Mazungumzo Class of 2025
- Muganga Ambrose Ibabaza- UGANDA
In frame 2, Ambrose participates in a community outreach at Doreah Childcare Uganda, a home for children born with autism, cerebral palsy and orphans.
Short Bio
Muganga Ambrose Ibabaza is a lawyer specializing in labour and employment law. His major focus is occupational safety and health and workplace mental health. To this, he founded Kashari Consults (U) Ltd that is a one stop centre for all employment related matters. Other than professional qualifications, Ambrose is passionate about mentorship, community building, leadership development and business development. He has worked with several youth led organizations whose objectives are aligning mental health, mentorship and leadership. Among those is Innerpulse Research Centre where he works as a Board Member, Youngmen Empowerment Foundation where he works as Head Programs. He has also conducted community outreach activities like the one at Doreah Childcare Uganda which is a home for children born with autism and also at Butabika hospital.
- Lilian Bonabana Arinaitwe- UGANDA
Short Bio
Lilian is a passionate mental health advocate, administrator, and community leader based in Uganda. With over five years of experience in operations, program design, and psychosocial support, she currently serves as the Program Lead at Weyagale Mental Health & Wellness, where she facilitates therapy, leads awareness campaigns, and builds workplace wellness systems. Lilian has collaborated with various organizations—including Yambi Community, MentAlpha Uganda, and the Rotaract Club of Kololo—to promote healing, resilience, and access to care. She holds an Associate Degree in Psychotherapy and a Diploma in Clinical Nutrition, with additional certifications in logistics, administration, and customer service. Through her work, she continues to champion mental health access for marginalized communities, believing deeply in the power of safe spaces and storytelling to drive transformation.
- Mercy Ilori Atinuke- NIGERIA
Short Bio
Mercy is a passionate educator, community developer and co-founder of the Rural Champion Initiative a project focused on creating exposure and opportunities for children in underserved communities. She is a Fellow of Teach For Nigeria and currently studying Education at the National Open University of Nigeria. She also leads digital literacy programs and promotes environmental awareness, health and sustainable development across rural areas in Ogun State. Through her work, she has organized career talks, science fairs and creative learning events that have impacted hundreds of learners.
- Kyomuhendo Joan – UGANDA
In frame 2, Joan participates in a community activity.
Short Bio
Joan is a passionate communicator with a background in Public Administration and Management, dedicated to creating spaces for dialogue and learning. With experience in community engagement, youth leadership and communication, she has contributed to initiatives that promote storytelling, cultural exchange and inclusive conversations. Her particular interest is in topics such as identity, social justice, road safety and education and she is particularly drawn to platforms that amplify underrepresented voices. Her journey as a Rotaractor has strengthened her commitment to service, leadership and social impact. She is also a curious traveler, always eager to explore new perspectives and cultures. Being part of the Mazungumzo community excites her as an opportunity to grow, connect with change makers and contribute meaningfully to conversations that inspire progress.
5. Niyonzima Diyodon – DR. CONGO
Short Bio
Diyodon is a Congolese refugee, entrepreneur and youth leader based in Kyangwali Refugee Settlement, Uganda. Born during the Great War of Africa, he was displaced with his family at just three weeks old. Despite growing up in a challenging environment, he co-founded ZONIMA SMC LIMITED, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering refugee and host community entrepreneurs through financial literacy, low-interest loans and capacity-building. Diyodon is passionate about peacebuilding, ethical leadership and economic transformation. He is a strong advocate for peace restoration in the DRC and anti-corruption efforts in Africa while his work reflects strong values of resilience, compassion and collaboration, aiming to build a self-reliant refugee community with access to opportunity and dignity. He further enjoys community service, sports and mentoring fellow youth in leadership and entrepreneurship.
6. Muhanguzi Anold- UGANDA
Short Bio
Anold is a passionate educator and community advocate from Uganda. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education from Kyambogo University and is driven by a desire to make a difference in underserved communities. He joined the Teach for Uganda fellowship, where he served at Isikiro Primary School in Mayuge District. During his fellowship, he championed literacy development and learner-centered approaches, helping struggling learners make remarkable progress. He has also been actively involved in training teachers in the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) methodology to promote foundational literacy and numeracy. Beyond the classroom, Anold is passionate about youth empowerment, education equity and community development. He believes in the power of education to transform lives and is committed to lifelong learning and service.
- Mwebaze Johnson- UGANDA
Short Bio
Johnson is a Qualified Tax Administrator and Trade Specialist with 3+ years of progressive work experience in Tax Administration, Domestic Revenue Resource Mobilization, Stakeholder and Partnerships management, People management, Financial management, Networking, and Knowledge management. He is an Officer – Domestic Taxes at Uganda Revenue Authority, Finance Officer- Top Bloggers Uganda · Head of Accounting, MFeyti.
- Kulubya Leonald Reagan- UGANDA
Short Bio
Reagan is a passionate advocate with a Bachelor’s in Economics, committed to empowering young people through SRHR, mental health, leadership and entrepreneurship. With over a decade of youth engagement experience, he has held roles such as Chairperson of Youth Plus Elite Club and currently mental health sessions and is a certified Invitation to Change trainer, supports individuals and families affected by Substance Use Disorders. His advocacy in menstrual hygiene, male engagement and adolescent SRHR expressed through compelling writing. He has earned accolades from UNESCO, the National Population Council, UYAHF, World Vasectomy Day, the Economic Policy Research Centre, and more. He also delivers entrepreneurship, employment and financial literacy training to youth through initiatives by Action 4 Health Uganda, DSW Germany and Precision Hub Consults.
- Matemilola Samuel Oluwatimilehin
Brief Bio
Matemilola is a Computer Science student at Lagos State University, a front-end developer, a Fulbright Research Club Member and a passionate advocate for technology-driven impact across Africa. He is a torc.dev ambassador and a youth delegate for SDG 4 and 10, where he champions inclusive education and digital empowerment. Matemilola is also an active member of the UN Environment Programme, Children and Youth Major Group, and a contributor to the African Alliance for Research & AI (AARAI), where he engages in AI-focused advocacy, training and innovation. With experience in youth-led projects and community-based solutions, he blends technical skills with purpose to build tools that uplift communities and promote equity. Matemilola believes in the power of collaboration, creativity, and digital inclusion to shape a more just and sustainable future for Africa’s next generation.