Jacqueline Nakaiza, PhD

International Development & Peacebuilding Expert | Senior Researcher & Policy Analyst
Kampala, UG.

About

Highly accomplished PhD holder and seasoned researcher with over a decade of experience in international development, peacebuilding, and political economy, specializing in African contexts. Expert in conducting rigorous qualitative and quantitative analysis, leading complex project evaluations, and translating research into high-impact policy recommendations for international organizations and governments. Proven ability to drive strategic initiatives, manage multi-stakeholder projects, and publish influential research to advance sustainable development and conflict resolution.

Work

Makerere University & University of Dundee
|

Research Impact Analyst

Kampala, Central Region, Uganda

Summary

Assessed the impact and utilization of Environment and Livelihoods Project recommendations on programming and policy decisions through extensive stakeholder engagement and document analysis.

Highlights

Assessed the utilization and impact of Environment and Livelihoods Project recommendations on programming and policy decisions through key informant interviews with policymakers and implementers.

Analyzed diverse policy documents, including ministerial statements and minutes, to trace the integration of project findings into national policy frameworks.

Authored a comprehensive research report and drafted a journal article for publication, effectively disseminating key findings to academic and policy communities.

The Auschwitz Institute for the Prevention of Genocide and Mass Atrocities
|

Co-Lead, Peacebuilding and Violence Prevention Toolkit Development

Kampala, Central Region, Uganda

Summary

Co-led the development of a 'Training Toolkit for Peacebuilding and Violence Prevention' and managed a rapid assessment of political violence across central Uganda.

Highlights

Co-led the development of a 'Training Toolkit for Peacebuilding and Violence Prevention,' enhancing capacity building for conflict resolution practitioners.

Managed a team of research assistants in conducting rapid assessments of political violence across selected districts of central Uganda, informing toolkit content.

Analyzed assessment findings to develop targeted modules for the peacebuilding training toolkit, ensuring practical relevance and impact.

Makerere University & Peace Research Institute
|

Postdoctoral Researcher

Kampala, Central Region, Uganda

Summary

Leading advanced postdoctoral research on climate and conflict-induced displacements, contributing to critical knowledge gaps in the humanitarian-development-peace nexus in Eastern and Western Uganda.

Highlights

Conducting advanced postdoctoral research on climate and conflict-induced displacements in Eastern and Western Uganda, generating critical insights into complex humanitarian challenges.

Developing and applying innovative research methodologies to analyze the intersection of environmental change, conflict, and population displacement.

Producing high-quality academic outputs and policy briefs to inform interventions and strategies for sustainable livelihoods and peacebuilding.

The East African Community
|

Gender and Security Analyst

Arusha, Arusha Region, Tanzania, United Republic of

Summary

Conducted comprehensive textual analysis and qualitative research to inform the EAC Regional Action Plan on UNSCR 1325, focusing on women, peace, and security.

Highlights

Performed textual analysis of UN Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) 1325 and related resolutions to inform the EAC Regional Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (WPS).

Conducted qualitative interviews across Arusha, Bujumbura, Kigali, and Nairobi, gathering crucial insights on policy implementation from diverse stakeholders.

Reviewed EAC Partner States' policies and laws to assess implementation of protections for women and girls against gender-based violence and human rights violations.

Integrated research insights into the EAC Regional Action Plan on UNSCR 1325 and participated in its presentation to the WPS technical team, enhancing regional policy coherence.

African Union
|

Political Analyst

Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Summary

Responsible for distilling good practices and identifying challenges and opportunities to refine future AU Peace Support Operations, leveraging lessons learned from AMISOM.

Highlights

Distilled good practices and identified challenges/opportunities from AMISOM (2007-2022) to strategically refine future AU Peace Support Operations.

Conducted a systematic desktop review, stakeholder consultations, field research in Addis Ababa and Mogadishu, and in-depth expert interviews (online/in-person).

Participated in drafting, reviewing, presenting, and disseminating the final report, ensuring its acceptance by key stakeholders and informing AU policy.

World Bank
|

Consultant (Political Economy Analysis)

Kampala, Central Region, Uganda

Summary

Analyzed the Political Economy of Uganda's Parish Development Model (PDM), focusing on elite capture and fiduciary risks as part of a country-wide study.

Highlights

Conducted Political Economy Analysis for the World Bank's country-wide study on Uganda's Parish Development Model (PDM), focusing on Elite Capture and Fiduciary Risks.

Participated in research design, field data collection, and data analysis, successfully authoring a thematic paper on 'Managing Elite Capture and Fiduciary Risks in the PDM'.

