UHRC Commissioners – Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC)

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Ms. Shifrah Lukwago

Member of the Commission

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…

Mr. Crispin Kugiza Kaheru

Member of the Commission

Mr. Crispin Kugiza Kaheru, is a distinguished Ugandan civil rights activist, champion and defender of human rights…
Twitter : @ckaheru

Hon. Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru

Member of the Commission

Hon. Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru is a seasoned politician who has served at the national level as Sheema Woman Member of…

Hon. Simeo Muwanga Nsubuga

Member of the Commission

Hon. Simeo Muwanga Nsubuga has had an illustrious career as a civil servant, politician, diplomat, human rights trainer for…

Hon. (Col. Rtd.) Steven Mwesige Basaliza

Member of the Commission

Hon. Rtd. Col. Steven Mwesige Basaliza has had a glorious career as a human rights defender, legislator, security officer and a…

Mr. Omara Apitta Lamex

Member of the Commission

Omara Apitta Lamex (Mr.) is a distinguished career Civil Servant, an economist, policy analyst and an avid sports administrator/organizer…

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Ms. Shifrah Lukwago

Member of the Commission

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 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 which 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 Appointments Board from 2006 to 2012. Still at Makerere University Ms. Lukwago served as 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 member.

She brings additional abilities in handling the tribunal function of the Commission given the experience gained when she worked as 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 institution 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 Baston 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 a number of 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 of my service to them.”

Mr. Crispin Kugiza Kaheru

Member of the Commission

Mr. Crispin Kugiza Kaheru, is a distinguished Ugandan civil rights activist, champion and defender of human rights and liberties who joined the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) as a Member of the Commission on Wednesday 29th September 202, after being sworn-in by the Chief Justice Alfonso Owiny-Dollo. He brings with him a wealth of over fifteen years of international experience in designing, implementing and evaluating community level election, human rights, accountability, peace building and conflict resolution initiatives in Africa, Asia, and parts of Europe.

He is well grounded in influencing teams, leading positive change, community initiatives as well as mediating and resolving conflict. He is passionate about the nexus between governance and inclusive, sustainable, innovative and climate-smart development. Mr. Kaheru has built an extensive international network of influencers especially on issues around citizen’ participation in governance, rule of law and development. He has over the years, demonstrated remarkable commitment to transforming citizen participation in governance and defending human rights.

The United Nations, African Union, among others, recognize him as a key interlocutor. He has received both national and international recognition of excellence and was a nominee for the 2017 Human Rights Defenders Award of the European Union.

Between 2009 and 2019, Mr. Kaheru was the National Coordinator of the largest civic coalition in Uganda/Eastern and Southern Africa, the Citizens’ Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda (CCEDU). As the project head, Mr. Kaheru led a civic education and advocacy portfolio focused on increasing citizens’ knowledge and participation in democratic processes. Ahead of Uganda’s 2011 elections, he led a ground breaking voter mobilization campaign called Honour Your Vote which mobilized 59% voter turnout amidst high levels of voter apathy as well as a political boycott. In 2016, he spearheaded the Votability voter education campaign that inspired a record 90% of eligible Ugandans to register to participate in the 2016 general elections. He later championed the implementation of the Topowa (don’t give up) multi-media messaging project that increased voter participation from 59% in 2011 to 68% in 2016. His organisation’s voter education campaigns not only received local and international recognition but positively impacted Ugandans to meaningfully participate in elections. Mr. Kaheru’s vast experience and high competences in heading projects charged with delivering civic education, is therefore a big boost to the Commission’s efforts of delivering civic education to the citizenry, as one of its constitutional core mandates.

The Commission is indeed privileged to receive Mr. Kaheru on its policy making team given his vast experience in providing oversight to peace-building and electoral support processes in Uganda and other countries including: Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Namibia, Lesotho, Mozambique and South Africa, over the past decade.

He also comes to the Commission with knowledge in strategic alliances gained through his broad network of civic organizations in Uganda, on whose “Working Group of Seven” government and non-government institutions he has sat since 2016. These institutions are mandated to organize the National Dialogue Process for Uganda to adaptively address the root causes of conflict that have continuously threatened sustainable peace, security and development for the country and the region.

He currently serves on governing boards of reputable local and international organizations. He is: Chairperson of the East and Horn of Africa Election Observation Network (E-HORN) since 2018; Secretary of the National Initiative for Civic Education in Uganda (NICE-UG) since 2019; Member of the African Union (AU) team of Election Experts since 2014; and a Member of the International Board of Media Focus International (MFI) since 2014. Between 2014 and 2019, Mr. Kaheru was a Member of the Board of Directors of the Anti-Corruption Coalition of Uganda (ACCU), a national entity supporting the anti-graft crusade in Uganda. He is a Member of Uganda’s Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) Steering Group (SG) – a decision-making body of the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework under the Office of the Prime Minister of Uganda.

Mr. Kaheru possesses unique analytical and communication skills. He is an avid reader and writer who has authored over 500 analytical opinion pieces and over 10 research papers on elections, governance and human rights. He is fluent in English and is able to communicate in basic Swahili and French.

