Mr. Sam Ejibua - SDLG Programme: Resident Programme Manager

 

Sam is the resident representative of VNG International in Uganda through the SDLG Programme. He provides oversight support for programme implementation and ensures effective coordination between the thematic experts and target local governments and stakeholders. He oversees planning and implementation of activities, reporting on results and developing further programming based on lessons learnt. In addition, he provides technical support to local governments, their associations and stakeholders involved in the programme.

With a background in social and community development and a masters in programme monitoring and evaluation, management studies, Sam has a rich experience in supporting local governments and civil society organisations to identify and address their structural and institutional needs and challenges. He is passionate on supporting government structures and institutions in contributing towards a sustainable impact at community level, through research, design, and implementation of innovative and tailored approaches to enhance local capacity in addressing governance and service delivery challenges.

“The governance challenge in our ever changing local and global context starts with self-reflection and realization. Contributing towards a sustainable impact by supporting the process of self-discovery and knitting together the details of the otherwise unexploited potential is such an enriching and fulfilling experience.”

 

Ms. Racheal Atukwase - SDLG Programme: Programmes Coordinator: Implementation, Compliance, and Reporting 

 

As part of the SDLG Country implementation team, Racheal supports the implementation of the SDLG programme activities in Uganda, with a particular focus on cross-cutting programme management and implementation needs, with a focus on planning, reporting, documentation, knowledge management, monitoring, learning and communication.

With a background in Social Sciences, majoring in Gender and Women Studies and Postgraduate Diploma in Public Policy and Governance. She has diverse experience in supporting marginalised persons/groups, community action planning, designing interventions and coordinating collaborations with local governments and stakeholders. She has a strong focus in supporting government structures and institutions to be accountable, transparent, and responsive to the needs of the citizens.

“The gender inequalities are a key obstacle to full participation and inclusion in development; supporting Local Governments and communities to adapt more inclusive and participatory approach for equality is a pre-requisite for development.”

 

Ms. Paskaliah Kachienga - SDLG Programme: Thematic Programme Lead – Fragility and Rule of Law

 

Responsible for the Fragility and Rule of Law component within the SDLG Programme in Uganda, Paskaliah coordinates and supports the implementation of all related activities, placing a keen emphasis on governance and leadership dynamics.

With over a decade of experience in development and local governance, Paskaliah has successfully managed programmes in public participation, integrated water resource management, and inclusive urban governance across South Africa and Rwanda. Passionate about collaborative governance models and participatory decision-making processes, Paskaliah is dedicated to strengthening governance structures and empowering local communities to steer their own development. Paskaliah holds a master’s degree in criminology, law, and society.

 

Mr. Eriku Ibaga Daniel - SDLG Programme: Local Government Taxation and Local Economic Development Expert

 

Responsible for coordinating and implementing Local Government Own Source Revenue and Local Economic Development activities in SDLG programme in Uganda.

Daniel is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, holder of Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Commerce. With an extensive experience in Public Finance Management, capacity development trainings and technical support to Local Governments in development planning, Own Source Revenue mobilization and management, financial and procurement management, internal auditing, leadership and council development, and private sector engagement for Local Economic Development in Uganda, Daniel strives to support and contribute towards improved policy frameworks, technical and leadership capacity for transparent and accountable Local Governments to create a conducive environment for private sector development as a driver of Local Economic Development.

 

Ms. Dorothy Apio Ogolla - SDLG Programme: Thematic Lead – Migration and Displacement

 

Responsible for supporting design, planning and implementation of activities and ensuring alignment towards the SDLG Migration and Displacement thematic outcome in Uganda. In addition to helping to synergise with important national and international programme partners, stakeholders and knowledge holders in the field of migration and refugee management and facilitates their active participation in the programme.

Dorothy is a development worker with experience in implementing livelihoods, capacity enhancement and social cohesion programmes for migrant and displaced populations as well as host communities. With a Masters in Monitoring and Evaluation, Degree in Development Studies, and certificates in Gender integration in development and Project Development, she brings expertise in Migrant integration, Policy advocacy, Program quality and planning, Program Management and compliance, and Partnerships development and management.