Contributed to enhancing poverty reduction strategies through citizen participation, community mobilization, and social accountability frameworks.

World Bank
|

Consultant/Political Economist (Synthesis Lead)

Kampala, Central Region, Uganda

Summary

Led the consolidation and synthesis of findings from the Parish Development Model (PDM) study into a comprehensive Synthesis Report.

Highlights

Led the consolidation process for the Parish Development Model (PDM) study, integrating thematic papers and district case studies into a comprehensive Synthesis Report.

Successfully authored the PDM Study Synthesis Report, providing a holistic overview of findings on poverty reduction through citizen participation.

Participated in the validation and dissemination of preliminary findings, contributing to broader stakeholder engagement and impact of the study.

East African Community
|

Consultant

Arusha, Arusha Region, Tanzania, United Republic of

Summary

Reviewed existing regional and Partner State policies to identify gaps in mainstreaming women and youth participation in peace and security interventions, enhancing UNSCR 1325 and 2250 implementation.

Highlights

Reviewed existing regional and Partner State policies to identify gaps in mainstreaming women and youth participation in peace and security interventions, enhancing UNSCR 1325 and 2250 implementation.

Assessed the extent of internalization and implementation of UNSCR provisions within Partner States' practices, identifying areas for improvement.

Contributed to the writing, presentation, and dissemination of the project report to key stakeholders, influencing policy and practice.

GCRF Challenge programs, University of Dundee and Makerere University
|

Researcher (Displaced Communities & Livelihoods)

Kampala, Central Region, Uganda

Summary

Participated in proposal writing, literature review, household surveys, and participatory mapping for a project on displaced communities and sustainable livelihoods in East Africa.

Highlights

Contributed to a successful funding proposal for the GCRF Challenge program, securing resources for research on displaced communities and sustainable livelihoods.

Conducted literature reviews, household surveys, participatory mapping, and experiential learning in refugee-hosting districts of Kikuube and Yumbe.

Carried out elitist interviews with key stakeholders, including local governments, civil society, and international NGOs, to inform the refugee response.

Participated in recruitment, coordination of research teams, drafting project reports, policy briefs, and disseminating findings at national and local levels.

USAID and Makerere University
|

Political Economy Analyst

Kampala, Central Region, Uganda

Summary

Conducted key informant interviews and contributed to report writing and dissemination for a political economy analysis of civil society strengthening in Uganda.

Highlights

Conducted key informant interviews with relevant stakeholders for a Political Economy Analysis of USAID/Uganda Civil Society Strengthening Activity (CSSA).

Contributed to the writing and dissemination of the project report, providing critical insights into civil society dynamics and strengthening strategies.

AMICAALL (Alliance of Mayors and Municipal Leaders' Initiative for Community Action on Health and HIV at the Local Level) - Uganda Chapter
|

Program Evaluator & Researcher

Kampala, Central Region, Uganda

Summary

Assessed progress towards democratic governance goals and impact in five pilot urban authorities, focusing on health and HIV initiatives.

Highlights

Assessed progress and impact of democratic governance initiatives in five pilot urban authorities, focusing on health and HIV, against project design and strategy.

Developed and deployed comprehensive desk and field research tools across the country for robust data collection and analysis.

Analyzed data, co-authored the report, and generated recommendations to guide future programming for AMICAALL, enhancing project effectiveness.

East African School of Higher Education, Makerere University
|

Journal Manager, Makerere Journal of Higher Education

Kampala, Central Region, Uganda

Summary

Managed the end-to-end editorial and publication process for the Makerere Journal of Higher Education, ensuring timely and high-quality academic output.

Highlights

Managed the end-to-end publication process for the Makerere Journal of Higher Education, ensuring timely submission tracking, rigorous review, and publication.

Coordinated reviewers and authors to ensure timely manuscript revisions and strict adherence to publication schedules and stylistic requirements.

Copy-edited accepted submissions to meet journal stylistic requirements and liaised with African Journals Online (AJOL) for online publication and accessibility.

Ensured efficient distribution of hard copies to authors and managed the journal's online presence, enhancing its reach and impact.

UNFPA, DFID and Makerere University
|

Qualitative Data Specialist

Kampala, Central Region, Uganda

Summary

Conducted textual analysis and qualitative interviews for a political economy analysis of sexual and reproductive health and education in Uganda.

Highlights

Performed comprehensive textual analysis of relevant documents for a Political Economy Analysis of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Education in Uganda.

Conducted qualitative interviews with diverse stakeholders across Uganda, gathering comprehensive data on policy and service delivery.

