Economic Development, and the Appropriate Technology Centre under the Ministry of Water and Environment. Her expertise in strengthening export market systems and agricultural value chains has positioned her as a rising leader in sustainable trade and rural development.
With a long-term goal of becoming a knowledge expert in international trade, Victoria is passionate about advocating for equitable, transparent, and farmer-centered agricultural value chains.
As part of the Usisi Amandla 2024 Fellowship, Victoria authored a policy brief focused on improving market access and strengthening value chain competitiveness for smallholder farmers, reflecting her dedication to shaping fairer agricultural systems and inclusive trade policies.
Patricia Ikuret is an experienced procurement and supply chain professional with strong expertise in strategic sourcing, contract management, and logistics optimization. She currently serves as Senior Officer, Performance Monitoring at the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA), where she oversees performance and compliance within Uganda’s public procurement system in line with established laws, regulations, and guidelines.
Patricia holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Procurement and Supply Chain Management from Makerere University and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS). She has built a solid track record of delivering cost savings, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening compliance across procurement processes.
Beyond her professional role, Patricia is committed to increasing participation of youth, women-led associations, and persons with disabilities in public procurement. She actively uses her platform at PPDA to raise awareness about the Reservation Schemes (Guideline No. 11 of 2024) and encourages marginalized groups to take advantage of available opportunities.
As part of the Usisi Amandla 2024 Fellowship, Patricia authored a policy brief focused on expanding access to public procurement opportunities for youth and women-led enterprises, reinforcing her dedication to inclusive economic participation and equitable development.
Twikirize Peninah is a dedicated Social Worker with strong experience in community development and grassroots empowerment. She currently serves as the Team Leader at Solidlinks Initiative for Development, a community-based organization in Kasese District focused on improving livelihoods, strengthening resilience, and expanding opportunities for marginalized groups.
Peninah holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and Social Administration from Makerere University and is pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management. Her work spans community development, project management, and social justice, with past roles including Community Development Officer in Rubirizi District Local Government and Project Manager at the Center for Justice Studies and Innovations.
Passionate about engaging women, youth, and underserved communities, Peninah champions skill-building, economic empowerment, and climate resilience. She is committed to creating spaces where learning, innovation, success, and even failure all serve as tools for growth.
As a member of the Usisi Amandla 2024 Fellowship, Peninah authored a policy brief focused on strengthening community-based climate resilience initiatives, reflecting her dedication to sustainable development and inclusive community transformation.
Shirley Kansabe is a public health practitioner with strong experience in research, advocacy, and implementation of nutrition and Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) interventions. She currently serves as the Nutrition Research, Learning, and Linkage Officer at Kyambogo University, supporting five districts in South Western Uganda through evidence-based nutrition programming.
Her work across local and international collaborations has equipped her with expertise in design thinking, strategy development, critical analysis, and evaluation. Shirley is deeply passionate about understanding why some interventions fail to create meaningful change and is committed to strengthening the role of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) in designing, improving, and sustaining effective public health programs.
She has won multiple grants, published peer-reviewed research, mentored students, and led impactful advocacy campaigns that contributed to national progress in nutrition and NCD control. Her interest in policy, systems change, and evidence-driven solutions continues to shape her influence in the public health space.
As part of the Usisi Amandla 2024 Fellowship, Shirley authored a policy brief focused on strengthening NCD prevention through community-centered health promotion, reflecting her dedication to improving public health outcomes through research, innovation, and data-informed policy action.
Ritah Nakato Nayiga is a statistician with strong training in economics and a deep passion for data analysis and evidence-based decision-making. She currently works as a Graduate Trainee in Data Analytics at Enermech Uganda Limited, where she supports data-driven processes that improve operational efficiency and strategic planning.
Ritah holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Statistics from Kyambogo University and is pursuing advanced certification in Data and Business Analytics from Regenesys Business School. She has successfully led data collection teams and is eager to expand her expertise across both the private and public sectors to strengthen her professional impact.
Guided by values of integrity, authenticity, and hard work, Ritah aims to make a transformative contribution to Uganda’s economy and to the careers of young professionals through analytical excellence and strategic leadership.