Mr. Fred Bada - SDLG Programme: Local Government Engagement Specialist

 

Responsible for the effective engagement of the participating local governments in the North of Uganda within the SDLG programme. Fred is the first point of contact for the local governments and manages the adaptation of approaches, systems, and processes of the SDLG Programme to the LG specific contexts, including management of expectations, bringing focus, and steering on tangible programme results through feasible planning and clearly defined activities.

 An economist by profession, a holder of Master’s Degree in Business Administration (Finance and Accounting Option) and a post graduate diploma in Project Planning and Management. With over 20 years’ experience in Local Government sector Fred brings a wealth of relevant, well-grounded work experience from the Local Government sector and development organizations. Fred had the opportunity to work with development partners and stakeholders (both local and International) in supporting development planning and coordination of Local Economic Development initiatives.

 

Ms. Pamela Okunia Acidri - SDLG Programme: Engagement Coordinator

 

Pamela is part of the SDLG Uganda implementation team in the Fragility and Rule of Law thematic area. She is responsible for direct engagement, capacity development and technical support to improve governance and leadership in Lira City Council and the associate structures. She supports direct implementation of activities, reporting, knowledge management and tracking of outcomes in close collaboration with the Programme Working Group (PWG) guided by the Theory of Change, M&E results framework and VNG International policies.

Pamela is an Advocate with a Bachelor of Laws, Post Graduate in Legal Practice and pursuing a Masters in Refugee and Migration Studies. She has over 8 years of work experience in legal practice, humanitarian and international development organizations. She brings a wealth of experience in; capacity building for leadership structures, advocacy, partnership management, gender mainstreaming, youth economic empowerment, private sector engagement & business development, social research and project implementation in the fragile refugee context.

 

Mr. Moses Bajwaha - SDLG Programme: Engagement Coordinator

Responsible for SDLG Programme Engagements by coordinating supporting partner Local Governments of: Bushenyi- Ishaka Municipal Council, Kasese Municipal Council and Kalangala District & Town Council in the implementation of interventions under the thematic areas of OSR/LED and Fragility & Rule of Law in line with the local government Theory of Change (TOC), and M&E Results framework of the SDLG programme.

With a background in Social Work and Social Administration and post graduate trainings in Project Planning & Management, Community Systems Strengthening, Gender Integration, Strategic Planning/TOC, Participatory M&E and 15 years of work experience with CBOs, NGOs, private sector and Local Governments, Bajwaha strives to provide capacity strengthening support and technical assistance  to partner Local Governments thereby contribute to improved Programme-Based Planning & Budgeting, Public-Private-Community Dialogues (PPCD), Leadership & Governance, Local Revenue,  and Local Economic Development.

 

Mr. Paul Bate - Finance Manager

 

Responsible for Uganda programme Financial Management, Reporting, Budget monitoring and overseeing country office administration in line with laid out procedures and guidelines.

Paul is a Certified Public Accountant, Accounting Technician and holder of Master of Business Administration. He has extensive experience in Financial Management, Administration and Auditing with Government structures and agencies, Non-government Organizations and private sector.

Paul strives to use his knowledge and experience to support efficient delivery of programme activities and contribute to the overall impact.

 

Ms. Gertrude Candiru Sally - Administration and Human Resource Management Coordinator

 

Gertrude is an accomplished Administration and Human Resource Management Coordinator, whose diverse educational background and comprehensive training have are an invaluable assets to the SDLG team. With a foundation in Education and Environmental Management, Gertrude has expanded her expertise through postgraduate training in Project Planning and Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Human Resource Management. Further solidifying her proficiency, she is a certified Project Management Professional.

She brings over a decade of experience in Administration, Human Resource Management, Research, and Supply Chain Management. Gertrude's multifaceted skill set and strategic approach enhances our operational efficiency and organizational development. Her dedication to excellence and forward-thinking leadership style are pivotal in fostering a dynamic and supportive work environment, ensuring our team’s success.

 

Ms. Oleru Topista - Finance & Administration Assistant

 

Responsible for supporting the Finance and Administration function in West Nile Field office, Topista guides the field team on accountability checklist, procedures, standards, and processes in line with laid out procedures and guidelines.

Topista is an Associate of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda, pursuing Certified Tax Advisor Course and holder of bachelor’s degree in business administration from Uganda Christian University.