Analyzed qualitative data, interpreted findings, and contributed significantly to the writing and dissemination of the project report.

Makerere University and Uppsala University of Sweden
|

Qualitative Data Specialist

Kampala, Central Region, Uganda

Summary

Conducted qualitative interviews with national-level stakeholders and the donor community to understand political tolerance and governance in Uganda.

Highlights

Conducted qualitative interviews with national-level stakeholders and donor community representatives to assess political tolerance and governance in Uganda.

Contributed to data analysis and report writing, providing key insights into the country's political landscape and governance challenges.

Makerere University and Global Development Institute/Manchester University
|

Political Analyst

Kampala, Central Region, Uganda

Summary

Critically evaluated the performance of Uganda's public sector, focusing on the role of political dynamics in decision-making and funding.

Highlights

Conducted critical evaluation of Uganda's public sector performance, identifying the profound role of political dynamics in decision-making and funding.

Distilled key insights on high-performing agencies within the public sector, contributing to governance improvement strategies and policy recommendations.

Makerere University and Ark's Education Partnerships Group United Kingdom
|

Qualitative Data Specialist

Kampala, Central Region, Uganda

Summary

Executed a qualitative review and key informant interviews for a political economy analysis of non-state sector engagement in Uganda's Universal Secondary Education.

Highlights

Executed a qualitative review and key informant interviews in selected regions for a Political Economy Analysis of Uganda's Universal Secondary Education.

Participated in recruitment, establishment, and coordination of research teams, ensuring robust and ethical data collection processes.

Contributed to report writing, presentation, and dissemination of findings to stakeholders, influencing educational policy discussions.

Centre for Research on Peace and Development (CRPD) at the University of Leuven (Belgium)
|

Researcher (Oil Wealth & Development)

Leuven, Flemish Brabant, Belgium

Summary

Conducted research on the prospects of oil wealth in Uganda's Albertine Graben, focusing on deal-making by oil companies and governance implications.

Highlights

Conducted research on the prospects of oil wealth in Uganda's Albertine Graben, specifically analyzing deal-making processes of oil companies.

Contributed to the analysis of the nascent oil sector's governance at national and local levels, identifying key challenges and opportunities.

Participated in stakeholder interviews, focus group discussions, and informal engagements to gather comprehensive insights into oil governance.

Contributed to the writing of the report and policy briefs, informing governance strategies and public discourse.

Mandela Institute of Development Studies South Africa (MINDS)
|

Consultant

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Summary

Authored a comprehensive report on the efficacy of Presidential term limits in African leaders regarding democratization, good governance, and development.

Highlights

Authored a comprehensive report through qualitative textual analysis on the efficacy of Presidential term limits in African leaders, providing critical policy insights.

Participated in the presentation and dissemination of findings, influencing discourse on democratization, good governance, and development across the continent.

University of Peace
|

Project Consultant (Peaceful Pastoralism Evaluation)

Kampala, Central Region, Uganda

Summary

Led the evaluation of the Peaceful Pastoralism Project across Karamoja districts in Uganda and Kenya, assessing project impact and outcomes.

Highlights

Led the evaluation team for the Peaceful Pastoralism Project across Karamoja districts in Uganda and Kenya, assessing project impact and outcomes.

Managed recruitment, establishment, and coordination of research teams, including translators and guides, ensuring effective field operations.

Produced a comprehensive report and disseminated findings through experiential learning, documentary analysis, and key informant interviews, informing future peacebuilding efforts.

NGO-FORUM
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Project Consultant (Citizens Manifesto Development)

Kampala, Central Region, Uganda

Summary

Led nationwide consultations to develop the 2016-2021 Citizens Manifesto, articulating citizen demands for governance in Uganda.

Highlights

Led nationwide consultations to gather citizen demands for the 2016-2021 Governance period, engaging diverse communities across Uganda.

Recruited, established, and coordinated research teams to collect and analyze information from various regions, ensuring comprehensive data capture.

Drafted and developed the 2016 Citizens Manifesto, consolidating citizen priorities for national governance and advocacy.

Effective States and Inclusive Development (ESID) of Manchester University/DFID & Makerere University
|

Researcher (Political Settlements & Health Service Delivery)

Kampala, Central Region, Uganda

Summary

Conducted documentary analysis and key informant interviews on political settlements and health service delivery in Rwanda and Uganda.

Highlights

Conducted documentary analysis and key informant interviews with stakeholders to assess political settlements and health service delivery in Rwanda and Uganda.

Participated in drafting and dissemination of the project report and findings, informing policy discussions and reform efforts.

