Adv Edward Ssemambo Mutekanga | Luweero, Uganda

Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Makerere University, Uganda.
  Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (Bar Course), Law Development Centre Kampala, Uganda.

Previous experience

Edward is a human rights lawyer and co-founder of the Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum (HRAPF), an NGO at the forefront of defending the rights of Uganda’s most marginalized communities, particularly sexual and gender minorities. As Programme Director of the Centre on Law and Marginalisation, he coordinated legal aid provision, advocacy, and training initiatives of the organisation. As Head of Strategic Litigation, he has spearheaded landmark cases before local, regional, and UN human rights bodies, pursuing the protection of marginalized communities through carefully managed strategic litigation targeting human rights enforcement and legal reform.

As co-chair of the Legal Committee of the Convening for Equality (CFE), Edward has coordinated strategic litigation efforts against anti-rights laws both domestically and regionally. He has carried out advocacy efforts with policymakers, legislators and other stakeholders on the legal recognition and protection of intersex persons in Uganda. His work combines courtroom advocacy with broader policy engagement, ensuring that litigation is complemented by awareness raising and reform efforts. He is an IVLP Alumnus under the Human and Civil Liberties for Marginalised Communities cohort on recommendation of the US Mission in Uganda.

In addition to his human rights practice, Edward taught at Makerere University Business School under the Business Law Department. His career reflects a consistent commitment to advancing equality, dignity, and justice for ALL including marginalized communities through research, documentation, advocacy, awareness creation and litigation.

Academic fields of interest:

Business and human rights, International Human Rights Law, Sexual and gender minority rights and strategic litigation

Position prior to the programme

Programme Director - Centre on Law and Marginalisation at Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum (HRAPF)