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Sophie Kyagulanyi is a Ugandan national, and is currently working with Oxfam. She one of the founding members of DefendDefenders, and an active HRD. Previously, she was a Governance Research and Policy Analyst at Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE).
David Kaggwa is an Advocate of the High Court of Uganda, and a Partner at Kaggwa and Associates. Kaggwa brings legal skills including advising the Board on legal matters on registration and tax returns, volunteering his skills to defenders in exile and helping them obtain refugee status under the Ugandan legal system amongst others. David Kaggwa resides in Uganda, Kampala.
Dr. Zahara Nampewo LL.B. (Mak); LL.M. (Nottingham); Dip. L.P. (LDC) Kampala; SJD (Emory University). Dr. Nampewo is a legal and human rights practitioner and academician with 20 years experience in the private, public and non-profit sectors. Dr. Nampewo is a Lecturer and Director of the Human Rights and Peace Centre (HURIPEC) at the School of Law, Makerere University, in Kampala, Uganda. She has been with the School of Law since 2006. Her areas of interest and expertise include gender and human rights. Her teaching subjects include Gender, Health, Family Law as well as International Humanitarian Law and Conflict Resolution. She has published professional papers on a range of subjects including sexuality, decentralisation and access to justice. Zahara’s research is both theoretical and empirical in scope, much of it focusing on the lives of the most disadvantaged, especially women, which explains her deliberate focus as a gender activist in Uganda. She is Board Chairperson of the Uganda Lawyers for Human Rights (ULHR), a young NGO advocating for human rights of marginalized groups. She is also a Board member for the African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME) and an incisive member of the Association of Uganda Women Lawyers (FIDA-U). She has work experience in Uganda, Liberia and United Kingdom with brief working missions in South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and Malawi.
Faiza Jamal Mohamed is a Djibouti national, and the Executive Director of the Pan African organization Equality Now. Since 2001, she has overseen the Fund for Grassroots Activism to End Female Genital Mutilation, among other matters, she has channeled over 1.8 Million US Dollars to 30 organisation in Africa. Mohamed has extensive work experience from the East and Horn of Africa sub-region, and has previously worked with the UN Population Fund and Oxfam NOVIB, amongst others, as wellas being a member of the AU Women’s Committee. Mohamed resides in Nairobi, Kenya.
Vital Nshimirimana is a Burundian human rights lawyer. He joined the judiciary in 2004 and became an active member of the Union of Magistrates, going on to chair it in 2009. With his fellow magistrates, he focused on exposing the lack of judicial independence and the wide-ranging consequences this can have. He registered with the Burundi Bar association in June 2013. During his time as a lawyer he prosecuted high profile cases, including two cases at the East African Court of Justice. As chair of the Forum for the Strengthening of Civil Society (FORSC), made up of 146 national NGOs, he often engaged national decision makers on issues including human rights, good governance and democratic principles. He also worked to oppose constitutional changes and his actions culminated in calling for peaceful demonstrations aimed at opposing the third term of the President. Arrest warrants were issued against the leaders of ‘Halte au troisième mandate’, and in 2015, Vital had to flee the country. In 2017, Vital was elected as the chairperson of the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Network, a position that he will hold until 2022.
Hassan Shire, serving as the Executive Director of DefendDefenders, has steered the organization’s growth over the years. Additionally, he holds the position of Chairperson at African Defenders, the Pan African Human Rights Defenders Network. With over 25 years of experience in the field, Shire, who is of Somali/Canadian descent, has contributed significantly to the region’s human rights landscape.
During his time in Canada, he collaborated with the Centre for Refugee Studies at York University and Amnesty International Canada, playing a pivotal role in establishing the African Human Rights Defenders Project. Returning to Africa in 2005, he founded DefendDefenders in Uganda.
Shire’s influence extends to building coalitions for the protection of human rights defenders in the East and Horn of Africa, notably in Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Sudan, South Sudan, and Somalia/Somaliland. He maintains regular engagement with key entities such as the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the United Nations Human Rights Council, the Community of Democracies, governmental bodies, and diplomatic missions, both African and foreign, fostering the advancement of human rights across the continent.
Currently, Shire serves as the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors at the Centre for Civil and Political Rights in Geneva, Switzerland, and as Board Chair of the African Center for Justice and Peace Studies in Kampala, Uganda.
