Leadership & Governance
Experienced governance. Local leadership. Accountable stewardship every day.
At GRiD, governance is not a formality, it is the foundation of trust. We combine strong oversight, transparent systems, and community participation to ensure every decision is ethical, accountable, and aligned with the people we serve. Our leadership model bridges professional expertise with grassroots voices to deliver sustainable, measurable impact.
How we lead with accountability
At GRiD, governance is designed to be visible, participatory, and results-oriented. Every structure we build is intentional, strengthening trust between communities, partners, and donors while ensuring that decisions translate into measurable impact.
We believe accountability is not a system imposed from above, but a shared responsibility shaped by the people we serve. Through transparent processes, inclusive leadership, and evidence-driven decision-making, we create systems that are both credible and responsive.
At GRiD, governance is not a formality, it is the foundation of trust. We combine strong oversight, transparent systems, and community participation to ensure every decision is ethical, accountable, and aligned with the people we serve. Our leadership model bridges professional expertise with grassroots voices to deliver sustainable, measurable impact.
Transparent by design
We practice open communication, public reporting, and community accountability mechanisms that make our work visible and verifiable
Inclusive in representation
Youth, women, community leaders, and technical experts are actively involved in decision-making processes
Community-led in practice
Local voices shape priorities, inform program design, and guide implementation at every stage
Accountable in execution
We uphold strong financial controls, ethical safeguards, and oversight systems to ensure responsible delivery
Driven by evidence
Our decisions are guided by data, continuous learning, and adaptive improvement to maximize impact
Community at the center of governance
We embed governance directly within the communities we serve, ensuring decisions are grounded in lived realities.
Community fireplace champions
Mobilize households and lead dialogue-based development
Parent & guardian groups
Support school governance, transparency, and resource mobilization
School leadership teams
Strengthen institutional accountability within schools
Youth peer educators
Drive awareness, reporting systems, and stigma reduction among young people
These structures ensure that governance is not top-down, but built from the ground up.
Policies that protect and guide our work
We uphold rigorous policies to protect communities, ensure ethical conduct, and safeguard resources.
- • Conflict of Interest
- • Whistleblowing
- • Anti-Fraud & Anti-Corruption
- • Child Safeguarding & Protection
- • Gender & Inclusion
- • Risk Management
- • Financial & Safeguarding Manual
How accountability flows across GRiD
From strategy to community feedback, our governance system ensures transparency at every level.
Flow Narrative
Board → Executive → M&E → Financial Oversight → Community Feedback
Each level strengthens the next, creating a continuous loop of accountability, learning, and improvement.
The people behind our work
The people behind GRiD bring together governance, leadership, and technical expertise to advance our mission and strengthen our impact. Our Board provides strategic oversight and accountability, while our leadership and management team oversee operations, partnerships, and program delivery. Together, they ensure that GRiD remains transparent, effective, and committed to community-led development.
Board of Directors
Kezia Dorothy Otim
Board Chair
Kezia Dorothy Otim serves as the Board Chairperson of GRiD Community Solutions Initiative, providing strategic oversight and governance leadership to support the organization’s mission and long-term sustainability. She brings extensive experience in public health, maternal and child health, community health systems, and institutional leadership.
During a distinguished public service career spanning more than three decades, Kezia served in various health leadership roles, retiring as a Principal Nursing Officer and District Health Visitor. Her contributions included coordinating maternal and child health programs, supervising immunization initiatives, supporting the establishment of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) services, and mentoring health workers and public health nursing students.
Beyond her professional career, she has served on educational and community governance bodies and continues to contribute to health workforce development as an instructor and examiner in nursing and midwifery education. As Board Chairperson, she champions accountability, ethical leadership, and effective governance to ensure GRiD delivers meaningful and sustainable impact for the communities it serves.
