GET TO KNOW US

About Lamuka.

Discover our journey, our purpose and our commitment to creating opportunities for refugees and young people.

WHO WE ARE

Unlocking potential.
Creating possibilities.

Lamuka Innovation Center is a refugee-led initiative based in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda. Established to create meaningful opportunities, we empower refugees and young people through practical vocational training, entrepreneurship, digital skills and community development.

We believe displacement should never define a person's future. Everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, innovate, build sustainable livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to society.

Through inclusive learning, innovation and community-led initiatives, we transform skills into opportunities and opportunities into lasting change.

Lamuka Innovation Center participants
Empowering people. Transforming communities.
OUR PURPOSE

Our Mission, Vision & Our Goal

The purpose that drives our work and the future we are working towards.

WHAT WE DO

Our Mission

To empower refugees and young people through practical skills development, entrepreneurship, digital innovation and inclusive community-led initiatives that promote self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.

WHERE WE ARE GOING

Our Vision

A future where refugees and young people have equal opportunities to realise their potential, become self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to thriving and inclusive communities.

WHAT WE STRIVE TO ACHIEVE

Our Goal

To equip refugees and young people with the skills, knowledge, resources and opportunities they need to become self-reliant, build sustainable livelihoods and contribute to thriving communities.

WHAT WE BELIEVE IN

Our Core Values.

The principles that guide our work, relationships and commitment to communities.

01 — OUR VALUES

Inclusion & Dignity

We respect every person's worth, promote equal opportunities and create spaces where everyone belongs.

02 — OUR VALUES

Community Leadership

We believe communities should lead their own development and shape solutions to their challenges.

03 — OUR VALUES

Innovation & Creativity

We encourage new ideas, creativity and practical solutions that create meaningful change.

04 — OUR VALUES

Integrity & Accountability

We act with honesty, transparency and responsibility in everything we do.

05 — OUR VALUES

Practical Learning

We promote hands-on learning that equips people with useful skills and confidence for life.

06 — OUR VALUES

Collaboration

We build meaningful partnerships and work together to achieve lasting community impact.

WHAT DRIVES US

Turning Potential into Progress.

Our work connects learning, economic opportunity and community leadership.

01

Skills for Opportunity

We provide practical vocational and digital skills that build confidence, unlock potential and create meaningful opportunities.

02

Enterprise for Independence

We promote entrepreneurship, financial literacy and business development to support income generation and sustainable livelihoods.

03

Leadership for Transformation

We support young people, women and refugee communities to participate, lead initiatives and create lasting positive change.

Lamuka Innovation Center team working together
Our Story. Driven by purpose. Inspired by possibility.
THE STORY BEHIND LAMUKA

A vision born from community.

Lamuka Innovation Center was born from a belief that every person deserves an opportunity to build a better future, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Established in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda, Lamuka is a refugee-led initiative working to transform lives through vocational skills, entrepreneurship, digital innovation and community development.

We understand the challenges faced by refugees and underserved communities. That is why our approach places people at the center of development, turning their talents, ideas and ambitions into practical opportunities.

Today, we continue building partnerships, nurturing innovation and creating pathways towards self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.

We don't just teach skills. We unlock potential and create possibilities.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND OUR WORK

Meet Our Team.

A dedicated team driving innovation, empowerment and community transformation.

Imani Barhame

Imani Barhame

Founder & Executive Director

Leads the organization's strategic direction, program development, partnerships, and overall operations.

Ishara Theophile

Ishara Theophile

Co-Founder & Program Director

Supports program planning, implementation, coordination, and monitoring of activities.

Faustine Nyamutema

Faustine Nyamutema

Human Resources

Supports program coordination and the implementation of organizational activities.

Isaya Barh

Isaya Barh

MEAL Officer

Supports monitoring and evaluation, tracks project progress and results, promotes accountability, and documents lessons learned.

Neema Chiribuka

Neema Chiribuka

Accountant & Procurement Officer

Supports financial record-keeping, budgeting, and accountability for organizational resources.

Ezechias Maombi

Ezechias Maombi

Training Manager

Supports the coordination of training activities, learning delivery, and skills-development programs.

Iragi Birugu Esther

Iragi Birugu Esther

Field Supervisor

Supports field activities, supervises implementation, and helps ensure activities are delivered as planned.

Espoir Ponga Juma

Espoir Alangwa

Logistics & Store Manager

Supports logistics coordination, inventory management, and the organization and tracking of supplies.

Together, we build a more innovative, inclusive and self-reliant community.

THE BRAINS BEHIND OUR TEAM

Meet Our Strategic Advisors.

A dedicated stategic Advisors team driving legal guidence, institutional operations and partnerships and reource mobilization.

Imani Barhame

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Strategic Advisor

NGO Development & Institutional partnerships.

Ishara Theophile

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Strategic Advisor

Legal Affairs, Government & Government Relations.

Faustine Nyamutema

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Strategic Advisor

Refugee Affairs, Humanitarian Development & Resource Mobilization.

Imani Barhame

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Strategic Advisor

Programs, Innovation & Sustainable Livelihoods.

OUR HISTORY

The Lamuka Journey.

From a vision to a growing movement of opportunity, empowerment and community transformation.

2019
THE BEGINNING

Establishment of Lamuka

Lamuka Innovation Center was established as a refugee-led initiative in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda.

2022
RECOGNITION

U-Prototype Fund Award

Lamuka won the U-Prototype Fund, marking an important milestone in its growth and innovation journey.

JAN 2023
FORMAL REGISTRATION

Registered as a Community-Based Organization

Lamuka was registered as a Community-Based Organization with the Isingiro District Local Government.

FEB 2023
PARTNERSHIPS

Partnership with KryAcademy

Lamuka established a partnership with KryAcademy, strengthening its commitment to learning and development.

APR 2023
INNOVATION

International Creativity and Innovation Award

Lamuka implemented the International Creativity and Innovation Award initiative.

JUL 2023
PARTNERSHIPS

Partnership with Amala Education

Lamuka partnered with Amala Education, expanding opportunities for collaboration and youth development.

APR 2024
ACHIEVEMENT

U-Acceleration Fund Award

Lamuka won the U-Acceleration Fund, supporting its continued organisational development and innovation.

MAY 2024
ORGANISATIONAL GROWTH

Registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee

Lamuka was registered as a company limited by guarantee without share capital with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB).

JUL 2024
PARTNERSHIPS

Partnership with The Team Spirit International

Lamuka established a partnership with The Team Spirit International, strengthening its collaboration network.

NOV 2024
INNOVATION GRANT

Catalytic Innovation Grant Facility (CIGF)

Lamuka won the Catalytic Innovation Grant Facility (CIGF) by USAID, marking another significant achievement in its innovation journey.

2025
GROWING COMMUNITY IMPACT

Expanding Opportunities

Lamuka continued expanding its skills development and community empowerment activities and was nominated for the Uganda Social Enterprise Awards 2025.

AUG 2025 – FEB 2026
YOUTH-LED BUSINESS CENTER

Supporting 450 Young People and Entrepreneurs

Through the BRIDGE initiative in partnership with ELECU, Lamuka supported 450 newly arrived young people and small-business owners through business development training.