His contributions have garnered recognition globally, with accolades such as the U.S. State Department’s 2011 Human Rights Defender Award, the 2015 Leadership Awards from the Pan African Human Rights Defenders Network, and the Richard C. Holbrooke Leadership Award from Refugees International in 2017.
Hassan Shire, serving as the Executive Director of DefendDefenders, has steered the organization’s growth over the years. Additionally, he holds the position of Chairperson at African Defenders, the Pan African Human Rights Defenders Network. With over 25 years of experience in the field, Shire, who is of Somali/Canadian descent, has contributed significantly to the region’s human rights landscape.
During his time in Canada, he collaborated with the Centre for Refugee Studies at York University and Amnesty International Canada, playing a pivotal role in establishing the African Human Rights Defenders Project. Returning to Africa in 2005, he founded DefendDefenders in Uganda.
Shire’s influence extends to building coalitions for the protection of human rights defenders in the East and Horn of Africa, notably in Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Sudan, South Sudan, and Somalia/Somaliland. He maintains regular engagement with key entities such as the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the United Nations Human Rights Council, the Community of Democracies, governmental bodies, and diplomatic missions, both African and foreign, fostering the advancement of human rights across the continent.
Currently, Shire serves as the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors at the Centre for Civil and Political Rights in Geneva, Switzerland, and as Board Chair of the African Center for Justice and Peace Studies in Kampala, Uganda.
His contributions have garnered recognition globally, with accolades such as the U.S. State Department’s 2011 Human Rights Defender Award, the 2015 Leadership Awards from the Pan African Human Rights Defenders Network, and the Richard C. Holbrooke Leadership Award from Refugees International in 2017.
Tel: +256 200 760 701(office), +256-772-753-753 (mobile)
Email: [email protected],
[email protected]
Twitter: @hassan_shire
Facebook: Hassan Shire
Memory joined DefendDefenders as the Director of Programs and Administration. She is in charge of programs, and deals extensively with organisational development and human resources management. Memory is a US trained Zimbabwean who specialises in International Development.
Before joining DefendDefenders, she worked with the International Law Institute-African Centre for Legal Excellence (ILI-ACLE) where she was responsible for coordinating the design and implementation of seminars and supporting the Institute’s technical assistance projects and advisory services. Prior to joining ILI-ACLE, Memory was the Regional Program Coordinator for East Africa with Youth Action International, and also worked with the Marketing Science Institute in Boston, USA as a Publications, Research, and Membership Coordinator. Memory is also a founding member of the Girl Child Network Zimbabwe (1999); co-founder of Tariro: Hope and Health for Zimbabwe’s Orphans (2003); and Girl Child Network Uganda (2009). Memory received her Master of Science in International Relations from Suffolk University in Boston, Massachusetts and a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Complex organisations from Mount Holyoke College, in Massachusetts, USA.
Tel: +256 200 760 704
Email: [email protected]
Joseph is the coordinator of the Pan-African Human Rights Defenders Network since October 2011.
Joseph Has a Masters Degree in International law and worked as Protection assistant with Front Line International foundation of HRDs, Legal Officer at the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights; Assistant to the Chairperson of the African Commission; Acting Coordinator for the activities of the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders in Africa, and Technical Assistant to the Committee of the African Commission on the Protection of the Rights of People Living with HIV, and those at risk, vulnerable and affected by HIV in Africa. He was delegated also in the preparation of the 30 years anniversary of the African Charter at the secretariat of the African Commission.
Tel: +256 200 760 712
Email: [email protected]
Mark first joined DefendDefenders as an ICT assistant in 2013, and grew through the ranks to become Defenders’ tech from January 2021.
Mark is a computer science graduate and a cybersecurity expert for over eight years. He leads our technology and security programming, providing digital security training and organizational security assessment services to human rights defenders and their organizations. He leads a team of eight technologists using technology to create a safe working environment for HRDs and empowers them to use technology to bring about positive change.
Estella is the Manager, Advocacy, Research and Communications, a role she assumed in 2019.She is a passionate human rights lawyer with over 10 years’ experience in strategic advocacy and communication at national, regional, and international level.
