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Our Staff

Our Board

Sophie Kyagulanyi - Chairperson

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 - Secretary

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 - Treasurer

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 Jama Mohamed - Member

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 - Member

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 - Ex Officio and Executive Director of Defenddefenders

Hassan Shire is the Executive Director of DefendDefenders and has steered the organisation through its growth over the years. He is also the Chairperson of AfricanDefenders (Pan-African Human Rights Defenders Network).

Shire is a human rights defender from Somalia, with over 20 years’ experience working in the region. While in Canada, he worked with the Centre for Refugee Studies at York University and Amnesty International Canada to create the African Human Rights Defenders Project. In 2005, he returned to Africa and founded DefendDefenders in Uganda. Shire has been instrumental in building coalitions for the protection of human rights defenders in the East and Horn of Africa, namely in Burundi, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, and Somalia/Somaliland.

Shire regularly engages with African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, United Nations Human Rights Council, the Community of Democracies, government authorities, and African and foreign diplomatic missions for the advancement of human rights in Africa. He is currently Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the Centre for Civil and Political Rights (Geneva, Switzerland), board member of the Institute of Human Rights and Democracy in Africa (Banjul, The Gambia), and Board Chair of the African Center for Justice and Peace and Studies (Kampala, Uganda).

Shire has received numerous awards from the international community including the U.S. State Department’s 2011 Human Rights Defender Award, the Leadership Awards of the Pan African Human Rights Defenders Network in 2015, and the Richard C. Holbrooke Leadership Award by Refugees International in 2017.

Our Staff

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Hassan Shire

Hassan Shire is the Executive Director of DefendDefenders has steered the organisation through its growth over the years. He is also the Chairperson of African Defenders (Pan African Human Rights Defenders Network). Shire is a human rights defender from Somalia, with over 20 years’ experience working in the region. While in Canada, he worked with the Centre for Refugee Studies at York University and Amnesty International Canada to create the African Human Rights Defenders Project. In 2005 he returned to Africa and founded DefendDefenders in Uganda.

Shire has been instrumental in building coalitions for the protection of human rights defenders in the East and Horn of Africa namely in Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, and Somalia/Somaliland. Shire regularly engages with African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, United Nations Human Rights Council, the Community of Democracies, government authorities, and African and foreign diplomatic missions for the advancement of human rights in Africa.

He is currently Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the Centre for Civil and Political Rights (Geneva, Switzerland),and Board Chair of the African Center for Justice and Peace and Studies (Kampala, Uganda).

Shire has received numerous awards from the international community including the U.S. State Department’s 2011 Human Rights Defender Award, the Leadership Awards of the Pan African Human Rights Defenders Network in 2015, and the Richard C. Holbrooke Leadership Award by Refugees International in 2017.

CONTACT INFO

Tel: +256-393-265-821 (office), +256-772-753-753 (mobile)
Email: [email protected],
[email protected]
Twitter: @hassan_shire
Facebook: Hassan Shire

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS AND ADMINISTRATION

Memory Bandera

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.

CONTACT INFO

Tel: +256-393-265-820
Email: [email protected]

PAN-AFRICAN HRD NETWORK COORDINATOR

Joseph Bikanda

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.

ADVOCACY, RESEARCH & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER 

Estella Kabachwezi 

Estella is the Manager, Adovcacy, Research and Communications, a role she assumed in 2019.

CONTACT INFO

Tel: +256-393-202-133
Email: [email protected]

Defenders’ Tech Manager

Mark Kiggundu 

Mark first joined DefendDefenders as an ICT assistant in 2013, and grew through the ranks to become Defenders’ tech from January 2021.

He has over 8 of experience as technologist, systems administrator, and digital security expert. His passion for safety and security for human rights defenders has led him at the frontline of supporting human rights defenders and their organizations to enhance their ability to effectively use technology and navigate the threats they face as they use the internet.

CONTACT INFO

Email: MarkK@defenddefenders.org

FINANCE MANAGER

Alex Lukoye

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.

CONTACT INFO

Tel: +256-393-265-822
Email: [email protected]

PROTECTION AND SECURITY MANAGEMENT MANAGER

Tabitha Netuwa

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.

CONTACT INFO

Phone: +256–393-265823 and +256-414-510-263
Mobile: +256 783-027-611
Email: [email protected]

REPRESENTATIVE TO THE UNITED NATIONS

Nicolas Agostini

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.

CONTACT INFO

Email: [email protected]

SENIOR PROGRAM OFFICER

Bernard Arinaitwe

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.

CONTACT INFO

Phone: +256-773-465-250
Email: [email protected]

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Ivan Rugambwa 

Ivan joined DefendDefenders as a Communications Officer in July 2021, with over 8 years of experience in Journalism, Communications and Public Relations.

He cut his journalistic teeth as a political reporter with The Independent Publications Ltd, before venturing into public relations, where he worked as a communications consultant with several organisations including the LeO Africa Institute, the Konrad Adeneur Stiftung, and the National Resistance Movement, Uganda’s ruling party. Prior to joining DefendDefenders, he served as Head, digital communications for Uganda’s premier Open-Government platform – the Government-Citizen Interaction Centre under the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, and as Editor-In-chief of the Cooperator news, Uganda’s first and only cooperatives-focused publication  

He holds a bachelors’ degree in Journalism and Communication from Makerere University where he graduated top of his class, and is a member of The KFM HotSeat’s Friday Panel of Journalists,  an exclusively journalists’ radio talk-show program that analyses weekly major news events.

CONTACT INFO

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +256-703-493-088

Digital Security Auditor and Incident Handler

Samuel Eibu

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.