As part of the Usisi Amandla 2024 Fellowship, Ritah authored a policy brief focused on improving youth employment through data-informed policy solutions, demonstrating her commitment to using analytics to shape fair, inclusive, and impactful economic policies.
Immaculate Comfort Masika is a Library and Information Scientist and Counsellor with a deep passion for reading, community development, and empowering underserved communities. She currently serves as the Program Coordinator at the Kasese Tourism Investors Forum (KTIF), where she supports tourism promotion and community development initiatives that strengthen social impact across Uganda.
Masika holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Library and Information Science from Makerere University, a Certificate of Proficiency from the Insurance Training Institute, and is pursuing further certification in Counselling. Her experience spans program planning, coordination, public speaking, and community counselling, with additional professional roles at Prudential Assurance Uganda Limited and the One Stop Centre in Kasese that have enriched her communication and interpersonal skills.
As a member of the Usisi Amandla 2024 Fellowship, Masika authored a policy brief focused on improving access to digital mental health support for women in rural and suburban communities, reflecting her commitment to healing, empowerment, and inclusive wellbeing. She continues to create inspirational narratives that foster hope, growth, and resilience, especially among women and young people in marginalized areas.
Kwera Faith is a dynamic leader and passionate advocate for youth and girl-child empowerment in Uganda, with strong expertise in management, technology, and strategic partnerships. She holds a degree in Human Resource Management from Makerere University Business School and currently serves as the Partnership Expert at Milima Security, contributing to the growth of Uganda’s cybersecurity ecosystem.
Faith is also the founder of Quera Tickets, a fast-growing digital ticketing platform transforming event access through partnerships with major sports organizations. Through Quera Innovations, she provides branding, communication, and PR services that support businesses and creatives across the country.
Her influence extends to Wikimedia Uganda, where she co-led initiatives such as WikiGap, Wiki Loves Folklore, and Wiki for Boxing, projects aimed at closing the gender gap and preserving Uganda’s cultural heritage. As a Tony Elumelu Foundation Hub Leader since 2019, she has championed entrepreneurship development and has also taken part in EAC election observations and policy engagements on labour, cybersecurity, social protection, and ICT inclusion for women.
A 2023 EAC Youth Fellow and award recipient of the EAC Women Leadership and HiPipo Women in Fintech Awards, Faith is committed to shaping inclusive digital spaces and amplifying women’s voices.
As part of the Usisi Amandla 2024 Fellowship, Faith authored a policy brief focused on strengthening digital security awareness among young people reflecting her mission to ensure safer, more inclusive digital ecosystems for Ugandan communities.
Nancy Akello Ongom is a humanitarian leader and youth activist from Northern Uganda, dedicated to advancing human rights and amplifying meaningful youth participation. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Uganda Christian University and currently serves as the Protection Network Coordinator at ActionAid International (IHART), where she coordinates regional protection networks across 16 African countries and 12 countries in Asia.
Nancy is passionate about issues affecting young people, especially menstrual health, youth rights, and inclusion and uses writing as a tool to advocate and influence social change. Her experience spans several youth-led organizations, including her work with Restless Development, her role as a Global Youth Compact Champion, and her service in the Teach For Uganda Fellowship, where she taught in an underserved rural school in Mayuge. She is also an alumna of the YALI RLC East Africa Leadership Program and one of only six youth contributors to the Young Humanitarian Handbook, launched in October 2024.
As part of the Usisi Amandla 2024 Fellowship, Nancy authored a policy brief focused on strengthening menstrual health access and support systems for adolescent girls, highlighting her commitment to tackling critical barriers faced by young women. Her work continues to bridge youth activism, humanitarian action, and rights-based advocacy, making her a powerful voice in shaping inclusive policy and community transformation.
Atuhaire Baseka Patience is a committed SDG advocate passionate about sustainable development, community empowerment, and transformative leadership. She serves as the Head of Finance and Resource Mobilization at the Bricks Environment and Climate Hub Initiative, a youth-led, gender-balanced advocacy organization advancing environmental sustainability and socio-economic transformation. She also works as a Programs Officer with the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, nurturing current and former university guild leaders into strategic national changemakers.
