Am a Veterinarian with postgraduate in development studies. I am now retired from active service, having served with government and church development organization. I currently carry out free lance consultancies in development related fields. Am also involved in Christian ministry.

Currently am a Patron and also a member of BAGUNGU COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (BACA) where I offer guidance and also participate in lobbying and advocating for our community members and the area. BAGUNGU are an indigenous tribe mainly living on the floor and the escarpment of the Western arm of the East African Rift Valley in an area referred to as the ALBERTINE GRABEN. This is an area they have occupied for millennia. A big chunk of over 80% was declared conservation area in the early 1920s by the the colonial government. Hardly much of the revenues from the National park and forest is extended to the community leading to marginalization and exclusion. BACA exists for sociocultural and economic empowerment of the community members. Oil and Gas was recently discovered in our area and its development is currently being undertaken. Amidst this, a lot of rights violations are taking place in form of land takes/grabs, minimal compensations and displacements with sociocultural disruptions. The International Oil Companies have even denied the existence of the Bagungu in the area through the environmental and social impact studies. BACA is championing the causes of the people through petitions and advocacy for the rights of the people.

Am interested in joining the network to: learn from others, share experiences, partner and collaborate in issues of empowerment for defending of rights. Additionally to join in amplifying voices on issues of concern of the vulnerable.