MEET THE TEAM
Meet the passionate and dedicated team behind the Meraki Action Initiative (MAI). Our team is committed to empowering communities through education, healthcare, and sustainable development. Each member brings unique skills and a shared vision for creating lasting positive change. Together, we work to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
OKELLO BRENDAH
Brendah is a dedicated and experienced reproductive health enthusiast. She has successfully led numerous initiatives to improve the health and well-being of women, adolescents and young people in national and international refugee settlements.
Her expertise in project management, combined with her passion for mentorship, has empowered many women, adolescents, and youths to make informed decisions about their health and future.
Brendah’s resilience and extensive experience working in hard-to-reach areas underscores her commitment to promoting health equity and education, driving positive change in communities. She brings in a wealth of 14 years of experience in global health, serving within Uganda and South Sudan.
Dr.OKELLO JAMES
Holds Master’s degree of medicine in obstetrics and gynecology from Mbarara University school of science and technology and a bachelor’s of medicine and surgery .Dr. James is passionate and committed in providing healthcare to reduce maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality. He is also a sexual reproductive care trainer, regional mentor and coach in reproductive maternal newborn, child and adolescent health care services. (RMNCAH) and currently serving as an obstetrician-gynecologist of ministry of health Uganda-based in lira regional referral hospital-Northern Uganda. Dr.James is a Sexual reproductive health trainer (SRHR)-CIRTH project at Lira University and a Fistula care team member-Mbarara.
He is the vice chair scientific research and grants committee-Lira regional referral hospital and a team member of SICRA-Strengthening institutional capacity for research activities-SICRA project at Lira regional referral hospital, Northern Uganda..
Dr. James is a co-author in already published research entitled-Female controlled dual protection method prevalence ,predictors ,experience and perceptions among young women living with HIV in Northern Uganda-published in PLOS one journal volume 18,issue 10 on 9/10/2023.
Fr. Nicholas Sseggobe Kiruma, (PhD)
Founder and Executive Director of E-Cubed Educational Consultancy Ltd and Bazze Martyrs Enterprise. E-Cubed aims to excite, engage, and empower all actors in the educational enterprise for greater educational attainment of learners at all levels of education. Bazze Martyrs Enterprise seeks to popularize the Uganda Martyrs and to inspire Christians to ‘Be More and Do More’ in their lives as disciples and witnesses of Christ in the contemporary world.
Fr. Nicholas’ expertise is in educational leadership and educational policy. His academic scholarship and research interests are in the following educational areas: science education, pedagogy, and andragogy; administration, management, and leadership; policy initiatives, policy analysis, and policy diffusion. Fr. Nicholas is the author of a book entitled Redesigning School Inspection for 21st Century Schools: transforming Schooling in Uganda. Fr. Nicholas is also a Co-Founding Director of the International Institute of African Studies Ireland (IIASI).
JOLLY AKAO
Jolly Akao, a Development Studies graduate from Uganda Christian University, has over ten years of experience in community empowerment programs. Her career is marked by a strong commitment to improving lives, particularly those of children, through sustainable development initiatives.
As a Program Advisor at Stromme Foundation, Jolly designs and implements impactful community programs focusing on education and economic development. Her ability to connect with people and develop tailored solutions has brought hope and opportunity to many underserved areas.
Jolly’s dedication to service is a personal value that drives her work, inspiring others and fostering long-term growth in the communities she serves.
ANTHONY ANGIRO
Anthony Angiro a graduate of Bachelors of Science degree from Makerere University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from Kyambogo University is an accomplished educator with over 20 years of experience both in the private and government sectors currently stationed at St Thomas Moor Senior Secondary School, Omoro district. He has demonstrated outstanding leadership not only in the institutions he has taught in heading departments in Physics, Mathematics, Games and Sports. His impact extends beyond the classroom, providing career guidance to learners, an effort of which has seen learners qualify in medicine, engineering, education etcetera. His dedication to educational excellence highlights his significant role in shaping the future of education in Uganda.
Mbabazi Barbra
Barbra is a proficient finance manager with over 12 years of experience in financial markets. Currently serving as a finance manager with simplify Networks limited, Uganda. She has relevant qualifications and experience in the fields of accounting, Finance (receivable and payables, management accounts, financial accounts, budget forecasts, and preparation of books of accounts for intended users, general audit and Tax experience in Uganda.
ALUM BETTY JOAN
Joan holds dual graduate degrees in Business Administration from Uganda Martyrs University and Public Administration from Uganda Management Institute. With a rich professional background spanning 17 years, she has accrued extensive experience in administration, programming, budgeting, and customer care services. Her exceptional integrity, effective communication abilities, adept conflict resolution skills, and profound empathy have consistently facilitated her successful interactions and service delivery to the broader community.
At MAI, Joan is a highly valued asset, bringing invaluable contributions to our organization. Her proficiency in gathering feedback and fostering a cohesive organizational culture is particularly noteworthy. We are delighted to have Joan to our team.
Mukasa Balikuddembe Joseph
Joseph holds a Master’s degree in Management Studies (M&E) and a Post Graduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation from Uganda Management Institute, along with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Makerere University, Kampala. He has extensive experience in accounting, finance, business management, tax administration, and project monitoring and evaluation. Joseph excels in cost management, cash flow management, budgeting, and auditing, and has strong analytical and critical thinking skills for evidence-based decision-making. His excellent communication and managerial skills enhance his ability to manage finance and administration functions, evaluate project performance, and resolve conflicts.
Winnifred Acio
Winnifred Acio is an accomplished legal professional with over seven years experience advocating for marginalized and vulnerable groups, in Uganda. Her work centres on promoting access to justice and empowering individuals to navigate the legal system, addressing systemic challenges that hinder their progress.
Her efforts are geared toward ensuring that underserved communities can receive free legal guidance, with a focus on creating lasting social impact through sustainable solutions. She brings a wealth of experience in developing and implementing strategies
that improve legal literacy and support vulnerable populations in understanding and asserting their rights.
Winnifred holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Makerere University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre (LDC), and a Master of Laws (LLM) in International Law with Development from the University of Reading (UK).
Her academic credentials, combined with her practical expertise, reflect her
commitment to using the law as a tool for fostering social and economic development