Effective States and Inclusive Development (ESID) of Manchester University/DFID & Makerere University
|

Researcher (Public Sector Reform Politics)

Kampala, Central Region, Uganda

Summary

Carried out documentary reviews and in-depth interviews on public sector reforms in Uganda, focusing on leadership, social accountability, and policy adaptation.

Highlights

Carried out comprehensive documentary reviews on public sector reforms in Uganda, analyzing leadership, social accountability, and policy adaptation.

Conducted in-depth interviews with selected stakeholders across the country, gathering diverse perspectives on reform efforts and challenges.

Participated in drafting and dissemination of the report and findings, contributing to knowledge on public sector governance and institutional development.

Education

Makerere University
Kampala, Central Region, Uganda

PhD

Development Studies & International Relations

Law Development Centre
Kampala, Central Region, Uganda

Diploma

Law

Makerere University
Kampala, Central Region, Uganda

MA

International Relations and Diplomacy

Makerere University
Kampala, Central Region, Uganda

BA

Development Studies

Awards

Post-doc Fellowship in Humanitarian-Development-Peace [H-D-P] Nexus

Awarded By

Peace Research Institute Oslo and Institute of Gender and Development Studies Makerere University

Awarded a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship to conduct research at the intersection of humanitarian action, development, and peacebuilding.

Research Fellow on Counterterrorism Cooperation as Relationality Uganda-USA Relations since 1990

Awarded By

Great Lakes Center for the Study of the United States at Makerere University

Appointed as a Research Fellow to analyze counterterrorism cooperation and the evolving relationality between Uganda and the USA since 1990.

Grant for promising early career researchers from the Global South

Awarded By

European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI)

Received a competitive grant recognizing potential and supporting research endeavors as an early career researcher from the Global South.

Gender, Peace & Security Next Generation Symposium

Awarded By

N/A

Selected to participate in a symposium focused on fostering the next generation of leaders and scholars in Gender, Peace & Security.

PhD Research Fellowship

Awarded By

Gerda-Henkel Foundation/Makerere University

Awarded a research fellowship to support doctoral studies and research activities at Makerere University.

Summer School on Political Violence: "Inclusive Political Settlements: The Theory and Practice of Transforming Conflict”

Awarded By

DFID/Global Justice Academy/University of Edinburgh

Participated in an intensive summer school, gaining advanced knowledge in political violence and conflict transformation.

Book Chapter (worth Euros 1000)

Awarded By

Institute of Peace and Security Studies/AfSOL

Received a grant for contributing a book chapter to a publication by the Institute of Peace and Security Studies.

VLIR Uganda Governance Platform Fellow

Awarded By

VLIR Uganda Governance Platform

Awarded a fellowship focused on the management of natural resources, post-conflict recovery, and social services delivery in Uganda, including a grant worth Euros 1500.

Equator Peace Academy Fellow

Awarded By

USAID and ISSRPL

Selected as a fellow for the Equator Peace Academy, focusing on peace and security initiatives.

Publications

Conflict Resolution by the African Union: Encounters of Peacekeeping Efforts in Somalia

Published by

Conflict Trends

Summary

Co-authored a journal article examining the African Union's role in conflict resolution and peacekeeping efforts, with a focus on Somalia.

Silencing the guns in Somalia. In: New African Thinkers: Considering Peace and Development in Africa

Published by

AISA Press

Summary

Authored a book chapter analyzing strategies for peace and development, specifically addressing conflict resolution in Somalia.

African Union Forces Mandates and their Implications for the Fight Against Al-Shabaab in Somalia

Published by

African Solutions (AfSOL) Journal

Summary

Co-authored a journal article analyzing the mandates of African Union forces and their implications for counter-terrorism efforts against Al-Shabaab in Somalia.

Exploring the Lived Experiences of Adolescent and Young Somali Women Through the Rivers of Life Methodology

Published by

Frontiers

Summary

Authored a blog article discussing a methodology for exploring the lived experiences of adolescent and young Somali women.

Reimagining Academic Writing: The Writing Experiences of Gelizako Juwiva Chrinjalinya

Published by

Global Policy Journal

Summary

Co-authored a blog article reflecting on academic writing experiences and reimagining approaches to scholarly communication.

African Solutions to African Problems: Political Sloganeering or African Renaissance? In: Mobility, Identity and Conflict Resolution in Africa

Published by

Palgrave Macmillan, Cham

Summary

Co-authored a book chapter exploring African approaches to conflict resolution and the concept of African Renaissance within the context of mobility and identity.