Estella is highly experienced in engaging with regional and international human rights mechanisms including the African human rights system and the United Nations Human Rights system. Additionally, she is a skilled researcher and trainer of human rights principles, strategic advocacy, and communication. She holds a master’s degree in law (LLM) in Human Rights and Democratisation on Africa (HRDA) from University of Pretoria, South Africa, a post graduate diploma in legal Practice from Law Development Centre-Kampala, and a bachelor’s degree (LLB) from Makerere University Kampala.
Alex joined DefendDefenders as Finance Officer in April 2010. He is a Certified Public Accountant CPA (U) and holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) degree from the University of Makerere.
Alex is experienced in financial management and has considerable experience working in the development and human rights field in the Eastern Africa region having worked in Uganda and Sudan. Before joining DefendDefenders, he was working with the Uganda Red Cross Society as a Regional Accountant prior to which he worked as a Country Accounting Manager for Action Africa Help International, in both the Uganda and Sudan country programmes. Alex also worked as Finance Officer for African Development and Emergency Organisation with their refugee project in Uganda.
Tel: +256 200 760 706
Email: [email protected]
Tabitha – a lawyer by training – is the Protection and Security Management Manager in the organization. Her tasks entail managing the protection programme which supports human rights defenders at risk to ensure that they receive the necessary support to overcome the challenges that they face. The programme also undertakes training HRDs in security management to ensure that they are equipped with the skills to put in place measures to mitigate potential risks.
Tabitha has been involved in trial observation missions in cases where HRDs are facing legal challenges as a result of their human rights work. She has been involved in research projects to assess the situation HRDs, and engaged with different stakeholders at national, regional and international levels to ensure their protection. She has also previously worked with refugees and displaced persons.
Phone: +256 200 760 705
Email: [email protected]
Nicolas joined DefendDefenders as its Representative to the United Nations (UN) in March 2018. He set up DefendDefenders’ office in Geneva and has been working to advance its advocacy efforts at the Human Rights Council and other UN bodies and mechanisms. His work encompasses UN advocacy and research on country situations and UN dynamics.
Prior to joining DefendDefenders, Nicolas spent several years working with human rights organisations at the national and international levels. He advised Cambodia’s oldest human rights NGO, the Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC). In Geneva, he worked for the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) as the organisation’s Representative to the UN. He also worked with Civil Rights Defenders and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and lectured at the Royal University of Law and Economics in Phnom Penh, Cambodia and the International Institute of Human Rights (IIDH) in Strasbourg, France. He conducted research on Rwanda’s genocide and political violence in Kenya. Nicolas studied at Sciences Po Strasbourg and holds Master’s Degrees in International Law and International Relations from Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne University and Geneva’s Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, respectively.
Email: [email protected]
Bernard joined DefendDefenders as the Logistics Officer for DefendDefenders’ Great Lakes Region project. Before joining the organisation Bernard worked at the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ National I.D Project as a Verification Officer, and at the National Water and Sewerage Cooperation as a Procurement Assistant
Bernard holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Makerere University (2016). He is a member of the chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply – (CIPS-UK) since ( 2012) with an Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply. He also holds a Bachelors Degree in Procurement and Logistics from Makerere University(2012) and most recently obtained a Post-Graduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation from Uganda Management institute.
He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Laws degree at Uganda Christian University, Mukono.
Phone: +256-200-760-758
Email: [email protected]
Samuel joined DefendDefenders in February 2020 as their Digital Security Auditor and Incident Handler. He performs digital vulnerability and risk assessments for human rights organisations in East and Horn of Africa and works to remediate security findings. He also investigates security incidents and runs point on vulnerability remediation within DefendDefenders’ internal IT.
Samuel holds an MSc in IT Security from Nottingham Trent University in the U.K, BSc. Computer Science from MUST, and further cyber/digital forensic certifications. Before joining DefendDefenders he worked roles as IT security analyst and systems administrator at various tertiary level educational institutes, universities, and tech and business firms.
After a fellowship, Gentrix stayed on as AfricanDefenders Communications Associate. She is in charge of AfricanDefenders communications and also handles research tasks. She holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the United States International University – Africa.
After a fellowship, Gentrix stayed on as AfricanDefenders Communications Associate. She is in charge of AfricanDefenders communications and also handles research tasks. She holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the United States International University – Africa.