Areas of Expertise
- Public Health Leadership
- Maternal & Child Health
- Health Systems Strengthening
- Governance & Accountability
- Community Health Programming
- Capacity Building & Mentorship
Kasulu Goerge
Board Treasurer
George Kasulu serves as Treasurer of GRiD Community Solutions Initiative, providing financial oversight and governance support to strengthen the organization’s accountability, transparency, and long-term sustainability. He brings more than three decades of experience in financial management, nonprofit administration, microfinance operations, and community development.
George holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance from Uganda Christian University and has built an extensive career managing financial systems and operational performance across civil society organizations, microfinance institutions, and development programs. His professional experience includes leadership and financial management roles with Pallisa Civil Society Organizations’ Network (PACONET), Uganda Agency for Development (UGAFODE), Habitat for Humanity Uganda, and Christian Children’s Fund.
Throughout his career, George has contributed to strengthening financial accountability, improving organizational performance, and supporting community-based development initiatives across Uganda. His experience spans financial planning and reporting, grant and resource management, institutional governance, and operational oversight. He also played a role in supporting the growth and transformation of financial institutions and community organizations through sound management practices and accountability systems.
As Treasurer, George works closely with the Board and management team to ensure prudent financial stewardship, strong internal controls, and responsible use of resources in support of GRiD’s mission and impact.
Areas of Expertise
- Financial Management & Oversight
- Nonprofit Governance
- Budgeting & Financial Planning
- Internal Controls & Accountability
- Microfinance & Institutional Development
- Grant & Resource Management
Olupot David
Board Secreatry
Olupot David serves as the Secretary of GRiD Community Solutions Initiative, supporting effective governance, institutional coordination, documentation, and accountability within the organization. He brings experience in regional coordination, community engagement, and technical and skills development, with a strong understanding of working with local institutions and communities in Eastern Uganda.
David currently serves as a Coordinator for the Eastern Region with Global Partners, where he contributes to coordination and engagement across the region. His work provides him with practical experience in working with diverse stakeholders, supporting programme coordination, and strengthening linkages between community-level initiatives and broader institutional objectives.
He also serves at Kasodo Technical Institute, contributing to the technical and skills-development environment. His involvement in technical and vocational education complements GRiD’s commitment to practical, community-based approaches that strengthen opportunities, skills, participation, and sustainable development.
As Board Secretary, David contributes to effective governance by supporting the Board’s coordination, documentation, communication, and follow-up on governance decisions. He brings a practical understanding of regional development and institutional engagement that supports GRiD’s commitment to accountability, participation, and community-led solutions.
Areas of Expertise
Regional Programme Coordination
Community & Stakeholder Engagement
Technical & Vocational Skills Development
Institutional Coordination
Governance & Board Support
Community Development
Joan Audrey Mwenyi
Board Member
Joan Audrey Mwenyi serves as a Board Member of GRiD Community Solutions Initiative, contributing her passion for education, child development, and inclusive community engagement. She brings experience in early childhood education and community service, with a strong commitment to supporting children and families through learning and development opportunities.
Joan holds training in Early Childhood Education from Kyambogo University and has worked as a teacher and volunteer educator in early learning settings. Through her work with schools and community-based learning environments, she has supported young learners during critical stages of development while promoting safe, nurturing, and inclusive educational experiences.
In addition to her education background, Joan has experience in customer service and community engagement through roles in the banking sector. She is also trained in sign language, reflecting her commitment to inclusion and equal access to opportunities for individuals with diverse communication needs.
As a member of the GRiD Board, Joan contributes valuable perspectives on education, youth development, and community participation. She is passionate about helping create environments where children, young people, and families can thrive and reach their full potential.
Areas of Expertise
- Early Childhood Education
- Child Development
- Inclusive Education & Sign Language
- Community Engagement
- Youth Development
- Communication & Facilitation
Gatwongere David
Founder & Board Member
David Gatwongere serves on the Board as Founder and also leads the organization as Executive Director. His full profile appears in the Executive Leadership & Management Team section below.