Patience holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration and Resource Governance from Kyambogo University and has actively participated in national and international SDG and sustainability forums. Her work reflects a strong dedication to driving community-centered development, strengthening youth leadership, and promoting inclusive governance.
As part of the Usisi Amandla 2024 Fellowship, Patience authored a policy brief focused on improving financial inclusion and expanding climate-focused economic opportunities for young people, demonstrating her commitment to sustainable development and youth-led innovation. She continues to champion meaningful, long-term change through empowerment, advocacy, and strategic leadership.
Kebirungi Hellen is a multifaceted educator, advocate, and entrepreneur dedicated to driving meaningful change in her community. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts in Education from Kyambogo University and additional certifications across leadership, governance, and advocacy. As a teacher, she is passionate about empowering others through knowledge and mentorship.
Hellen serves as the Executive Director of Eco-Justice Warriors, where she champions environmental justice, sustainability, and fair-trade practices. Her entrepreneurial work reflects her innovation and commitment to ethical business, while her passion for politics fuels her efforts to influence positive community transformation. She is also an alumna of the Uganda Democracy Academy, further strengthening her leadership journey.
As a member of the Usisi Amandla 2024 Fellowship, Hellen authored a policy brief on enhancing fair trade practices for small-scale traders, an insightful piece that aligns with her dedication to economic justice and community empowerment. Her work continues to bridge education, advocacy, and environmental stewardship, positioning her as a rising leader in sustainable development and policy influence.
Nantongo Bashira is a proactive young leader dedicated to advancing girl-child education, youth empowerment, and meaningful youth engagement in global issues. She holds a Master’s degree in Education Management and Administration from the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), where she now serves as a part-time lecturer at the Females’ Campus.
Bashira has been active in civic and youth leadership spaces, previously serving as the Guild President (Emeritus) of IUIU Females’ Campus. Her exposure to youth networks, politics, and community development continues to shape her influence as a rising voice in education and empowerment.
She is also the founder of the “Talk to Bashira” Initiative, a mentorship platform that nurtures young people in schools and communities through motivational talks, guidance, capacity-building, and mindset transformation, helping them envision and create a stronger, more purposeful future.
As part of the Usisi Amandla 2024 Fellowship, Bashira authored a policy brief focused on strengthening girl-child education and enhancing support systems for young mothers, reflecting her deep commitment to inclusive education and transformative youth leadership.
About Edna Kanyesigye
Edna Kanyesigye is a passionate Programs Officer at Faraja Africa Foundation with over seven years of experience in youth empowerment, advocacy, and policy engagement. Her work spans climate justice, legislative advocacy, and strengthening youth participation in decision-making across Uganda.
She coordinates impactful national initiatives most notably the Youth-Led Advocacy in Legislation project mobilizing young leaders to meaningfully contribute to policy dialogues and legislative processes. Edna holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science Technology and Management from Kyambogo University and a Level One Certificate in Project Planning and Management from MS-TCDC, Tanzania.
As a member of the Usisi Amandla 2024 Fellowship, Edna authored a policy brief focusing on climate justice, youth inclusion, and gender-responsive governance, reflecting her commitment to elevating young and marginalized voices in environmental policy. Her work continues to bridge the gap between youth and decision-makers, driving Uganda toward a more equitable, sustainable future.
About Nabuko Claire Dorothy
Nabuko Claire Dorothy is a dynamic, purpose-driven youth advocate and social entrepreneur dedicated to empowering young people across Uganda. She is a certified Life Skills Coach with KIFAD and the founder of Cladona Fashions, a social enterprise equipping young women and girls with skills and employment opportunities. Claire also leads Mbuubi Mind Developers, a climate-action initiative championing environmental awareness and youth-led sustainability efforts.
A graduate of Makerere University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, Claire mentors young people in personal development, leadership, and career readiness. As part of the inaugural cohort of the USISI Amandla Fellowship, she developed a policy brief addressing [link to her policy brief document] that further showcases her commitment to youth empowerment, climate resilience and sustainable policy innovation.
Through mentorship and community engagement, Claire bridges youth empowerment, sustainable development, and climate resilience positioning herself as a rising leader in inclusive innovation and transformative community impact.