ROSEMARY NAKIJOBA (PhD)
MENTOR AND BOARD MEMBER
PERSONAL STATEMENT
My academic, social work, and community development background have defined my outlook and ambitions in life.
Academic Background
I trace my academic training from Kyambogo University, Uganda, where I obtained a diploma in education and taught at Masaka Secondary School (1998-1999). My writing skills improved at the Institute for Social Transformation (IST), Kleinmond, South Africa (2003), where I obtained a diploma in community development education. At IST, I wrote weekly papers integrating the knowledge and skills acquired in class with my work situation.
Further, I read publications of great thinkers such as Ghandi, Amartya Sen, Nelson Mandela, and Paul Freire. These challenged my thinking about development. In particular, Freire’s writing (1970) on radical transformation was an eye-opener for self-reflection. I then compared myself to a butterfly that grows from an egg through different stages, hence “radical change.” I became enthusiastic about building my career in social service, education, and research.
In 2008, I obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Development Studies from Ndejje University and had my first publication titled Challenges Faced by Rural Women Living with HIV/AIDS.
Professional Experience in Development Work
My skills and experience in development work were shaped at Kitovu Mobile AIDS Organization (2000-2007), where I served as Deputy Director. Later, I served as a volunteer for Gender and HIV/AIDS Medical Programs’ Liaison Officer at Uganda Catholic Secretariat (2009), where I cultivated my art and science of applying theory into practice.
To add significant value to the field of development and management as a Development Professional and Practitioner, I established Good Samaritan Women’s Group in 2006 (www.goodsamaritanwomen.org). As the Executive Director, I provided strategic leadership, wrote fundable projects, compiled periodic reports, and liaised with strategic partners. This work further nurtured and shaped my writing and social skills.
Similarly, my Trainer of Trainers course on Gender by OXFAM and my participation in the Global Women’s Leadership Program at Santa Clara University, USA (2008) further polished my public speaking skills (view profile at www.gwln.org).
Consultancy and International Exposure
My exposure to international work and consultancy includes:
Conducting Gender Audits for over 13 OXFAM and Trocaire-funded organizations in Uganda (2012-2013), which expanded my social network.
Volunteering at the Global Women’s Leadership Network and the International Labour Organization (2010), where I connected with high-profile individuals, including Disability Specialists from the University of Chicago (2013) during meetings in Switzerland and Italy.
Conducting Disability Equality Trainings for Kaoma and Lusaka Business Higher Technical Colleges in Zambia (2013) to educate lecturers on disability rights. This was a valuable experience, as it involved working with highly educated professionals.
Advanced Studies and Research
In 2012, I obtained a Master’s Degree in Development Studies from Uganda Martyrs University under the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS) scholarship. This resulted in my publication titled Links between Voice and Power in the Empowerment of Rural Women Leaders in Local Government.
As a committed professional teacher, I joined Ndejje University, Uganda, as a Lecturer (2011-present), a career that has allowed me to share knowledge and build a learning community.
I am a graduate of the Global Women’s Leadership Program, Santa Clara University, California, USA, and a Women Leaders of the World (WLW) / How Women Lead Alumni Council Member.
Doctoral Research and Current Role
In 2017, I enrolled for a PhD in Development Studies at the University of the Western Cape. In December 2020, I graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies (www.uwc.ac.za). My research project focused on The Synergy between Gender Relations, Child Labour, and Disability in the Post-War Acholi Subregion of Northern Uganda.
Currently, I serve as a Senior Lecturer at Ndejje University in the Faculty of Social Sciences, Uganda, where I am also a Gender Advisor. I have supervised research work for undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as designed and taught various modules.
Over the past years, I have also held leadership positions in NGOs and coordinated network organizations. Additionally, I have been involved in numerous trainings and research projects on disability, working with the National Union of Disabled Persons in Uganda (NUDIPU) and Integrated Disabled Women’s Activities (IDIWA) in Uganda.
