Our event is about innovative ideas and stories of change in Uganda- the power of spreading an idea

Gulu University Main Hall
Gulu
Uganda

Evelyn Namara

Evelyn Namara is a technologist and social entrepreneur, who has a passion of working with women and girls in technology and entrepreneurship. Evelyn is a Computer Scientist by training and worked in Telecom giant, Orange Uganda for close to 4 years before moving on to work with a grassroots organisation called Solar Sister, inc. A social enterprise that uses the breakthrough potential of Solar energy to empower women in rural Uganda. She is the Country Manager of Solar Sister in Uganda and has led the organisation from it's core start with about 10 entrepreneurs to growing it to about 280 entrepreneurs to date. She oversees all of the core roles of Solar Sister in Uganda, including planning and budgeting for the Country's activities and roles, part of coming up with the training and recruiting modules of the entrepreneurs as well as recruiting staff in different regions of Uganda to run the business. She is also the recipient of the Anita Borg Change Agent Award, 2012 - which is awarded to extra ordinary women outside the United States that are doing tremendous work using technology to bring about social change. She is also a 2013 East African Acumen fellow.

Mapenduzi Ojara Martin

Martin is from Gulu, Uganda and is the Gulu District Local Government Chairperson, where he serves as the political head of the Gulu district. He also leads the Gulu Centre for Economic and Social Transformation, which aims at promoting community participation and involvement in decision making and awareness creation on human rights and good governance. Martin was previously the District Speaker of Gulu, a Program Manager of Radio Choice 92.1 FM, and a secondary school teacher in Gulu. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Education from Gulu University, and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Conflict Transformation Studies from Gulu University.

Ben Porter

Ben is a trained psychotherapist and has been working in the field of psychosocial support in conflict and post conflict contexts for the past 10 years. As a Psychosocial Advisor to the Concerned Parents Association, Ben developed curriculum and implemented a ten module training-of-trainers project that has reached over 20,000 children and their families. Ben has also worked as a trauma therapist and has training in: EMDR, TFT, NET, and CISM. He has worked in Azerbaijan, Bosnia, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Sudan, Uganda, and London. Ben enjoys playing the cello, going on long runs, and all types of traditional dancing. The Recreation Project is a dream come true and Ben has high expectations for the authentic transformation it will bring.

Ogeno Charles

Charles received a Bachelors degree in Public Administration and Management from Uganda Christian University. Before coming to TRP, he served as an administrative and finance assistant (intern) with Athletes for Africa (A4A)-Uganda and worked as an intern and facilitator before becoming the Program Coordinator of TRP. He is very excited to be involved in experiential learning and using a ropes courses as a tool for changing attitudes and behaviors of young people in northern Uganda. Charles believes TRP provides a “compass” that gives a sense of direction to guide young people in life.