Robert Ssempala
The National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders Uganda (NCHRD-U) has unveiled its newly elected Board of Directors, set to serve a three-year term through 2028. The announcement follows a meeting of the Coalition’s founder members on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, and the Annual General Assembly (AGA) held earlier on June 12, 2025, in Kampala.
Leading the new board is Mr. Robert Ssempala, the Executive Director of the Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-U), who assumes the position of Board Chairperson, taking over from Ms. Margaret Sekaggya of the Human Rights Centre Uganda (HRCU). Other new appointments include Ms. Sheila Muwanga as Deputy Chairperson, Ms. Helen Namyalo retained as Treasurer, Mr. Moses Isooba as Secretary, and Ms. Tabitha Netuwa retained as Board Member.
The board will be joined by four newly elected grassroots representatives who emerged during the AGA:
- Regina Asinde, Country Director at Land and Environmental Rights Watch Africa (LERWA)
- Charles Masumbuko, Executive Director at Alliance for Development (AFODE)
- Albert Taremwa, Executive Director of Local Sustainable Communities (LOSCO)
- Rashidah Adong, Executive Director of Women Peace Initiative (WOPI)
The outgoing board, chaired by Ms. Sekaggya since 2022, is lauded for strengthening the Coalition’s internal systems, expanding its reach, and enhancing protection mechanisms for human rights defenders (HRDs) across Uganda.
Why Executive Leadership Matters
The executive board of NCHRD-U plays a critical role in guiding strategy, ensuring organizational accountability, and mobilizing resources for sustained advocacy. For an institution dedicated to protecting HRDs in an increasingly challenging civic space, strong governance is essential.
“Board transitions every three years ensure leadership renewal and responsiveness,” said an official statement from NCHRD-U. “This process promotes democratic principles, innovation, and institutional continuity while reflecting the diverse realities of our membership.”
Looking Ahead
With a blend of national and grassroots representation, the new board is expected to build on the momentum of its predecessors and bolster NCHRD-U’s position as Uganda’s leading voice for the protection and empowerment of human rights defenders.
As the new team assumes leadership, NCHRD-U reiterates its commitment to creating a safe, enabling, and empowering environment for human rights defenders across Uganda.
Full List of the 2025–2028 NCHRD-U Board of Directors:
- Robert Ssempala – Chairperson
- Sheila Muwanga – Deputy Chairperson
- Helen Namyalo – Treasurer
- Moses Isooba – Secretary
- Tabitha Netuwa – Member
- Regina Asinde – Member
- Charles Masumbuko – Member
- Albert Taremwa – Member
- Rashidah Adong – Member
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