POSITIONS
Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Victoria University, Uganda (August 2021 – Present)
Provide effective academic leadership and faculty management.
Develop, implement, and maintain an academic plan for the faculty.
Prepare and present faculty resource submissions and administer allocated resources.
Chair the faculty council and represent the faculty within and outside the university.
Ensure adherence to university policies and legal requirements.
Encourage staff development and high-performance standards.
Advise the Vice-Chancellor on faculty-related matters.
Oversee additional academic and service facilities as required.
Contribute to policies enhancing university effectiveness and represent the Vice-Chancellor as needed.
Undertake other duties as specified by the Vice-Chancellor.
Head of Department, Social Development, Victoria University, Uganda (January – July 2021)
Promote and represent the University internally and externally.
Manage student admissions, instruction, progress, and examinations.
Develop new programs to attract students and new markets.
Uphold quality, integrity, and ethics in research activities.
Foster a dynamic research environment for staff and students.
Senior Lecturer, Ndejje University, Uganda (April 2014 – Present)
Maintain the university’s national and international reputation for academic excellence.
Teach and develop courses in areas such as Gender and Development, Social Policy Analysis, Research Methods, and Advocacy.
Conduct lectures, set examinations, and supervise undergraduate and postgraduate research.
Lead strategic initiatives on Gender Mainstreaming, Disability, and HIV/AIDS-related activities.
Senior Lecturer and Gender Advisor, Faculty of Social Sciences, Ndejje University (June 2017 – Present)
Conduct gender audits to assess faculty capacity.
Develop gender mainstreaming capacity-building plans.
Train faculty staff on gender analysis and mainstreaming strategies.
Strengthen departmental policies and monitoring frameworks to ensure gender sensitivity.
Volunteer Training Coordinator, Uganda Chapter – Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN), Eastern and Southern African Alliance (2010)
Coordinated gender and leadership training initiatives.
Assessed training needs and developed relevant content.
Managed training programs and monitored their implementation.
Contributed to grant proposals and networked with organizations in gender mainstreaming, HIV/AIDS, and disability advocacy.
Trainer (Online Program), Gender and Disability Equality Training Program (DET), International Labour Organization (ILO), Switzerland (2015 – 2017)
Designed and delivered training on gender mainstreaming and disability equality.
Advised on training content and methodology.
Consolidated training reports and liaised with donors and stakeholders.
Chairperson, Masaka District Network of AIDS Service Organizations (MADNASO) (2005 – 2007)
Oversaw network operations and liaised with the UNASO Secretariat on fundraising and training.
Coordinated meetings with member organizations such as TASO, Uganda Cares, and Medical Research Council.
Worked with district officials to implement Community HIV/AIDS-led Initiatives (CHAI).
Director, Good Samaritan Women’s Project (2006)
Developed and implemented fundable project proposals.
Monitored project progress and documented social protection data.
Mobilized resources to support widows, orphans, and vulnerable children.
Integrated gender perspectives into project activities and policies.
Deputy Director, Kitovu Mobile AIDS Organization (2005 – 2007)
Provided technical and managerial support to program operations.
Developed fundable proposals and secured funding for the organization.
Coordinated activities across five departments, including Home Care, OVC services, Counseling, and Livelihood programs.
Supervised education and trauma counseling programs for orphans and vulnerable children.
Social Protection Programme Manager, Kitovu Mobile AIDS Organization (2000 – 2005)
Managed budget utilization, expenditure monitoring, and audit follow-ups.
Conducted field monitoring visits and compiled reports for internal accountability.
Led thematic research and planning initiatives for social protection programs.
Classroom Teacher, Masaka Senior Secondary School (1998 – 1999)
Provided expertise in school governance and student engagement.
Taught Religious Education to ordinary level students.
Participated in Parents-Teachers Association meetings.
