STAFF
Jennifer Amejja – Executive Director
Jennifer Amejja is the Founding Member and Chief Executive Officer of CEGGI.
She is a graduate from Cambridge International College (The British International College for Professional Management – UK) in Management and Administration, with a certificate in Public Administration and Management from Makerere University.
Jennifer is a team leader with a say, passionate about empowering and collaboration, partnering with local, national and international stakeholders while offering diverse community impression.
Jennifer has experience working with diverse groups including rural and urban communities, urban refugees and their host communities, climate vulnerable and water-stressed communities, women in the informal sector, indigenous people, the elderly and youth. She has participated in creating community awareness on the benefits of economic empowerment, environmental protection through indigenous knowledge, ability for communities to be food sovereign, and youth participation in community engagements.
She is a promoter of Earth Jurisprudence, the unwritten law that respects nature and instrumental in sustainably preserving the environment. She is also an advocate of gender equity, a key element for reducing inequalities and poverty among the marginalized, promoting sustainable development and building good governance.
Lydia Hansen-Grants and Business Development Manager.
Lydia Hansen is an accomplished Grants and Business Development Manager at CEGGI (Centre
for Ecological Governance and Gender Initiatives) with over six years of experience in
fundraising, project planning, and management.
She holds multiple degrees, including a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Sociology, a Master
of Business Administration, and a Master of Public Health and Health Care Innovations from
Makerere University, ESAMI, Lund University and Copenhagen Business Schools respectively. Lydia’s expertise in grant research and fundraising strategy, coupled with her background in
finance and banking, enables her to guide CEGGI in raising revenue to support its mission.
She is a Certified Grant Writer, skilled in securing funding through well-crafted grant proposals.
Lydia’s dedication to addressing challenges in Africa, breaking cycles of poverty, and promoting
health and innovation makes her a valuable asset to CEGGI, driving positive change in the
communities it serves.
Robert Katemburura-Head of Programs
Robert Katemburura is the Founding Member and Head of Programs of CEGGI (Centre for
Ecological Governance and Gender Initiative). With 22 years of experience in environmental
reporting and community radio management, he is a passionate Ugandan Environmental
Journalist and Ecologist dedicated to environmental justice and exposing human rights violations
against indigenous communities.
Through his leadership and coming from the indigenous people’s background, Robert has
revitalized indigenous knowledge systems and raised awareness of oil and gas-related injustices.
His achievements include the push of communities to recognize the Rights of Nature in the
Ugandan national legislation and the passage of a customary law ordinance to protect community
food systems and sacred natural sites in Buliisa district.
Robert holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and diploma certificates in
Journalism and Public Administration.
Inspired by his work with indigenous farmers, he founded CEGGI to promote ecological
governance, gender equality, and diverse perspectives for a sustainable future of Ugandans
Rolland Mwebesa: Agriculture Specialist
Rolland Mwebesa plays an essential role in shaping our nature-positive agricultural approach. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Agriculture and Master’s degree in Agroecology from Makerere University. With his expertise in agriculture and sustainable farming practices, Rolland ensures that the latest innovations are integrated in organic farming, agroforestry, precision farming and solar powered irrigation. His knowledge is very instrumental in guiding farmers and community members to improve their farming systems for high crop yield.
Adim Solomon – Program Officer Community Building and Capacity Development
Solomon holds a Masters in Management Studies (MMS), Project Planning and Management from Uganda Management Institute, Bachelors in Social Science, Makerere University with a Postgraduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation.
He has over 15 years of work experience across two distinct but related sectors; NGO and business sector. His time in the NGO world is defined by professional, managerial and field based project management experience in diverse development intervention areas, i.e.;
- Integrated community development and environmental/natural resource conservation. Under the integrated community development interventions, he has led fundraising initiatives and supervised the implementation of Rural Agricultural initiatives with smallholder farmers, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Health, Education, Livelihoods, Environment and Governance
- Rights awareness and advocacy projects targeting children, youth and adult men and women.
- Led the integrated programme designs and implementation to address social and economic vulnerabilities of target populations that included the Household Economic Strengthening (HES) initiatives integrating growing, value addition and marketing of high value and nutritious food crops to improve household nutrition and incomes.
- Developed and delivered trainings on organizational development and management, project management and human resource capacity enhancement.
- Led research teams in undertaking several studies; midterm and endline project evaluation assignments.
In business Solomon has led the promotion of large scale cocoa growing in Lango, Acholi and Greater Teso sub-regions in Northern and Eastern Uganda, a process that also involved smallholder farmer capacity building and trainings in cocoa agronomy.
Patience Katooko – Information and System’s Administrator
Patience, a Bachelor of Arts in Arts graduate, embarked on her professional career with Agency for
Environment and Wetlands, an NGO committed to promoting the sustainable use and
management of wetlands. During her tenure, she actively engaged in initiatives centered around
alternative energy solutions, tree planting for ecosystem enhancement, and monitoring and
evaluation activities. Patience’s training in graphics and web design has significantly contributed
to CEGGI’s visual and digital communication capabilities. With her strong background in project
management, evaluation, and reporting, Patience brings a comprehensive skill set to her role at
CEGGI, enabling her to make valuable contributions to the organization’s work.