Email: [email protected]
Janvier joined DefendDefenders in 2008 as volunteer and intern before being recruited as a Protection Associate in 2013 in charge with human rights defenders’ protection outreach and training activities.
Janvier holds a Bachelor of Arts / Education in language teaching (English and French) from the University of Rwanda; a Masters Degree in Human Rights and Development from Kampala International University (Uganda); a Certificate in International Humanitarian Law (IHL) from Respect University (Canada); a Certificate in International and African Legal Framework on Freedom of Expression, Access to Information and Safety of Journalists from the University of Pretoria (South Africa); and Certificates in International Human Rights Law from Duke University (USA) and Université de Génève (Switzerland).
He is a PhD candidate and SHUREA (Strengthening Human Rights Research in Sub-Saharan Africa) fellow in Human Rights from Makerere University specialising in digital monitoring, documenting and reporting (MDR) with a pragmatic focus on Martus software. He co-lectures human rights, especially MDR, refugee rights and media and human rights at Makerere University and reviews PhD and post-doctoral works of SHUREA fellows from Makerere University (Uganda), University of Nairobi (Kenya), Addis Ababa University (Ethiopia), University of Pretoria, and Ǻbo-Akademi (Finland).
As a Martus specialist, Janvier carries out consultancies and conducts trainings and workshops in digital MDR across Africa. He previously worked with Ministry of Education, Commission Nationale de l’UNESCO in Rwanda Ministry of Local Government before becoming a Secondary School teacher from 2007 to 2012, and being a full-time employee of DefendDefenders in 2013 in Uganda.
Email:[email protected]
Fatuma joined DefendDefenders in February 2021 as an advocacy and research associate. She previously worked as a research assistant at RAF International University, where she was responsible for conducting field research to develop policies and strategies to improve educational accessibility for refugees in Kenya.
Fatuma is currently pursuing her master’s in international development at SOAS university, and she holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations from United States International University (USIU-Kenya). Her other experiences include interning at Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) as a transformative justice intern, and at Zana Africa as an editorial intern.
Email: [email protected]
Susan’s journey at DefendDefenders started in 2018 as an Executive Assistant, and she has since risen to Program Officer. Her decade-long commitment to human rights and development in Uganda speaks volumes about her dedication.
Previously working with women’s organisations addressing gender-based violence and mother-to-child transmission, Susan has been able to continue advocating for marginalised and vulnerable communities at DefendDefenders. She has supported the management of projects that support women’s rights defenders.
Her academic background in Political Science with a focus on International Studies, complemented by a Master of Arts in International Development, equips her with a solid theoretical foundation and practical skills necessary for her roles in program management.
Susan’s transition from an administrative role to a Program Officer demonstrates her determination to grow and her ability to take on more substantial organisational responsibilities.
Tel: +256 200 760 702
Email: [email protected]
Ambrose has been working with DefendDefenders as a driver and messenger since early 2007. Ambrose has successfully completed Secondary School in Uganda and since then worked as a driver for several companies. At DefendDefenders, he is responsible for running logistical errands, coordinating the transport of staff members, and maintenance of the office vehicles.
Email: [email protected]
Becky pursued a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a major in Accounting, at Ndejje University. She also completed a postgraduate diploma in Financial Management at Uganda Management Institute. Becky has professional experience in book keeping, making final accounts, filing taxes and handling monies.
Majid joined DefendDefenders as a Capacity Building Officer in February 2013. Before joining DefendDefenders, Majid worked at the African Center for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS) in Uganda, where he monitored access to justice in Sudan and published research on the application of the death penalty and pre-trial detention in Sudan.
He also worked with Sudan Social Development Organization (SUDO), where he provided free legal aid for internally displaced persons, students, women, and other vulnerable groups. Majid was a fellow at the Center for Applied Human Rights at the University of the York. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in law from Al-Neelain University in Sudan. He is fluent in Arabic and English.
Tel: +256 200 760 755
Email: [email protected]
Immaculate joined DefendDefenders from St.Lawrence University in May 2010 as an Information Technology assistant. She holds a bachelor’s in Information Technology from the same University.
