Charles Ssekatawa's Page

What motivated you to become involved in peace and conflict resolution?

I graduated from Makerere University in 1998 with a degree in Social Administration and Political Science. I found that Social Administration focus on sound, analytical argument complemented by political science’s attention to the overarching processes emergent from minute details; this course together with the Masters in Development that I received from Uganda Martyr’s University Nkozi gave me a well-rounded approach to thinking about complex problems, pushing me to arrive first for deep and meaningful understanding. My thesis examined the impact of the activities of refugees and Internally Displaced Persons on the environment in it I emphasized the need for coordinated programming and support of the refugees and IDPs in order to enable them safeguard their rights, achieve their needs at the same time protect the environment.

Please feel free to provide a short bio about yourself (no more than 3 paragraphs)

When my father died in 1974 he left my mother only six months pregnant; so I grew up in a lot of difficulties something that shaped my goals and ambitions to support those in difficulties. Since studying development as it relates to conflict, post-conflict and economic recovery, I have learned and acquired deep interest in the importance of partnerships and the role institutions play in rebuilding war torn societies.
I have a Masters in Development from Uganda Matry's University Nkozi Uganda and a B.A in Political Science and Social Administration from Makerere University Kampala Uganda,
I am currently a Field Coordinator for IRC Uganda based in Kitgum; this is IRC’s biggest programme in Uganda. I am overseeing an 6 million US dollars program implementing relief and post conflict activities in the sectors of Health, Environmental Health, Education, Economic Development, Child Protection, Protection, and Gender-Based Violence in Kitgum District.
Until January this year I have been IRC’s Refugee Program Coordinator supporting the Care and maintenance program for over 25,000 Sudanese refugees and Basic Social Infrastructure Improvement for IDPs & the Host Communities for locations in Masindi and Yumbe Districts as well as supporting the repatriation process for south Sudanese refugees who were residing in Kiryandongo and Ikafe Settlements.
Before joining the IRC in June 2006 I successfully implemented a three year DFID funded program known as Support to Community Based Initiatives in Conflict Affected and Isolated Areas of Western Uganda as a Program Manager. I played a central role in fostering peace, reconciliation, and stability in communities damaged by the Allied Democratic Forces War in Bundibugyo, Kabarole and Hoima. We supported communities to deal with effects of violence and dealing with the challenges of return and reintegration
I am aged 35 and would like if I get a scholarship to persue a PHD in peace studies.

Thanks, Charles.

Please list the countries and/or regions in which you have direct and significant expertise

Uganda
Kenya
Sudan
Rwanda
DRC

What is your current country of residence?

Uganda

What is your current job (and organization) and/or where and what field are you studying?

Field Coordinator with the International Rescue Committe based in Nothern Uganda

What is your personal or organizational website?

http://www.theIRC.org

What is one of your favorite websites in the field? (please provide one answer per box)

http://www.theIRC.org

Which are your primary sectoral areas of expertise?

Development, Gender, Internally Displaced, Humanitarian Relief, Organizational Development, Refugees

Which are your primary skills areas?

Budgeting, Capacity Building, Program Administration, Program Design, Program Implemenation

What are some of your current areas of research (if any)?

My thesis examined the impact of the activities of refugees and Internally Displaced Persons on the environment in it I emphasized the need for coordinated programming and support of the refugees and IDPs in order to enable them safeguard their rights, achieve their needs at the same time protect the environment.

But I would like to research on the dynamics of post conflict development if I get a PHD scholarship

If appropriate feel free to list several of your publications

No publications yet