Tukamuhabwa Julian- Communications, Gender, and Advocacy Officer
Tukamuhabwa Julian is a passionate gender activist and journalist dedicated to promoting human
rights, equality, and the rule of law. With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication
from Uganda Christian University, she has acquired expertise in various areas through
specialized training. Julian has made significant contributions to publications and actively
engaged in community empowerment, environmental advocacy, and documenting environmental
issues throughout her career. In her current role as a Communications, Gender, and Advocacy
Officer at CEGGI, she mobilizes and coordinates community members, advocates for gender
equality and environmental conservation, and utilizes her skills in public relations, community
mobilization, capacity building, advocacy, teamwork, networking, and report writing.
Julian’s previous work has been recognized through awards and grants, including a reporting
grant from the International Women’s Media Foundation, which supported her investigation of
the impact of oil extraction on women and their land in Uganda. She has also led community training programs on renewable energy alternatives and participated in trainings focused on the
financialization of land and ecology in Tanzania. With her unwavering commitment and
expertise, Julian strives to drive positive change by promoting gender equality, social justice, and
environmental conservation. Her biography highlights her dedication to these causes and
emphasizes the transformative power of effective communication.
Kansiime Grace – Finance and Administration Manager
Grace Kansiime is a highly experienced Finance and Administration Manager with over 15 years of expertise in the NGO sector. With a strong background in financial management, budget analysis, reporting, compliance, and data collection, Grace brings valuable skills and knowledge to CEGGI;’s finance and administrative functions. Throughout his career, Grace has worked with various organizations, including NSV, Excel Hot Consult, Global Fund, and KAMTEK Investments Ltd, among others. This diverse experience has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of financial operations and management within different contexts.
Grace holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance, an MBA in Accounting, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Monitoring and Evaluation from Mbarara University. His educational background further enhances his expertise in financial management and strategic planning. With his articulate approach to financial management and deep knowledge of NGO work, Grace plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth functioning of CEGGI’s financial systems and processes. He is skilled in budgeting, financial analysis, and reporting, ensuring compliance with regulations and best practices. Grace’s dedication to excellence, attention to detail, and commitment to promoting ecological governance and gender equality make him a valuable asset to CEGGI’s finance and administration team. He supports the organization’s mission by ensuring sound financial practices and contributing to the overall success of CEGGI’s initiatives.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Mrs. Florence Ochieng-Chairperson Board
Mrs. Florence Ochieng is the Chairperson of the Board at CEGGI. She is a retired government civil servant with experience in the Ministry of Public Service and Uganda Commercial Bank. Currently engaged in subsistence farming, she focuses on cultivating various food crops and managing a mixed farming system that includes improved varieties and livestock. Florence’s expertise in the entire food value chain has improved community livelihoods and empowered fellow farmers. As a dedicated member of the board, her practical approach to farming and community development supports CEGGI’s mission of ecological governance and gender initiatives.
Bernadette Busingye Babishangire (Mrs.) -Board Member
Bernadette Busingye Babishangire (Mrs.) is an accomplished Curriculum Specialist with over
30 years of experience in education and development. As a dedicated Board member of CEGGI,
she brings extensive knowledge and passion for management. She holds a Master’s in Education
in Teacher Education from the University of Manchester, UK, and a Bachelor of Arts in
Education from Makerere University. On the board, Bernadette’s expertise in research,
mentorship, monitoring and evaluation, and governance ensures transparency and effectiveness
in CEGGI’s operations. Her dedication to empowering vulnerable communities through
managing NGOs and addressing crucial societal issues, including gender, HIV/AIDS,
environment, and poverty, strengthens CEGGI’s impact. With exceptional IT and communication
skills, Bernadette mentors staff at the CEGGI secretariat to produce comprehensive reports
showcasing CEGGI’s accountability to donors and stakeholders. Her integrity and commitment
to ecological governance and gender initiatives make her an invaluable asset to CEGGI’s mission
of creating a more equitable and sustainable world through advocacy.
Mrs. Asha Fambe-Board Member
Asha is a valuable member of the CEGGI Board, representing local farming communities and the Tugar’re Ebyobuhangwa Women’s Group, one of CEGGI’s collaborative partners. As a small-scale farmer practicing agro ecology, she advocates for the revival of indigenous seeds and sustainable farming practices. Her expertise and firsthand experience contribute to shaping CEGGI’s initiatives that promote ecological governance, gender inclusivity, and community resilience in sustainable agriculture. Asha’s role ensures that the voices of local farmers are heard, and their needs are prioritized in decision-making processes.
GET INVOLVED:
We invite you to be a part of our journey towards transformation. Your support, whether through donations, partnerships, or volunteering, will help us expand our reach and create lasting change in the lives of indigenous communities in Uganda.