At DefendDefenders Immaculate is responsible for all computer related problems, managing software and hardware systems, leveraging social media avenues, fixing problems of staff members, updating the websites, carrying out digital security trainings for human rights defenders to make their work more secure, and also give direct assistance to human rights defenders.
Tel: +256 200 760 757
Email: [email protected]
Daphne Nakabugo is a dedicated Data Management Lead at DefendDefenders, where she channels her drive and passion into leveraging data and digital tools to advocate for and protect vulnerable populations. With a keen focus on creating impactful systems, she ensures efficiency and effectiveness in every project she undertakes. Daphne’s commitment extends beyond mere advocacy; she actively works towards bridging the digital divide, striving for equal access to technology for marginalized groups while prioritizing their safety. Her efforts include promoting digital literacy, and providing essential resources to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape.
Daphne understands that data and digital rights are crucial in today’s society, as they can either empower or exploit individuals and communities. Committed to ensuring that marginalized groups have equal access to technology and are protected from potential harm. Through the Ttaala Program, Daphne hopes to foster a culture of responsible data and cyberspace usage and advocate for policies that prioritize privacy and security. She believes that by harnessing the power of technology, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society for all. Daphne recognizes the importance of education and awareness in achieving these goals. She actively promotes digital literacy and provides resources to help individuals navigate the complexities of the digital world.
Email: [email protected]
Zainah works as Administrative Assistant at DefendDefenders since January 2013. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Social Administration from Islamic University in Uganda, and a certificate in Oral Communication Skills from the British Council.
Previously, Zainah worked with the Electoral Commission as a Display Officer, and did internships at Legal Aid Clinic, counseling children in conflict with the law, and at Mission After Custody, working with vulnerable children. Before taking on her position, Zainab interned at an African Human Rights Education project hosted by DefendDefenders. As the Administrative Assistant, Zainah assists in general administration and procurement of the organisation, in capacity building events and trainings, and at the Resource Centre operations and database work.
Tel: +256 200 760 746
Email: [email protected]
Brian joined DefendDefenders in June 2021.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Quantitative Economics, and a post graduate diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation. He has 2 years of working experience acquired from designing and implementing research, design, monitoring, evaluation, accountability, learning and reporting of developmental projects for Human Rights Defenders, data collection, data analysis and interpretation, organizational learning and knowledge management.
Tel: +2567 200 760 755
Email: [email protected]
Anne joined DefendDefenders in October 2012 as a Capacity Building Assistant. She has four years of experience in office operations management, and prior to joining DefendDefenders, Anne worked with major communication consultants, where she acquired training in management, communication skills, and needs assessment.
Anne holds a BA from Makerere University, where she majored in Communication Skills and also studied Literature in English as a minor course.
At DefendDefenders, Anne works as the Capacity Building Assistant in charge of facilitating physical security trainings and follow-ups, conducting risk assessments for human rights organisations, writing reports for trainings, and entering data into the CiviCRM platform.
Tel: +256 200 760 755
Email: [email protected]
Jane works as a Finance Assistant with DefendDefenders since 2012. She is a certified Public Accountant (U), holds a degree in Development Studies, as well as a diploma in Business Studies.
Jane has a wide range of hands-on experience and skills in financial management and accounting. Previously, she worked with Protection Desk Uganda as a Finance and Administrative Officer. Jane also worked as Head of Finance and Administration with Epilepsy Support Association Uganda and as an Accounts Officer with People and Plants Projects in Mbarara University, Kampala Medical Chambers and Comboni Hospital Bushenyi. At DefendDefenders, Jane assists in ensuring proper financial management and accounting in the finance department. She also assists in adequate financial reporting and compliance with specific, and generally accepted, financial, accounting, legal, and organisational requirements .
Tel: 256 200 760 757
Email: [email protected]
Donatien is a Burundian Human Rights Defender, technologist, and trainer in digital security. He holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s in Computer Engineering from the University of Burundi.
From 2013 to April 2015, he worked for the Forum pour la Conscience et le Développement (FOCODE) as Head of the ICT department. Since May 2015, Donatien has served as an ICT assistant at DefendDefenders. Since January 2019 up today, Donatien has served as a systems administrator Associate at DefendDefenders.
He speaks French, English and Kirundi and has delivered digital security and social media trainings and digital security trainings of trainers in Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Central African Republic, Togo, Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Lesotho, Zambia, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast and Somali.