Executive Leadership & Management Team
David Gatwongere
Founder & Executive Director
David Gatwongere is the Founder and Executive Director of GRiD Community Solutions Initiative, providing strategic leadership for the organization’s vision, partnerships, resource mobilization, and program delivery. He is passionate about empowering communities to harness their own resources, strengths, and collective action to address local challenges and drive sustainable development.
With more than a decade of experience in community development, disaster resilience, and systems strengthening, David has worked alongside communities, local governments, civil society organizations, and development partners to advance locally led solutions that improve lives and strengthen institutions. His expertise includes community philanthropy, project design and management, partnership development, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building.
Prior to founding GRiD, David led Uganda Red Cross Society’s first Disaster Risk Reduction project, a pioneering initiative that contributed to the development of a National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy and strengthened community resilience across multiple districts. Throughout his career, he has championed local ownership, accountability, and community participation as foundations for sustainable impact.
As Executive Director, David leads GRiD’s efforts to expand educational opportunity, strengthen community wellbeing, and build partnerships that enable communities to shape and sustain their own development. He believes that meaningful change occurs when communities are equipped, trusted, and empowered to lead their own transformation.
Areas of Expertise
- Strategic Leadership
- Community Philanthropy & Local Giving
- Resource Mobilization
- Partnership Development
- Project Design & Management
- Community Development
- Systems Strengthening
- Stakeholder Engagement
Esther Wenene
Health Program Officer
Wenene Esther serves as the Health Programme Officer at GRiD, where she leads the planning, coordination, and implementation of community health initiatives with a focus on adolescent, and reproductive health. She is passionate about improving health outcomes through community-based interventions, health education, and strengthening access to quality health services for vulnerable populations.
She is a Registered Enrolled Midwife with over six years of clinical experience gained in both public and private health facilities. Her practical experience spans antenatal, intrapartum, postnatal, and newborn care, equipping her with a strong understanding of the health needs of women, children, and communities.
At GRiD, she successfully coordinated the My Body, My Future project, funded by the Global Youth Mobilization, leading programme implementation, stakeholder engagement, community mobilization, and health awareness activities that empowered young people with knowledge and access to sexual and reproductive health information and services. Her ability to coordinate field activities, engage communities, and work collaboratively with partners has contributed to the successful delivery of health programmes.
She is currently pursuing a Diploma in Midwifery to further strengthen her professional competencies and remains committed to continuous learning, evidence-informed programming, and promoting equitable access to quality healthcare. She is registered with the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council and holds a valid practicing license.
Denis Kageni
Finance & Administration Officer
Denis Kageni serves as the Finance and Administration Officer at GRiD Community Solutions Initiative, where he supports the organization’s financial management, administrative systems, compliance processes, and operational effectiveness. He plays a key role in ensuring that resources are managed responsibly and that organizational systems support the efficient delivery of programs and services.
Denis holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Busitema University and brings experience in financial administration, accounting support, credit management, and nonprofit operations. Prior to joining GRiD, he served in various financial and administrative roles within civil society and financial institutions, including Pallisa Civil Society Organizations’ Network (PACONET), microfinance organizations, and community-focused development initiatives.
His professional experience includes financial record management, budgeting support, cash and bank reconciliations, grant accountability, financial reporting, procurement administration, and office operations management. Throughout his career, he has contributed to strengthening financial controls, improving accountability systems, and supporting effective decision-making through accurate financial data and reporting.
At GRiD, Denis works closely with program and leadership teams to ensure sound financial stewardship, regulatory compliance, and efficient administrative processes. He is committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and operational excellence in support of GRiD’s mission and community impact.
Areas of Expertise
- Financial Administration & Reporting
- Budget Monitoring & Compliance
- Grant Accountability
- Cash & Bank Reconciliations
- Office Administration
- Procurement & Logistics Support
- Financial Record Management
- Organizational Operations