Mr. Kaheru began his elaborate professional career in 2005 at the International Republican Institute (IRI), a US democracy promotion NGO and worked at IRI’s offices in Uganda, Pakistan and Bangladesh, rising from an Intern to a Program Officer posting within three (3) years. He also had a short stint at the IRI Washington DC Office in 2009.

His academic credentials include a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Management from Makerere University Kampala (2013), a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Makerere University Kampala (2005) and a Post Graduate Diploma in Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies from the Complutense University of Madrid, Spain (2009). Mr. Kaheru also holds a Certificate in the Practice of Problem Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA) from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America (2018). In 2019, he completed a United Nations’ sponsored Insider Mediators’ course at the Netherlands Institute of International Relations (Clingendael) in The Hague. He has also trained and practiced in NGO and corporate governance, public sector management, administrative law, and strategic management. He spent part of his childhood in Glasgow Scotland, UK where he underwent home schooling.

As part of his ethos, Mr. Kaheru believes in always being serious; and standing up for those that may not be able to standup for themselves. His mantra is, “I am the one I have been waiting for” and “be the change that you want to see”. He believes that when the truth is replaced by silence, then that silence is a lie.

Follow him on Twitter : @ckaheru

Hon. Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru

Member of the Commission

Hon. Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru is a seasoned politician who has served at the national level as Sheema Woman Member of Parliament from 2016 to June 2021 and until her appointment as a Member of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), was the Executive Director at Extractive Energy Services Ltd. She was sworn-in as Member of the Commission on Wednesday 29th September 2021, by the Chief Justice Alfonso Owiny-Dollo.

In her former role as Member of Parliament, Hon. Atuhaire scrutinized activities of different Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, provided general oversight over government programs and scrutinized proposed legislation before Parliament. She therefore joins the Commission with experience in offering policy guidance and oversight competences gained during her Parliamentary work where she served as a member of the Public Accounts Committee, Committees on Defence and Internal Affairs and Science and Technology.

She is an advocate of human rights specifically for the vulnerable, having formerly served as an elected District Woman Representative of Sheema District. Her recent appointment as Member of the Commission therefore serves to boost to the human rights movement in Uganda. Additionally, the Commission will benefit from Hon. Atuhaire’s community mobilization, lobbying and advisory skills gained during her previous engagements over the years.

Through her previous work with the private sector, Hon. Atuhaire gained expertise in planning and implementing long-term business plans and policies to achieve strategic and financial goals; building and maintaining effective management teams; leading, coaching and mentoring managers to attain professional development and; providing employees with a clear vision for future achievements. The Commission will no doubt greatly benefit from the above competences of Ms. Atuhaire.

She is recognized for her outstanding leadership roles in various capacities in social and private sectors over the years. Ms Atuhaire actively participated in community empowerment activities, as the Founding Member of Consecrate Africa for Development, Kampala from 2018 to date and Board Member of Sheema Grain Growers Cooperative Union. She is the current Chairperson Board of Directors of Bright Future Transporters Limited.

She holds a Master’s of Science (MsC) in International Oil and Gas Management from the University of Dundee, Scotland, UK and a Bachelor of Arts in International Development (NGO Management) & Information Technology from the University of East London, UK. She has also been severally recognized with international certificates and awards including; a Certificate in Anti-Corruption, Compliance and Collective Action awarded by the International Anti-Corruption Academy of Vienna, Austria; an Award of Excellence in Fundraising by Just Giving Charity, UK; and a Recognition Award for Operational Excellence awarded by Positive Care Link UK.

As part of her ethos, Hon. Atuhaire is a passionate advocate for men’s rights.

Hon. (Col. Rtd.) Steven Mwesige Basaliza

Member of Commission

Hon. Rtd. Col. Steven Mwesige Basaliza has had a glorious career as a human rights defender, legislator, security officer and a Diplomat on foreign missions. He re-joined the Uganda Human Rights Commission on Tuesday December 20, 2022 after he was sworn-in by the Deputy Chief Justice (DCJ) Hon. Richard Butera at the High Court Civil Division – Twed Plaza. He had earlier served one term in the same portfolio from 2012-2017.

He is well grounded in security and defense matters, national and international politics having been a member of the 7th Parliament representing Burahya County during which he was also a member of AMANI forum for parliaments of the Great Lakes Region; member of the Focal Group of Parliament on small Arms and Light Weapons and member of the Standing Budget Committee of parliament which was responsible for scrutinizing and preparing the national budget before it is read and approved. He is also well grounded in high-level administration and corporate governance having held a number of portfolios like; in charge Civil Military relations – African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), coordinator Transitional Federal Government (TGF) of Somalia with the African Union on political and security matters, Director UPDF Mubende Rehabilitation Center, Senior Military Assistant Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defense, Board member national Environmental management Authority (NEMA) and Human Resource Manager – Coffee Marketing Board (CMB), among other portfolios.

