grantees » Robert Kugonza N. Akiiki

Robert is a pioneer and leader in the field of environmental education in Uganda, despite a very difficult start. Robert started school at the late age of 16, when many would have already lost hope of the possibility of an education, and struggled to study under difficult circumstances without any financial support.  Robert managed against all odds to successfully complete a primary, secondary and university-level education, entirely on his own initiative and self-funding.

Robert is now an employee at African Rivers Network (ARN), where he serves as the secretariat. ARN has over 30 member organizations in Africa, and Robert coordinates ARN-related activities, including communication among ARN members, creation of ARN program activities and work plans, composition of project proposals and presentations to donors, and preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual progress reports on organization finances and achievements. Robert also represents ARN in official meetings, outsources and maintains data on ARN member organizations and their activities, and sustains the ARN website.

Because Robert has a zest for learning, he applied and was admitted to a master’s program in Environmental and Natural Resources at Makerere University of Kampala, Uganda  in 2009, but could not attend due to lack of sponsorship. Now, given the support he has received from a JWH Initiative grant, Robert will again pursue his master’s degree. Robert hopes his work at the university will not only foster the development of his leadership skills, but also help him to contribute to environmental management strategies through policy formation at local, national and international levels. As a contributor in the CSO coalition of the African Development Bank (AfDB), World Bank, and European Investment Bank (EIB), the skills gained with the JWH Initiative grant will be essential in his work with the policy review and formation process. Furthermore, Robert aims to hone his skills for design and implementation of environmental programs in improving sustainable use of resources, and also hopes to share his new knowledge with key partners, communities and project stakeholders.