Our Leadership:
Governance, Sustainability & Execution
The Step Up Youth Initiative is guided by a dynamic, three-tiered structure that ensures mission oversight, strategic financial resilience, and operational excellence. We operate on the principle of ObuntuBulamu—that our collective well-being is the engine of our success.
1. Board of Directors
Strategic Oversight & Governance
Our Board serves as the highest governing body, setting the long-term vision, maintaining ethical stewardship, and ensuring financial accountability. They are the strategic compass guiding our mission and our commitment to young people.
Sheikh Hamid A Byamugenzi
Board Chair
A deeply respected community leader and seasoned professional whose governance expertise provides stable direction for the entire organization. His focus is on ensuring our mission serves the most vulnerable and that our growth is ethical and inclusive.
Hon. Nyamutoro Phiona Musuuza
A powerful voice for youth at the national policy level. Hon. Phiona ensures our grassroots actions inform high-level legislative and development agendas, making the bridge between community need and government action seamless.
Dr. Bartholomew Shepkong
Provides essential academic and evidence-based guidance. Dr. Shepkong ensures our programs are underpinned by rigorous research, transforming our on-the-ground work into scalable, documented best practices.
Mrs. Merab Mulindi
Brings extensive experience in organizational development and community empowerment. She focuses on strengthening our internal structures and ensuring our programs are adaptive and human-centered.
Dr. Jon Pahl
Offers global insight into ethical leadership and social innovation. His international perspective helps us benchmark our impact against global standards and expand our network of influence.
2. The Sustainability Council
Strategic Growth and Financial Resilience
The Sustainability Council is a specialized body dedicated to ensuring the long-term financial health and scalability of our social enterprises, including the Obuntu Model Community Farm and the Komuka Skills Hub production units. Composed of investment specialists, agribusiness experts, and strategic financial partners, the Council’s mandate is dual: to drive the profitability and market competitiveness of these ventures, thereby generating the sustainable revenue required to fund our core non-profit mission and guarantee the Economic Sovereignty (Okweyimirizaawo) of the communities we serve.
3. The Secretariat
Operation & Execution
The Secretariat is the dedicated, day-to-day engine of the organization. Led by the Team Leader, this operational team is responsible for project implementation, financial administration, and partnership management—translating strategy into measurable community impact.
Amb. Francis Maberi
Team Leader
The executive head of the Secretariat, responsible for visionary leadership, partnership development, and overall program execution. He ensures the team is aligned and focused on delivering the mission to the communities.
Ritah Rolihlahla
Program Manager
Oversees the design, monitoring, and quality control of all field programs. Ritah is the champion of ground-level impact, ensuring every activity meets the needs of the young people and women we serve.
Grants Manager
Manages resource mobilization and ensures rigorous compliance and reporting for all donor relationships. Julian’s diligence provides the financial stability necessary for growth.
ICT and Learning Specialist
Leads our digital integration and knowledge management. He ensures we leverage technology to disseminate knowledge and track progress efficiently.
Economic Resilience Lead
Drives the youth employment strategies, specializing in skills training and job creation through the Komuka Skills Hub. He is focused on tangible economic independence.
Partnerships Manager
Cultivates and maintains strategic alliances with our network of local, national, and global partners, ensuring our efforts are collaborative and amplified.
You're welcome. Let's Start a Conversation
Whether you are a potential partner, a young person looking for opportunity, or a supporter who believes in our mission, we want to hear from you. We are accessible, transparent, and ready to engage.
Address
Obuntu Knowledge Hub, Busamira Upper Cell, Namagumba Ward, Northern Division, Mbale, Uganda
Email: info@stepupyouthafrica.org
Hours
- Weekdays - 8AM to 5PM
- Saturday - 11AM to 4PM
- Sunday - Holiday