New Board Leadership takes over at NCHRD-U

A section of NCH RD-U members posse for a group photo during the AGA in Kampala on Tuesday 12th June 2025

The National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders Uganda (NCHRD-U) is pleased to announce its new Board of Directors who will provide strategic leadership for the next three years, until 2028. This came following a meeting of founder members held on Tuesday 01^st July 2025 and the recently concluded Annual General Assembly held on 12th June 2025 in Kampala.

Mr. Robert Ssempala, the Executive Director of the Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-U), was elected as the new Board Chairperson, taking over from Ms. Margaret Sekaggya of the Human Rights Centre Uganda (HRCU). Ms. Sheila Muwanga was elected as Deputy Chairperson, Ms. Helen Namyalo retained as Treasurer, Mr. Moses Isooba as Secretary, and Ms. Tabitha Netuwa retained as a Board Member.

New board members (from the founder members) pose for a picture with the outgoing board chairperson Ms. Margaret Sekaggya (centre) on Tuesday 01st July 2025 after the meeting.

They will be joined by four other grassroot members who were elected at the Annual General Assembly to make a total of nine board members. These include: Regina Asinde the Country Director at Land and Environmental Rights Watch Africa (LERWA), Charles Masumbuko Executive Director Alliance for Development (AFODE), Albert Taremwa Executive Director Local Sustainable Communities (LOSCO), and Rashidah Adong Executive Director Women Peace Initiative (WOPI).

Picture of Four new grass root board members elected during the AGA on 12th June 2025

The outgoing board which has been instrumental in the Coalition’s growth was led by Ms. Margaret Sekaggya, the Executive Director at Human Rights Centre Uganda since 2022.

Why Executive Board Leadership Matters

Executive board members play a vital role in steering the Coalition’s strategic direction, policy formulation, and resource mobilization. For an organization like NCHRD-U, which is mandated to protect and promote the rights of human rights defenders in Uganda, the board provides oversight, ensures accountability, and strengthens governance structures for effective implementation of its mission.

Changing leadership after every three years is key for institutional growth and sustainability. Regular transitions allow for fresh ideas, promote democratic governance within the organization, and ensure diverse leadership that reflects the evolving needs of members. This change also mitigates risks of leadership fatigue and promotes continuity with innovation, keeping the organization responsive to the dynamic civic space in Uganda.

The new Board is expected to build on the achievements of its predecessors and further strengthen the Coalition’s position as the leading organization advancing the protection, recognition, and well-being of human rights defenders across the country.

As the new board takes office, NCHRD-U remains committed to its mission of protecting human rights defenders and promoting a safe and enabling environment for their work across Uganda.

New Board of Directors

Together We Defend