Team

Samantha is the director and legal Counsel at Greenwatch. Her passion for the environment began at a very young age, when she was older the decision to pursue her passion was clear cut.

She interned with Greenwatch in 2005 at the time she was still studying for a Bachelor of Laws Degree at Uganda Christian University – Mukono. Thereafter, she joined the University of Oregon Masters of Laws in Environmental and Natural Resources program. In 2013, Samantha worked with the Centre for Environmental Rights in Cape Town South Africa. In 2014, she moved back to Kampala and continued to work with Greenwatch as legal counsel.

Samantha is a practicing advocate with Kakuru and Co. Advocates and a member of the Uganda Law Society, the East African Law Society and the Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide.

Samantha is a Founding Fellow Women for Environment in Africa:
 https://womenforenvironment.org/we_are/samantha-atukunda-k-mwesigwa/

 WE Africa 2021 Annual Report 

 Watch "This is WE Africa" video

Samantha has also co-authored published articles:

• The Impact of COVID-19 on the Right to Freedom of Expression with Specific Reference to Environmental Protests in Uganda
  https://huripec.mak.ac.ug/product/eajphr-vol-26-no-2-nov-2020-special-issue/
• Climate Litigation as a Tool for Enforcing Right of Nature and Environmental Rights by NGOs: Security for Costs and Costs - https://cclr.lexxion.eu/article/CCLR/2021/2/5

Joy Amanda is deeply passionate about enhancing customer experience, overseeing company administration, and optimizing operations, boasting extensive experience gained from her tenure with various organizations. Her profound love for nature led her to proudly serve with Greenwatch, where she derives immense pleasure from contributing to environmental conservation efforts.

Driven by her unwavering belief in the transformative power of volunteerism, education, and community engagement, Joy actively participates in numerous initiatives dedicated to enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities. She is particularly committed to empowering female entrepreneurs, recognizing the pivotal role they play in driving socio-economic development.

Academically, Joy holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a specialization in accounting from Makerere University Business School, a testament to her dedication to academic excellence and professional development.

Beyond her role at Greenwatch, Joy is a tech enthusiast, nature aficionado, and perpetual learner. She derives great joy and inspiration from immersing herself in diverse cultures, exploring the wonders of the natural world, and expressing her creativity through poetry.

Mahad is a lawyer who over the time gained immense interest in environmental law and practice. Prior to joining Greenwatch, he clerked and subsequently volunteered at Kakuru and Co. Advocates thereby acquiring litigation and corporate practice first-hand experience.

He had previously in several roles led and participated in environmental justice trainings, campaigns, and other related initiatives to which his passion in the field rose to an immeasurable status.

Mahad desires and pursues to effectively make use of policy and the law to influence climate justice.

Academically, he holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Kampala International University and a post graduate diploma in Legal practice from the Law Development Center (Kampala).

Off work, Mahad is quite passionate about sports and athletics, reading and writing, poetry and getaways.

Nelson Byanyima is an experienced environmental scientist with a decade-long career, holding a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science from Makerere University Kampala. His professional journey has been marked by a keen interest in effective communication strategies, which led him to develop expertise in digital content creation. Nelson's commitment to leveraging communication for environmental awareness is evident in his diverse skill set, covering computer proficiency, content creation, and website management.

Having founded Green Lens International, a non-profit organization focused on generating digital content for entities championing radical solutions in the environmental, clean energy, and climate action sectors, Nelson has demonstrated a proactive and innovative approach. Currently serving as the Communications Coordinator at Greenwatch Uganda, he continues to apply his skills to advance environmental causes. Nelson's proven track record positions him as a reliable and resourceful professional, well-suited to lead communication initiatives in the dynamic field of environmental advocacy.