Donatien supports Human Rights defenders in the world in terms of digital security incident response via helpdesk program at DefendDefenders.
Donatien is interested in computer programming, database development, digital security, cybersecurity, cloud computing, design and web development, as well as network and systems
administration.
Tel: 256 200 760 761
Email: [email protected]
Jeremie joined DefendDefenders in February 2017 as a Project Officer for our Great Lakes Region project, before being elevated to become overall project coordinator in September 2021. Before joining the organisation in February 2017, Jeremie was the CEO of the Forum le Renforcement de la Societe Civile (FORSC). He joined FORSC in February 2012, after serving as a Project Officer in charge of the Regional Integration Programme funded by Trademark East Africa from 2012 to 2015.
Before joining FORSC, Jeremie also worked as Monitoring and Evaluation Project officer with Chemonics International, an NGO that implemented the USAID-Burundi Policy Reform Project (2007-2011). His professional experience started with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2002-2007), as an advisor in the Information Department. Jeremie holds a diploma in History and Political Sciences from the University of Burundi (1996-2002). He was also trained in Diplomacy and International Relations at the International Relations Institute of Cameroon, IRIC (2014-2015). In August 2017, he was registered at Kampala International University and has received from that institution a postgraduate diploma in Project Planning and Management, in 2019.
Email:[email protected]
Rosabella holds a Masters Degree in Human Rights and Democratisation from the European Inter-University Centre for Human Rights and Democratisation (Lido-Venezia, Italy) in affiliation with Abo Akademi University (Turku, Finland). She holds a Diploma in Law from the Law Development Center (Uganda) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Ethics and Development Studies from Uganda Martyrs University, (Nkozi, Uganda).
Over the years, Rosabella has implemented projects on judicial independence, sexual reproductive health and rights, election advocacy, monitoring and observation. Her passion for human rights originates from her desire to fight for the rights of children, particularly orphans, and to give a voice to the voiceless.
Proscovia holds a degree in Business Administration, majoring in Finance, from Makerere University. She has worked in finance since 1995 in different capacities and with different organisations. She joined DefendDefenders in 2016 as a Finance Officer, handling financial and accounting duties of the projects assigned.
Proscovia joined Action Africa International at their head offices in Kampala in 1995 as an Accounts Assistant/Cashier and performed bookkeeping roles. From 2009 to 2010 she worked with Action Africa Help International in South Sudan as a Project Accountant for the Juba Recovery and Rehabilitation Project (RRP) and Sudan Recovery Fund (SRF), where she was in charge of projects as well as managing the finances of projects. In April 2011, she joined the Norwegian Refugee Council Head Office in Gulu, as a Finance officer and performed all financial and accounting duties.
Tel: +256 200 760 756
Email: [email protected]
Karis is a pragmatic, multi-talented, adaptable and conscientious professional with particular interest in Conflict, Security and Development. He is highly experienced in human rights education, social research, community engagement and project administration.
Karis holds a MSc in Psychology (USW) and is skilled in the use of expressive arts in stress and trauma therapy. He is an articulate and diplomatic communicator, and an excellent team player too.
Prior to joining DefendDefenders, Karis worked as Programmes Assistant at the Pincer Group International Limited focusing on a project to revitalize education participation and learning in conflict areas of Northern and Eastern Uganda. He is calm and soft spoken, yet firm. He successfully led work teams and managed sensitive projects at Avant-Garde Innovations – an NGO of which he is a co-founder.
Karis also taught Business French at Makerere University Business School and has done several capacity building and training consultancies for organizations working on human rights and social justice programmes. Driven by passion about leadership and democratic governance, he has traversed all regions of Uganda engaging youth, and mobilising communities for collective action geared towards local and national development.
At DefendDefenders, Karis has excellently delivered over 300 tailor-made trainings and consultancies in security management and risk assessment for individual HRDs and organisations across the sub-region and beyond. Together with colleagues, he published a contextualized security manual for African HRDs entitled “STAND UP”, along with several other short publications and tools. He is also taking lead in integrating artistic therapy in the protection of HRDs, which gives a more holistic approach to HRD security and protection.