He brings to the Commission a wealth of experience in the protection and promotion of human rights, having previously worked at the Commission at the level of Member of the Commission, Education/sensitization having been a Political Commissar/Education officer at Army Headquarters as well as his founding job as a teacher at Mpanga Secondary School where he was the Head of Department Business Education as well as budgeting and planning based on his previous experience on the parliamentary budget committee and defense ministry; above all, he is an advocate of the Supreme Court and all courts there under.

He is very passionate about corporate governance as well as rendering service to the lowest of the citizenry/service delivery, having been a Member of Parliament representing a semi-rural constituency – Burahya County.

Academically, he is well grounded with a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice/Bar Course from the Law Development Center – Kampala, a Bachelors of Law (Upper Second Division) from Uganda Pentecostal University, a Masters in Human Rights from Makerere University, a Bachelor of Social Science from the same University and a Diploma in Education Business studies from the same.

The other qualifications include Senior Command and Staff College – Kimaka Psu(u), Senior Leadership Africa Center for strategic studies – American University (ACCSS) Addis-Ababa, Certificate in advanced political education – NRA, East and Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI) Arusha – Materials Management and Training in Corporate Governance among others.

Mr. Omara Apitta Lamex

Member of Commission

Omara Apitta Lamex (Mr.) is a distinguished career Civil Servant, an economist, policy analyst and an avid sports administrator/organizer. He joined the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) on Tuesday December 20, 2022 after he was sworn-in by the Deputy Chief Justice (DCJ) Hon. Richard Butera at the High Court Civil Division – Twed Plaza.

He is well grounded in policy formulation and strategic planning having played a key role in the development of the first National Physical Education and Sports Policy and the creation of the first Physical Education and Sports (PES) Department during his tenure at the at the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES). Mr. Apitta also played a key role in the development of PES strategic plans and securing accelerated increment in the PES budget.

He brings to the Commission over 33 years of experience in the Uganda Government Civil Service where he rose through the ranks from the position of Assistant Secretary at the office of the President, to the rank of Commissioner MoES as well as management expertise gained from his previous engagement as the deputy Project Coordinator for the Construction of Mandela National Stadium (Namboole) handling matters of protocol with Chinese Embassy; founder Board Member of the same as well as a founder of Boroboro Sports Club Ltd/Boroboro Football club.

His expertise in project coordination is also an added advantage to the Commission. Mr. Apitta was the Project Coordinator and member of the Government team that introduced and constructed the High performance National High-Altitude Training Centre (NHATC) project at Teryet, Kapchorwa from where Uganda’s elite athletes including Joshua Cheptegei, Halima Naakayi and Stephen Kiprotich train.

His record in building and nurturing teams is also traceable having been a key member of the Government leadership team that has overseen the emergence of Uganda as a Global Sports Powerhouse through sports excellence, beginning with Dorcus Inzikuru, Stephen Kiprotich, Boniface Kiprop, Moses Kipsiro, Joshua Cheptegei, Jacob Kiplimo, Halima Naakayi, Peruth Chemutai, Victor Kiplagat, and many others in Athletics. It is also during his tenure that Uganda Cranes qualified, after 39 years, for the Africa Cup of Nations in 2017 (Gabon), followed by Egypt 2019; the Uganda National Netball team, the She Cranes, became Africa Champions 2017 and 2018 and played at the Netball World Cup twice (Australia 2017, Liverpool 2019) and are currently ranked 6th in the world. It was still during his tenure that the Uganda National Basketball team, the Silverbacks, qualified for the Africa Afrobasket Championships 2019/2020 and Uganda Secondary Schools become champions of the East African Secondary Schools (FEASSA) Games, among other international achievements in sports.

Mr. Apitta has an excellent mix of suitable academic qualifications ranging from a Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management of Kyambogo University and Certificates in; Strategic Leadership (UMI), Management of China Aid Projects (Beijing, China), Sports Facilities Management (Beijing, China) Corporate Governance, Youth Sports Administration (Lusaka, Zambia), Sports Administration, Management for Results, Project Planning and Management (Details in attached CV).

He holds two Master’s Degrees; a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the Uganda Management Institute (UMI) and Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Management (MAPAM) of Makerere University. He is also a holder of a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Degree in Political Science and Social Administration of Makerere University and a Certificate in Law for Administrative Officers from the Law Development Centre (LDC), Kampala.

He is a well-travelled person, owing to his background in sports administration and management and he has built a network of resourceful persons in the civil service of Uganda as well as the sports fraternity here and abroad.

Ms. Shifrah Lukwago

Mr. Crispin Kugiza Kaheru

Hon. Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru

Hon. Simeo Muwanga Nsubuga

Hon. (Col. Rtd.) Steven Mwesige Basaliza

Mr. Omara Apitta Lamex

Ms. Shifrah Lukwago

Mr. Crispin Kugiza Kaheru

Hon. Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru

Hon Simeo Muwanga Nsubuga

Hon. (Col. Rtd.) Steven Mwesige Basaliza

Mr. Omara Apitta Lamex