Our Team
The driving force behind NORRU’s mission — refugee researchers, practitioners and advisors committed to empowering communities.
Core Team
Dieudonné Kikalage Joel
Founder & Executive Director
Congolese social worker, early childhood development (ECD) practitioner and research advocate based in Uganda. A refugee from Nakivale Settlement since 2013, Joel brings lived experience to his work focused on child well-being, mental health and equity in emergency settings. Founder of NORRU and of Built to Become Competent (BBC).
LinkedIn →
Esther Nondo
Secretary (Urban Refugee)
Creative and skilled camera operator and video editor with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. Experience from internships at NTV Uganda and Smart 24 TV. Passionate about visual storytelling and producing high-quality, impactful content. Esther is an urban refugee.
Maeva
Kampala Hub Representative
Lead of the NORRU Kampala Hub, passionate about promoting health and nutrition in vulnerable communities, especially for children and mothers. Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics and strengthens community participation, research and knowledge sharing for healthier futures.
Safari Ndaganda Mahimba
UCRR Representative – Oruchinga Settlement
Committed community leader and advocate serving as the UCRR Representative for Oruchinga Settlement. Focuses on empowering refugee communities and ensuring their voices are heard in research and development initiatives. Refugee from Oruchinga camp.
Aristote Kamanzi
UCRR Representative – Rwamwanja Settlement
Dedicated advocate for refugee rights and community development, representing the UCRR in Rwamwanja Settlement. Plays a key role in facilitating communication and collaboration between researchers and displaced populations. Refugee from Rwamwanja camp.
Lomeling Isborn
UCRR Representative – Kyangwali Settlement
Active member of the UCRR, serving as the representative for Kyangwali Settlement. Works to bridge the gap between academic research and the practical needs of refugees, ensuring research outcomes are relevant and impactful. Refugee from Kyangwali camp.
Mukamba January
Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL)
Congolese refugee-led development practitioner, social worker and research advocate based in Uganda for the last two decades. Founder and Executive Director of Now and Tomorrow Uganda (N&TU). Leads community-driven initiatives focused on education, child development, refugee-led research and sustainable solutions. Promotes evidence-based programming and strengthens the role of refugees as researchers, leaders and decision-makers.
Acham Alison Prossy
Finance Manager
Experienced finance professional with over a decade of expertise in financial management, donor compliance, budgeting, financial reporting and grants administration. Has served with leading international development organisations. Brings a strong track record of ensuring financial accountability, strengthening internal controls and supporting strategic decision-making.
Shumbusho Furaha Vanessa
IT Support
Passionate Software Engineering student with experience in system analysis, programming, database management, AI and machine learning. Also brings hands-on experience in project coordination, leadership and community engagement.
LinkedIn →Board of Advisors
Dr. Mateusz Krawczyk
Training & Capacity Building, Finance & Resource Manager
Holds a PhD in social science with a specialisation in political science and administration. His research has focused on identity negotiation and agency development among refugees in protracted displacement. Currently serves as Research Team Manager at the Opora Foundation in the Netherlands.
Dr. Oloo Stephen Nyanjwa
Research, Learning & Knowledge Advisor
Senior Lecturer and Dean of the School of Social Sciences at Bugema University. Holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance. Has authored six books and several academic publications.
Kimuli Comfort
Legal Advisor
Ugandan legal professional with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from Uganda Christian University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice. Previously worked as a legal clerk at Kagere, Busigye & Kyobe Advocates.
Kyomuhendo Brian Gilbert
Data Manager (Quantitative)
Accomplished Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) expert and community development professional with over a decade of experience. Strong technical expertise in data management, quantitative analysis and evidence-based programming.
Innocent Ampaire
Data Manager (Qualitative)
Dedicated researcher and humanitarian with expertise in refugee issues, faith and community resilience. Holds a BA in Philosophy, an MA in Religious Studies, and certifications in qualitative research methods.
Ana Beatriz Pelicioni
Research, Learning & Knowledge Advisor
PhD candidate in Sociology at the University of Warsaw, Poland. Holds a BA in International Relations from São Paulo State University (UNESP), Brazil, and an MA in Migration Studies. Focuses on forced displacement and refugee experiences.
Jolien Tegenbos
Research, Learning & Knowledge Advisor
Belgian researcher with a Master’s degree in History and a Master’s degree and PhD in Conflict and Development Studies from Ghent University. Her doctoral research focused on refugee issues and displacement dynamics.