Stanley focuses on setting up and operationalising Monitoring & Evaluation systems, as well as developing innovative tools, frameworks, and techniques that measure change at the individual, household, institutional, and community level in Uganda.
Stanley previously worked as an Impact Assessment and Shared Learning Manager for ActionAid International (AAIU), where he focused on the development and operationalisation of the Monitoring & Evaluation system for the country programme, as well as supporting international evaluation and accountability teams. He has also worked as a Senior Research M&E Specialist for the Community Development and Conservation Agency (CODECA) and as an Assistant Lecturer at Uganda Christian University. He also worked as a Health Information and M&E Specialist for MEDAIR International and was a Project Development Consultant in charge of project development, research, and M&E, working with REEV Consult Interational; a firm focusing on conducting research, baselines, and evaluation studies for multi-sectoral projects and programmes in the African region. Stanley also works as a consultant for civil society and government departments on M&E.
Dée joined DefendDefenders in October 2020 as a Programme Officer. Before joining the organisation she completed her Masters of Science in Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding from Durham University, United Kingdom. Her thesis studied the transition of women’s rights in Tunisia prior to and in the aftermath of the Tunisian Revolution.
Prior to acquiring her Masters, Dée worked as a project manager in the Hague, the Netherlands, for the oldest Dutch community centre. The project concerned women’s rights activists and advocates in the multicultural society the Hague represents. Dée also holds a Bachelors degree in Social Work from The Hague University of Applied Sciences.
Email: [email protected]
Patrick Dowan joined Defenddefenders in August 2023 as the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting Officer for the CHARM program. With over a decade of experience and a Postgraduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation from Uganda Technology and Management University, Patrick is an expert in outcome harvesting and mapping methodologies.
At CIVICUS-South Africa, as an Impact and Accountability Coordinator, Patrick’s strategic application of outcome harvesting led to critical assessments that influenced decision-making across the organisation. His earlier experiences include positions with World Vision (Uganda and Mozambique), Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development (ACTED), Concern Worldwide, Caritas Uganda and the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, where he conducted comprehensive evaluations and established robust monitoring systems.
His career has been marked by significant roles including serving as the M&E Manager in Mozambique for World Vision, where he implemented innovative digital data collection systems using tools like Kobo Toolbox, QGIS among others. This role significantly enhanced project transparency and accountability, improving decision-making and project evaluations.
Patrick is also a skilled trainer, having conducted numerous workshops on monitoring and evaluation across Sub-Saharan Africa, empowering professionals to enhance project outcomes. Fluent in English and Kiswahili, Patrick leverages advanced technology platforms such as Power BI, Podio, Kobo and Google Suites to lead MEAL practices, fostering accountability and driving project success across the region.
Email: [email protected]
Juliet is a graduate of Computer Science from Makerere University with a postgraduate diploma in M&E from Uganda Management Institute, and currently pursuing her Masters’ Degree in Management Studies (Monitoring and Evaluation).
She has 8 years’ experience in data management and M&E having previously designed and implemented M&E systems for projects in Health, humanitarian aid for Refugees and social Justice; with the Infectious Diseases institute, Medical Teams International and most recently Action Aid Uganda. She has drawn her skills and experiences while working with vulnerable and marginalized communities that have been affected by poverty, disease, war/ disasters, and Gender based violence. She is inspired by their change stories. She enjoys working with numbers and making meaning of them.
Juliet joined DefendDefenders as the M&E Associate in 2021.
Email: [email protected]
Edith Anderu Mukasa started working for DefendDefenders as a Human Resource Officer in 2023.
With over 17 years of experience working for INGOs, Edith holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and social administration with specialization in human Resources, a diploma in human resources management, Certificates in; secretarial studies, public administration, Recruiting, appraisals and development of team course, refugee law and human rights, compensation and employee benefits; Building and managing employee relations, Labour law and administrative law, Financial accounting and management for non-financial Managers.
Edith is motivated to succeed in creative, competitive, fast-paced talent management, with good emotional capability and changing business environments based on a good internal culture that makes the organisation to flourish.
Joshua works as a Technology Programme Associate at DefendDefenders. He works on the Ttaala Innovation programme that empowers HRDs with technical and strategic skills for the effective defense of human rights in the digital age. His role within the Ttaala programme is project management, online marketing, developing and delivering trainings, and support to organisation’s data and documentation programmes.