She has over ten years work experience in donor funded projects with, Non-government Organizations. She has a keen eye to achieve excellence in financial management and timely reporting

 

Mr. David Alek Jeffery - Logistics Assistant

 

Responsible for the transportation of Staff, Visitors, Consultants, and Delivery and picking of letters or documents from courier services in the city. David complements his work with supporting photographic documentation, facilitating procurement of office supplies and other administrative functions assigned.

David is a professional driver with over 20 years of experience in professional and defensive driving with Institutions, USA missionaries, Church Organizations, and Plan International in Humanitarian and Education, Emergency in Refugee settlements, and host communities in the West Nile Region of Uganda.

David has the equivalent of an advanced Certificate in Technical Education Certificate Craft One and Two, a Certificate in Professional Drivers Training, a Certificate in defensive driving, Certificate in Computer training, Creative leadership training and Motor vehicle mechanic training. He has a flexible character and is willing to learn more and work within tight deadlines.

 

Mr. Edema Francis - Logistics Assistant

 

Responsible for the transportation of Staff, Visitors, Consultants, and Delivery and picking of letters or documents from courier services in the city. Francis complements his work with supporting photographic documentation, facilitating procurement of office supplies and other administrative functions assigned.

He holds a Diploma in Business Studies (Purchasing Supplying and Stores Management option), a certificate in Project Planning and Management, a certificate in Basic Security training skills, a Certificate in ICT and Leadership under the KiBO Foundation.

Francis is a versatile and handy in support to the programme team and responsive to different support needs to the West Nile Field office.

 

We Are Able - Uganda Team

Mr. James Kiyemba - We are Able! Programme: Programme Governance Advisor

 

In collaboration with the Consortium partners, James is responsible for supporting different aspects of the planning, coordination, monitoring, reporting and stakeholder engagements, under pathway 3, within the We are Able! Programme Uganda.

With a background in supporting initiatives aimed at achieving inclusion, equalization of opportunities, livelihood improvement, equity and equality, James’ passion and achievements lie in contributing to positive life changing processes and success stories through team leadership, community based planning and engagements for Most at Risk Populations, capacity development and strengthening, stakeholder coordination and collaboration with key actors, progress reviews and assessments, mindful of cross-cutting issues within the INGO, NGO, Private Sector and Local Government settings.

James holds a Masters in Programme Monitoring and Evaluation, Masters in Business Administration, a post graduate diploma in Monitoring & Evaluation, a Post graduate diploma in Community Based Rehabilitation, and a Bachelor of Arts in Education.

 

Mr. Moses Bayo – We are Able! Programme: Inclusion and Capacity Enhancement Coordinator

 

Responsible for strengthening Local Governments (LGs) to achieve Inclusive Local Development through access to basic resources for ALL for improved Food and Nutrition Security (FNS); Moses supports mechanisms to strengthen engagements between Public Authorities and other relevant Local Actors (Organizations of Persons with Disabilities, Civil Society Organizations, the Media, and the Private Sector) aimed at improving the positions of Persons with a Disability and other marginalized Social Groups.

With a background in Agriculture (Bachelor’s Degree), and additional qualifications in Sustainable Agriculture and Products in Developing Countries – (Diploma), Public Administration majoring in Institutional Governance and Leadership (Diploma), and Administrative Law (Certificate), Moses is passionate about promoting and achieving Inclusive Development in Uganda and across the world; and has over the past 8 years supported LGs to achieve inclusive development through strengthening Local Governance processes.

 

Mr. Wycliff Odong - We are Able: Inclusion and Capacity Enhancement Coordinator

 

Responsible for supporting the (District) Local Governments in Nwoya and Omoro in implementing the activities to achieve Inclusive Local Development through access to basic resources for ALL for improved Food and Nutrition Security (FNS), Wycliff facilitates approaches and mechanisms to strengthen engagements between Public Authorities and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities, Civil Society Organizations and consortium partners in the targeted Local Governments.  

With a Masters in Arts (MA) in Local Governance and Human Rights and a Bachelor of Community Psychology. Wycliff is a disability inclusion and development practitioner with a wide range of experiences in governance system strengthening, social service workforce support case management of Orphans and other Vulnerable Children (OVC), supporting Local Governments in development of response plans for child protection; planning, designing and implementation of disability inclusion programs, with particular interest in Inclusive Governance and Inclusive Education for persons with disabilities.