CONTACT INFO

Phone: +256-393-265-824
Email: [email protected] 

AFRICANDEFENDERS COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE

Gentrix Barasa

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.  

CONTACT INFO

Email: [email protected]

SENIOR PROTECTION ASSOCIATE

Janvier Hakizimana

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.

CONTACT INFO

Tel: +256-793-0347966
Email: [email protected]

research OFFICER

Fatuma Hersi

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.

CONTACT INFO

Email: [email protected]

Program Officer – Executive Director’s Office

Susan Ibale

Susan joined DefendDefenders as the Executive Assistant in August 2018. She has over four years of human rights and development experience in Uganda, and is a passionate human rights advocate. She particularly has experience in promoting women’s rights, notably related to gender based violence (GBV) and elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

Susan holds an undergraduate degree from University of Pretoria in Political Science, majoring in International Studies, and a Master of Arts in International Development from Virtual University of Uganda.

CONTACT INFO

Tel: +256-393-256-821
Email: [email protected]

DRIVER / MESSENGER

Ambrose Katwesigye

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.

CONTACT INFO

Tel: +256-393-265-820

Programme and protection officer

Walda Keza Shaka

Walda joined AfricanDefenders as a fellow in April 2020 and is now a . Prior to joining AfricanDefenders she was an Operations Coordinator for Safe Gas Rwanda Ltd. She has also interned and volunteered with different NGOs in Africa. Walda has experience in project planning and management, branding, strategy development and has a strong passion for social development work.

CONTACT INFO

Email: [email protected]

FINANCE OFFICER

Rebecca Kisakye

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.

CONTACT INFO

Email: [email protected]

 

CAPACITY BUILDING OFFICER

Majid Maali

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.

CONTACT INFO

Tel: +256-393-265-826
Email: [email protected]

Digital Security Training Lead

Immaculate Nabwire

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.

CONTACT INFO

Tel: +256-393-266-827
Email: [email protected]

DATA & DOCUMENTATION LEAD

Daphne Nakabugo

As the Data Management Lead at DefendDefenders, Daphne aims to leverage data and digital tools to advocate for and protect vulnerable populations. She is passionate and excited about the use of digital tools and spaces to create more efficient and effective systems for day-to-day living.

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.

CONTACT INFO

Email: [email protected]

ADMINISTRATIVE EXECUTIVE

Zainah Nakato

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.

CONTACT INFO

Tel: +256-393-202-134
Email: [email protected]

PROTECTION ASSOCIATE

Brian Bamutaze

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.

CONTACT INFO

Tel: +256-392-265-826
Email: [email protected]

PROTECTION ASSOCIATE

Anne Nakiyingi

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.

CONTACT INFO

Tel: +256-392-202-134
Email: [email protected]

FINANCE OFFICER

Jane Ngabirano

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 .

CONTACT INFO

Tel: +256-393-202-135
Email: [email protected]

SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR ASSOCIATE

Donatien Niyongendako

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.

CONTACT INFO

Tel: +256-393-265-824
Email: [email protected]

PROJECT COORDINATOR – GREAT LAKES

Jeremie Nkunzimana

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. 

CONTACT INFO

Tel: +256-393-265-820
Email: [email protected]

Acting Programs Manager

Rosabella Ntanzi

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.

CONTACT INFO

Email: [email protected]

SENIOR FINANCE OFFICER

Proscovia Nyamutono

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.

CONTACT INFO

Tel: +256-393-202-135
Email: [email protected]

SENIOR PROTECTION OFFICER & WELLBEING LEAD

Karis Moses Oteba

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.

CONTACT INFO

Tel: +256-393-265-826
Email: [email protected]

Monitoring & Evaluation Manager

Stanley Wobusobozi

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.

CONTACT INFO

Email: [email protected]

Programme Officer

Dée Werter

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.

CONTACT INFO

Email: [email protected]

M&E ASSOCIATE

Juliet Emma Namayanja

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.

CONTACT INFO

Email: [email protected]

Technology Programme Associate

Joshua Ssengonzi

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).

CONTACT INFO

Email: [email protected]

Research Assistant

Grace Batamuriza

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.

CONTACT INFO

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +2567 200 760 763

Receptionist

Victoria Jacqueline Nabbumba

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.

CONTACT INFO

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +2567 200 760 700

Communications Officer, CHARM

Joyce Kimani

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.  

CONTACT INFO

Email: [email protected]

System Administrator

Hillary Kahoza

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.

CONTACT INFO

Email: [email protected]

Project Coordinator, CHARM Sub-Saharan Africa

Maria Kaddu

Maria Kaddu, an Advocate of the High Court of Uganda, leads as the Project Coordinator-CHARM Sub-Saharan Africa at DefendDefenders since October 2023, leveraging over twelve years of expertise in human rights, access to justice, and gender justice. With a master’s degree in Human Rights and a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University, Maria champions the rights of marginalized groups. Her career spans pivotal roles in project management, litigation, research, and programming, refined through experiences at LASPNET and FHRI, where she managed projects and held senior positions. Maria’s unwavering dedication to promoting human rights and access to justice shines through her diverse professional journey and commitment to community empowerment.

CONTACT INFO

Email: [email protected]

DRIVER / MESSENGER

Kakuru Julius

CONTACT INFO

Tel: +256-774-199-517

Messenger

Raphael Okudo

WELFARE ASSISTANT

Shamim Nakato

CONTACT INFO

Tel: +256-704-535-363

DRIVER

Denis Enapu

DRIVER

Sam Sempala