Joshua has over eight years experience working in Information Technology and Telecommunications companies. He has a master’s degree in Information Technology obtained from the International School of Business and Technology (ISBAT).
Email: [email protected]
Grace is a graduate in Human Rights, Peace, and Humanitarian Interventions from Uganda Christian University Mukono. Before joining DefendDefenders, she previously volunteered with the Uganda Red Cross Mukono branch. Grace currently serves as a research assistant at DefendDefenders, and is dedicated to exploring human rights issues, social development and advocating for marginalized communities.
Victoria holds a bachelor’s degree in administrative science from Kyambogo University and She has 4 years of experience in Business administrative management. She joined Defend Defenders in 2023 as a receptionist administering CRM and communication skills.
Joyce Kimani is a passionate journalist and a human rights defender. She enjoys having conversations that matter, including drawing people from all circles of life into discussing, understanding, and embracing their rights.
Her 13-year journey, after graduating from Makerere University with her bachelor’s in mass communication, has been in investigative journalism for newspapers such as Daily Nation, The Star Newspaper, Daily Maverick, Mail & Guardian, and the Continent. Understanding that it was not just enough to write about the issues, Joyce has consulted with human rights organizations as a journalism trainer with Journalist for Human Rights (JHR) and as a Coordinator for the Resilience Fund run by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime (GITOC).
She is passionate about raising awareness about kids fighting cancer and fundraising for this. And empowering the deaf community with digital skills and helping communities come up with climate resistance strategies to improve food security.
When free, she enjoys mountain climbing, long drives, and very long walks.
Email: [email protected]
Hillary joined DefendDefenders in 2023 as Systems Administrator. Before joining DefendDefenders, he worked as a Systems and Network administrator with both the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and Makerere University Kampala. He holds various certifications including ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), CompTIA Security+ CE, ITIL-4 service management and the International Computer Driving License (ICDL) among others. Hillary is an ICT professional with a demonstrated background in implementation, support and maintenance of scalable Computer Information Systems and Networks. He has interest in Cybersecurity, cloud computing, digital security training and open-source solutions.
Email: [email protected]
Prisca Kasemire is a Congolese national and a passionate human right advocate. She joined Defend Defenders as protection assistant (2023). Before joining the organization, she did internship at the parliament of Uganda as a researcher (2023) and Uganda red cross society (2018). Prisca hold a bachelor degree in human rights, peace and humanitarian interventions from Uganda Christian University, UCU (2021). She is currently pursuing a master’s in research and public policy from UCU. She has been involved in different humanitarian activities with Uganda Christian university Congolese students’ association. Prisca speaks French, English and Swahili and she is also a para-Counsellor by training.
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Abdikani joined DefendDefenders in August 2020 as an intern, demonstrating exceptional dedication and skill. His commitment and performance led to his promotion to Fellow in January 2021. Recognizing his continued excellence, Abdikani was appointed as a full-time System Administrator in January 2022.
In September 2022, Abdikani left to pursue a master’s degree in Cybersecurity and Forensics from the prestigious University of Westminster in London. This advanced degree complements his bachelor’s degree in Networking and cybersecurity from ISBAT University in Kampala.
Abdikani recently worked as a Cybersecurity & Online Safety Coordinator at Dalmar Heritage and Family Development in London (DHFD), where he contributed to the VRU Online Safety Project funded by Rocket Science under the Mayor of London’s office. In this role, he empowered individuals with essential internet safety skills and promoted digital literacy, establishing a strong foundation in information technology and cybersecurity.
In 2024, Abdikani returned and now serves as our ICT Compliance and Audit Officer. His extensive education and experience in cybersecurity make him a valuable asset to our team.
Email: [email protected]
Denis joined DefendDefenders in 2022 as a driver. With eight years of driving under his belt, Denis is dedicated to providing a seamless and comfortable journey for both passengers and cargo. His passion for ensuring safety and efficiency on the road makes him a valuable asset to the team.
Address:
Arie Towers
Plot 16, Mackinnon Road
Nakasero P.O. Box 70356,
Kampala, Uganda
General Phone Line:
+256-200-760-700 (General)
24/7 Emergency Phone Line: +256 707 020086