Our Values Manifesto
Are we leading with kindness?
We can only offer compassion when we practice self-compassion. Therein lies the gift — to offer love, generosity, and care to another, we must offer love, generosity, and care to oneself.
Are we leaning on each other?
There is an old African proverb that says, “If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” We are convinced that working together is the only way to achieve long-term sustainable impact. Simply put, we cannot do it alone.
Are we working towards scalable change?
The Mulago Foundation said it best — innovation without replication is a waste of time. Ideas are easy — world-changing impact is hard. We work to affect systems change that will endure the test of time.
Are we undaunted in the face of uncertainty?
Believe in the work especially when it is hard and the outcome isn’t clear. Although we may not be in control of our thoughts, feelings, and emotions, we are in control of our actions. Each step, however small, is significant.
Are we empowering the community?
Access to mental health is a fundamental right. It is not luxury or discretionary — it is vital. Mental healthcare affords someone the basic tools to take better charge of one’s needs and to live a purposeful life. Our work doesn’t stop with the individual; the transformation is seen and felt when the community is lifted, too.
our leadership team
Pavel Reppo
Co-founder & Executive Director
Pavel is passionate about fostering opportunities for sustainable positive change. He is a proud founder and previous CEO of The Wayfaring Band, an organization that creates travel opportunities for adults experiencing intellectual disabilities, When not working to affect change, Pavel likes to both make and eat omelets.
Pamella Nakku
Monitoring & Evaluation Officer
Pamella brings the detail to our collective operation. She makes sure we cross our t’s and dot our i’s – without her, we’d be a ship lost at sea. Not only does she support Sam in all things counseling, she keeps our books balanced and clean, to booth. She has a Diploma in Accounting & Finance!
David Oyet
Co-founder & Program Director
David has an infectious warmth and natural ability to unite people. While studying health management at Clarke International University, David founded the You Innovate Club, focused on critical thinking for a creative and innovative society. David is deeply resourceful, dependable and hungry to affect change.
Samuel Olara
Monitoring & Evaluation Manager
Samuel graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from Kampala International University. He then spent a year working a grab bag of jobs. He keeps us accountable and ensures our work is effective. He is proud to be working with the community, knowing that his efforts are helping to transform the lives of many.
Patrick Sengendo
Lead Trainer
Patrick started his journey as a community health worker showed tremendous zeal and passion for the work. He brings the same vigor and enthusiasm for training facilitation. His smile is as luminous as it appears. We’re grateful for Patrick’s leadership in ushering the next wave of community mental health workers.
our board of directors
Steve Kaeuper
Chair
After majoring in math at Earlham College and earning his Master’s from the University of Kentucky, Steve taught math in a variety of contexts for over the last 50 years — Pavel Reppo was one of his students. He’s worked part time as a Financial Advisor and continues to teach math through tutoring and volunteering.
Benedict Akimana
Director
A psychiatrist at Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital in Uganda with expertise in psychiatric practice, research, and teaching. His work spans diagnosing and managing psychiatric conditions, with a focus on non-communicable diseases, including cancer. He actively contributes to discussions on workplace stress and mental health, supporting both governmental and non-governmental initiatives.
Maurice Osire
Director
Maurice is a Clinical Psychologist by profession.
He is a University Counselor and Lecturer at Clarke International University. He has also trained in other therapeutic approaches,
including; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET), among others.
Sarah Durant Finke
Director
Sarah is a mental health clinician, educator, and supervisor who specializes in the treatment of trauma, grief, and loss. She is a licensed clinical professional counselor and owns a therapy private practice in Maine. She has both research and clinical experience in the field of international trauma and specifically in Uganda.
Peter Kalulu
Director
Peter is the Founder of Field for Humanity Uganda with a background in Quantitative Economics and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E). He has experience in Participatory Planning, District Health Information Systems, and EPIVAC COVID-19 data management. He completed his Post Graduate Diploma in M&E from Uganda Management Institute.
Ilda Kuleba
Director
With over 16 years of experience in public health across international organizations and the private sector, Ilda Kuleba served as Country Director for Mozambique at mothers2mothers from 2017 to 2023. She now holds the role of African Director for Strategic Operations and Partnerships, focusing on new country startups and funding partnerships.
Rose Kisa
Director
Health Services Researcher with a strong foundation in Psychology and experience in mental health, HIV, & reproductive health research projects. As faculty at Makerere University School of Public Health, she also mentors graduate students. Her commitment to research excellence and academic leadership has been acknowledged by an award from the university.
our partners
