Cohort Year: 2024 Cohort

Kevin Karlo Lakot is a passionate women’s rights activist, politician, and businesswoman dedicated to advancing women’s empowerment and rights across Africa. Currently, she serves as the Country Representative for the Young Women of Africa (YWOA) in Uganda and as the Country President of  the African Diplomatic Organization (formerly known as the African Union Youth Assembly) in Uganda. Additionally, she holds the position of Deputy Speaker of the Global Youth Parliament in Uganda. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Makerere University. Kevin’s career spans government, civil society, and the business sector, where she has worked with renowned organizations such as UN Women, UN OCHA, and the African Union. Her diverse experience has empowered her to champion policies and initiatives that support gender equality and the development of young women across Africa. She is an alumna of prestigious leadership programs including the Aspire Leaders Program at Harvard University and the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). Kevin is an inspiring role model to many young girls and women, and her leadership continues to inspire change and progress within her community and beyond.

• Usisi Amandla Compendium, Kevin Karlo Lakot

Immaculate Comfort Masika is a Library and Information scientist and Counsellor passionate about reading, and engaging in community development activities. She currently serves as Program Coordinator at Kasese Tourism Investors Forum (KTIF) which focuses at promoting tourism and providing community development services in Uganda hence fostering community growth and social impact. Masika holds a Bachelor degree in library and information science from Makerere University, a Certificate of Proficiency (COP) from Insurance Training Institute and she is currently pursuing Certification in Counseling. Her expertise spans program planning and coordination, public speaking and community counselling. Her background includes roles from other organizations like Prudential Assurance Uganda Limited and One stop Centre-Kasese Municipality where she executed number of duties thus expanding her working, communication and interpersonal skills. Masika is dedicated to creating inspirational narratives that promote hope and growth especially for women in suburban and rural communities.

• Usisi Amandla Compendium, Immaculate Comfort Masika

Kebirungi Hellen is a multifaceted individual who wears many hats. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree of Arts in Education from Kyambogo University and various Certificates in other trainings. As a teacher she is passionate about educating and empowering others does not stop at profession by also an executive direction of eco-justice warriors, a fierce advocate for environmental justice and sustainability. In her work as an entrepreneur she has been so innovative and determined to succeed while advocate for fair trade practice. Hellen also has passion for politics that drives her to create positive change in her community. She is an Alumni of the Uganda Democracy Academy.

• Usisi Amandla Compendium, Hellen Kebirungi

Kwera Faith is a dynamic leader and advocate for youth and girl-child empowerment in Uganda, with expertise in management and partnerships. She holds a degree in Human Resource Management from Makerere University Business School and is currently the Partnership Expert at Milima Security, contributing to the cybersecurity sector. As the founder of Quera Tickets, she is revolutionizing Uganda’s digital ticketing by partnering with major sports organizations. Her brand, Quera Innovations, also provides branding, communication, and PR services.

Kwera’s impact extends to Wikimedia Uganda, where she co-led initiatives like Wiki Gap, Wiki Loves Folklore, and Wiki for Boxing these initiatives help reduce the gender gap and promote cultural heritage in Uganda. A Tony Elumelu Foundation Hub Leader since 2019, she has supported entrepreneurship, participated in EAC election observations for member states, and contributed to policy discussions on labor, social protection, cybersecurity, and ICT inclusion for women. Kwera is a 2023 EAC Youth Fellow and recipient of the EAC Women Leadership and HiPipo Women in Fintech Awards.

• Usisi Amandla Compendium, Faith Kwera

Edna Kanyesigye is a dedicated Programs Officer at Faraja Africa Foundation with over seven years of experience in youth empowerment, advocacy, and policy engagement, including expertise in climate justice projects. She coordinates impactful initiatives, such as the Youth-Led Advocacy in Legislation project, mobilizing youth leaders across Uganda to engage in policy dialogues and legislative processes. Edna holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science Technology and Management from Kyambogo University and a Level One Certificate in Project Planning and Management from Ms-TCDC in Tanzania. Her expertise spans project management, stakeholder engagement, and climate justice, with a focus on gender inclusivity and empowering marginalized groups. Committed to sustainable development, Edna aims to bridge the gap between youth and decision-makers, ensuring young voices shape Uganda’s policy landscape.

• Usisi Amandla Compendium, Edna Kanyesigye Wabwire

Charity Ngabirano is a lawyer and a journalist, with a keen interest in Human Rights, social Justice, good governance, and human rights. She holds a Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB), an Advanced Diploma in Legal Practice and is currently a Master of Arts in Journalism and Communication Candidate. Charity is currently a writer with The New Vision, and an interviewer with Africa in Dialogue. She also does legal work at a law firm in Kampala; Barireere & Co. Advocates.

Charity boasts of experience on advocacy, communications, and human rights. She has worked with CSOs, media houses and literary associations, to influence change in society. Her roles, over the years, have revolved around community mobilization, advocacy, offering legal aid to the poor, implementing projects and reporting stories. She has written and published research papers, creative stories, interviews, and articles.

• Usisi Amandla Compendium, Charity Ngabirano

Nantongo Bashira is a proactive young woman leader passionate about girl child education, youth empowerment and engagement in global issues. She currently works as a Part-time lecturer at Islamic university in Uganda, females’ campus. She holds a Masters’ degree in education management and administration from Islamic university in Uganda. Bashira has been exposed to youth networks, politics and civic spaces. Bashira is a Guild president emeritus of Islamic university in Uganda, females’ campus. She is also a founder of “TALK TO BASHIRA” initiative which nurtures young people in communities and schools through talks that motivate, guide, build their capacities and reshape their future.

• Usisi Amandla Compendium, Nantongo Bashira