HONOURS & AWARDS
PhD Scholarship Award – National Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS), Republic of South Africa (Feb. 2017 – Dec. 2020)
PhD Proposal Development Award – Social Sciences Research Council, New York (Mar. 2017)
M.A. Scholarship Award – Irish Council for International Students (ICOS), Embassy of Ireland (Mar. 2010 – Dec. 2012)
Women Leaders for the World Leadership Training Award – Santa Clara University, California, USA (Nov. 2008)
International HIV/AIDS Conference Award – Mexico City, Mexico (Aug. 2008)
International HIV/AIDS Conference Travel & Subsistence Award – Toronto, Canada (Aug. 2006)
PUBLICATIONS & MANUSCRIPTS
Nakijoba, R. (2014). Links between Voice and Power in the Empowerment of Rural Women Leaders, Aiivu Sub-county, Arua District. ISBN-13: 978-3659648762
Nakijoba, R. (2020). The Synergy Between Gender Relations, Child Labour, and Disability in Post-War Acholi Sub-region of Northern Uganda. Available at: http://etd.uwc.ac.za/
Leave No One Behind: Experiences of Learners with Disabilities in Accessing Education Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Uganda
Online Learning Accessibility for Children with Disabilities in Rural Uganda: Lessons from COVID-19 Wave 1 & 2 Lockdown
On the Margins: Violence Against Women and Girls with Disabilities in Uganda
COVID-19 School Closures in Uganda and Their Impact on the Well-being of Teachers in Private Institutions in Semi-Urban Districts
The Sociological Effects of COVID-19 in Uganda
RESEARCH SUPERVISION (MASTERS DISSERTATIONS)
2018–2019 – Wasajja Regina, Ndejje University
Survival Mechanisms of the Blind in Mpigi District, Uganda: A Case of Members of Mpigi Association of the Blind
2016–2017 – Flora Omony, Ndejje University
Defilement and the Completion Rate of the Girl Child at Primary School Level in Pece Division, Gulu District
2016–2017 – Ndagire Mary, Ndejje University
Psychosocial and Physical Effects of Teenage Pregnancy on the Welfare of the Girl Child: A Case of Wakisa Ministries in Rubaga Division
2016–2017 – Josephine Naluwugge, Ndejje University
Patient Satisfaction with Hypertension Care in Selected Health Centers in Kyamulibwa Sub-County, Kalungu District
CONSULTANCY WORK
Lead Consultant – Needs Assessment on COVID-19 at Ports of Entry across Uganda
A project by the East African Community (EAC) and JICA
Duration: April – June 2021
Oversaw implementing pilot activities at various border points across the country
Duration: August – December 2021
Lead Consultant – Training Women and Girls with Disabilities Paralegals
Integrated Disabled Women Activities (IDIWA) Uganda in Mayuge District
Duration: December 2020
Lead Consultant – Training on Disability and Gender-Based Violence
Nakivale Refugee Settlement
Contracted by World Food Program and National Union of Disabled Persons in Uganda (NUDIPU)
Duration: October – November 2020
Lead Consultant – Developing an Advocacy Toolkit to Eliminate Sexual Gender-Based Violence
Focused on schools and local communities for Integrated Disabled Women Activities in Iganga, Uganda
Duration: March – April 2020
Lead Consultant – Developing Sexual Harassment and Abuse Policy & Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Policy
For Integrated Disabled Women Activities in Iganga, Uganda
Duration: May – June 2020
Associate Consultant – Disability Equality Training (DET)
For World Food Program and National Union of Disabled Persons in Uganda (NUDIPU)
Conducted at Refugee Camps and Settlements across the country
Duration: Nov – Dec 2019 & January 2020
Associate Consultant – Disability Equality Training (DET)
For 10 organizations funded by FUKUS in partnership with NUDIPU
Duration: 2017
International Consultant – Disability Equality Training (DET)
Conducted at Kaoma Trades Institute and Lusaka Business and Technical College, Zambia
Funded by ILO Switzerland Office
Duration: 2016
Associate Consultant – Gender Audit for Trocaire Partners
Focused on the status of gender mainstreaming among 11 Trocaire-funded partners
Duration: 2012