Ms. Shifrah Lukwago is a proficient Advocate of the High Court and all subordinate courts of Uganda, enrolled in 2006, and an appointed Commissioner for Oaths and a Notary Public. She has since worked in private legal practice for the last 15 years, during which she gained a wealth of experience. She is a renowned politician, proven public administrator, and an ardent human rights defender passionate for protecting and promoting women’s rights. She joined the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) as a Member of the Commission on Wednesday, 29th September 2021, after being sworn in by the Chief Justice Alfonso Owiny-Dollo.

Ms. Lukwago joins the Commission after serving at the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) in various political capacities, including Female Youth Councillor, Kampala City, and Speaker (Council President) from 2006 to 2011, and Lord Councillor from 2006 to 2016.

Ms. Lukwago had earlier served as a Female Youth Councillor and Deputy Speaker of Kawempe Division from 2002 to 2006. She served as Chairperson Legal Affairs Committee of KCCA from 2011 to 2016.
She served as a Board Member and Woman Representative of the Uganda Red Cross Society, Kampala Central Branch, from 2008 to 2011. Ms. Lukwago served the Uganda Law Society (ULS) in various leadership capacities, including as its treasurer and that of the Legal Aid and Probono Services Project of ULS from 2016 to 2018. She also held positions on the various committees of the Uganda Law Society during the same period.

She is currently the Vice Chairperson of the Uganda Association of Women Lawyers (FIDA UGANDA). She also currently holds various positions of responsibility at Makerere University Business School, including that of Council Member and member of the Appointments Board since 2008; member of the Finance Committee since 2021; and Chairperson of the Audit Committee since 2021.

Ms. Lukwago’s career path includes appointment to notable administrative positions at National Universities in Uganda, through which she has gained the vast experience that she brings to the Commission following her recent Presidential appointment. She has, for instance, held the position of Vice Chairperson of Makerere Business School Council from 2019 to 2021 after being appointed Council Member from 2008 to date. She also served as Chairperson of the Students’ Affairs Committee of Makerere Business School from 2008 to 2021.

Other positions of responsibility held were at Makerere University, where she was a member of the Makerere University Council from 2007 to 2012 and the Appointments Board from 2006 to 2012. Still at Makerere University, Ms. Lukwago served asa member on the Honorary Awards, Statutes and Estates & Housing committees from 2007 to 2012. Additionally, she served on the Housing Sub Committee during the same period and the Search Committee for Chancellor in 2007 as a member.

She brings additional abilities in handling the tribunal function of the Commission, given the experience gained when she worked as a member of the Staff Tribunal Committee of Makerere University from 2007 to 2012 and as the current Chairperson of the Presidential and Guild Representative Council (GRC) Election Petition of Makerere University Business School since 2011.

Ms. Shifrah Lukwago exhibited leadership skills as early as her school days when she held positions including that of Minister in Charge of Women Affairs and Guild Council Representative of Makerere Students Guild, Makerere University, as well as Finance Secretary of Mary Stuart Hall, of the same University.

Her outstanding contribution to the administration of public institutions and bodies has won her certificates of recognition at the national level from institutions like Makerere University, which recognized her contribution to the promotion of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Others were Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), which recognized her excellent service rendered to the Authority in her capacity as Councilor from 2011 to 2016; ACODE, which recognized her as the best Speaker when she won the Local Government Award; and the Uganda Law Society, which appreciated her contribution and support to the lawyers’ body.

While at the international level, Ms. Lukwago was recognized as Honorary Mayor- President of the City of Baton Rouge, Parish of East Baton Rouge, Louisiana State, USA in 2010 and Honorary Council Member of the City of Baton Rouge.
She has, over the years benefitted from numerous short courses for which she has been awarded certificates. These include: Certificate in Practice before Regional Courts and Tribunals, by East African Law Society; Certificate in Leadership training on Catalyzing a Movement of Young Feminist Leaders in Uganda by African Women’s Leadership Institute; and Certificate in Leadership training at the 8th Annual International Leadership Conference 2018, among others.

Owing to her hard work, leadership, excellent social and communication skills, Ms. Lukwago has been invited to various international conferences and workshops organized on various themes. She is widely travelled to represent the country at different workshops and conferences within the country, region, continent, and international destinations.

Ms. Lukwago holds a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University, a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Center, and a Certificate of Admission and Enrollment as an Advocate of the High Court of Uganda and other subordinate Courts from the Uganda Law Council. She is a member of some professional bodies, including the East African Law Society, Uganda Law Society, International Bar Association, Uganda Women Lawyers Association (FIDA); Amnesty International, and a Life Member of the Foundation for Human Rights Initiatives.

One of her main aspirations in life is seeing other people happy “because I serve them.”