Usisi Amandla Fellowship 2024 Cohort

Development Eye Initiative

The Usisi Amandla 2024 Cohort shares how they’re reshaping Uganda’s policy landscape by building confidence, developing impactful policy briefs, and leading conversations on digital security, youth advocacy, and inclusive governance. Bold voices, smart ideas, and women actively shaping the country’s future. RSSVERIFY

  1. 12/09/2025

    Kevin Karlo Lakot

    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 is pursuing her Master in Public Administration at The African School of Governance (ASG) in Kigali, Rwanda. She has served 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 as well as 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. As part of the Usisi Amandla 2024 Fellowship, Kevin authored a policy brief on strengthening women’s leadership for sustainable peace negotiations in Africa where she examined the critical role of women’s leadership in advancing sustainable peace across Africa.

    Kevin Karlo Lakot
  2. 11/27/2025

    Sophie Brenda Namonye

    Sophie Brenda Namonye is a Climate Change Officer at Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment, where she works on climate mitigation and adaptation strategies, with a particular focus on strengthening climate action within national systems. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Technology and Management from Kyambogo University and is deeply committed to advancing climate solutions informed by lived experiences of climate change within local communities. Sophie’s climate leadership began through her involvement with the Green Futures Initiative, where she volunteered as a youth climate advocate delivering climate education in schools and communities across Central Uganda. Through these engagements, she has reached over 20,000 people, raising awareness about climate change and encouraging community-driven responses to environmental challenges. Her work is guided by a strong commitment to supporting communities to adapt to climate change by strengthening climate knowledge, promoting practical solutions, and advancing resilience at the local level. Beyond her climate work, Sophie is also a member of the Careers Network, where she mentors young people and supports them in developing a growth mindset and unlocking their potential. As part of the Usisi Amandla 2024 Fellowship, Sophie authored a policy brief titled “Bridging the Climate Implementation Gap in Uganda’s Sectoral Planning.” The brief examines the disconnect between national climate commitments and sector-level implementation, and proposes practical pathways for strengthening coordination, accountability, and integration of climate priorities across Uganda’s development sectors. Policy Brief: https://developmenteye.org/document/usisi-amandla-compendium-sophie-brenda-namonye/

    Sophie Brenda Namonye
  3. 11/27/2025

    Victoria Babirye

    Victoria Babirye is an agri-food systems specialist committed to championing policies that improve the livelihoods and resilience of smallholder farmers. She currently serves as a Program Manager at Fairtrade Africa, supporting teams across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, while leading resource mobilization efforts for the East and Central Africa Network. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Mechanization and Irrigation Engineering and is pursuing a Master’s degree in Development Studies. Victoria’s career spans both humanitarian and development sectors, where she has implemented high-impact programs for refugees, host communities, and farmer groups. She has worked with organizations including Alight (formerly ARC), Dan Church Aid, CARE International in Uganda, the Centre for Governance and Economic Development, and the Appropriate Technology Centre under the Ministry of Water and Environment. Her expertise in strengthening export market systems and agricultural value chains has positioned her as a rising leader in sustainable trade and rural development. With a long-term goal of becoming a knowledge expert in international trade, Victoria is passionate about advocating for equitable, transparent, and farmer-centered agricultural value chains. As part of the Usisi Amandla 2024 Fellowship, Victoria authored a policy brief focused on improving market access and strengthening value chain competitiveness for smallholder farmers, reflecting her dedication to shaping fairer agricultural systems and inclusive trade policies.

    Victoria Babirye

About

The Usisi Amandla 2024 Cohort shares how they’re reshaping Uganda’s policy landscape by building confidence, developing impactful policy briefs, and leading conversations on digital security, youth advocacy, and inclusive governance. Bold voices, smart ideas, and women actively shaping the country’s future. RSSVERIFY