Echoes of Somali Pirates: Foreign Intervention, Sovereignty and Maritime Security in the Horn of Africa. In Rethinking Sovereignty and Security at the Maritime Frontier: Pirates, Proxies, Passwords and Pipelines

Published by

Coventry University

Summary

Authored a journal article exploring the impact of foreign intervention, sovereignty, and maritime security challenges related to Somali piracy in the Horn of Africa.

Displaced Communities, Environmental Change and Sustainable Livelihoods in Uganda

Published by

N/A

Summary

Co-authored a report on the interconnections between displaced communities, environmental change, and sustainable livelihoods in Uganda.

Surviving Human Trafficking: A Case for Strengthening the Escape Routes Adopted by Victims of Trafficking in Uganda

Published by

AHMR

Summary

Authored a journal article investigating strategies to strengthen escape routes for victims of human trafficking in Uganda.

Closed but Ordered: How the Political Settlement Shapes Uganda's Deals with International Oil Companies. In Oil Wealth and Development in Uganda and Beyond: Prospects, Opportunities, and Challenges

Published by

Leuven University Press

Summary

Co-authored a book chapter examining how political settlements influence Uganda's engagements with international oil companies and the broader implications for development.

Alternative Paths to Social Transformation in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Case for Poverty Alleviation Programmes by the Poor. In The Political Economy of Poverty and Social Transformations of the Global South

Published by

ZED Books

Summary

Co-authored a book chapter exploring alternative approaches to social transformation and poverty alleviation in Sub-Saharan Africa through community-led initiatives.

The Evolving Nature of Foreign Intervention in the Al-Shabab Insurgency in Somalia

Published by

About The Afsol Journal

Summary

Authored a journal article analyzing the changing dynamics of foreign intervention in the Al-Shabab insurgency in Somalia.

Efficacy of Presidential Term Limits with Specific Reference to Democratization, Good Governance and Development

Published by

MINDS Africa

Summary

Authored a journal article examining the effectiveness of presidential term limits on democratization, good governance, and development in African contexts.

A Case for African-promoted Peacebuilding Strategies with Specific Reference to AMISOM, the Juba Peace Process and IGAD's interventions in South Sudan

Published by

AfSol Journal

Summary

Authored a journal article advocating for African-led peacebuilding strategies, with a focus on AMISOM, the Juba Peace Process, and IGAD's interventions in South Sudan.

Potential of Peer Support to Fight Stigma against Former Child Soldiers in Northern Uganda

Published by

Development Studies

Summary

Authored a journal article exploring the potential of peer support mechanisms to combat stigma faced by former child soldiers in Northern Uganda.

Languages

English

Certificates

Public Authority and Humanitarianism

Issued By

The Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa at LSE

Survey Methods in Migration Research

Issued By

Peace Research Institute Oslo

Peace Agreement Implementation: Challenges and Opportunities

Issued By

Universidad de los Andes/NORHED

Knowledge Production & Politics in Migration Studies

Issued By

African Academy for Migration Research

Global Health Histories, Contagion & Migration:(Bio) Citizenship in Africa

Issued By

African Academy for Migration Research

Scholarly Writing and Publishing

Issued By

Makerere University Press

Skills

Research & Analysis

Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research, Data Analysis, Policy Analysis, Political Economy Analysis, Textual Analysis, Literature Review, Field Research, Impact Assessment, Program Evaluation, Survey Methods, Research Design.

Peacebuilding & Development

Peacebuilding Strategies, Conflict Resolution, Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus, Gender & Security, Women Peace and Security (UNSCR 1325), Sustainable Livelihoods, Poverty Alleviation, Refugee Response, Human Trafficking, Post-conflict Recovery, Community Development, Democratic Governance.

Project Management & Coordination

Project Leadership, Team Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Program Management, Report Writing, Grant Proposal Development, Dissemination Strategies, Editorial Management, Curriculum Development.

Communication & Publishing

Scholarly Writing, Academic Publishing, Journal Management, Public Speaking, Presentation Skills, Technical Writing.

Regional Expertise

East Africa, Somalia, Uganda, Rwanda, Horn of Africa.

References

Badru Bukenya (PhD)

College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Social Work and Administration, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7062, Kampala. Email: bbukenya@chuss.mak.ac.ug, Phone: +256788889804

Tony Karbo, (PhD)

Executive Secretary and Associate Professor, N'zarama Center for Peacebuilding, Abidjan Cote d'Ivoire. Email: tonyrebdoral@yahoo.com, Phone: +256783829433

Edgar Taylor, Ph.D.

College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of History, Archaeology and Heritage Studies, Makerere University. Email: edgarjacktaylor@gmail.com