Nicholas Opiyo

Experience

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  Institute for Strategic and Peace Studies

  May 2005 - Jun 2006

  Research Assistant

  • Conducted research, wrote papers, and mentored students as a teaching assistant and the center's legal advisor.• Supported the organization's creation by writing its curriculum and guiding its outreach and advocacy activities.

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  International Criminal Court

  Jun 2006 - Jun 2007

  Field Court Interpreter

  • Supported ICC field teams investigating crimes against humanity by interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, and writing reports that enabled the successful trial and conviction of Dominic Ongwen on murder, rape, torture, and enslavement.

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  Foundation for Human Rights Initiative

  Jun 2007 - May 2010

  Manager, Rights Monitoring and Policy Advocacy

  • Supervised human rights documentation, report publication, treaty monitoring, and advocacy.• Led team researching, writing, and presenting reports to United Nations Human Rights Council, on violations in Uganda.

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  Akijul

  Jun 2010 - May 2012

  Consulting Attorney, Human Rights & Good Governance

  • Advised Uganda government on peace process, accountability, and reconciliation following Lord Resistance Army (LRA) war.• Participated in creating the International Crimes Division of the High Court of Uganda to prosecute war crimes.• Reviewed Uganda police procedures and policies to create reform ideas for a modern, responsive law enforcement force.• Counseled World Bank on how to mitigate corruption in the government of Uganda.

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  Chapter Four Uganda

  Jan 2012 - now

  Founder, Executive Director

  • Founded and led Uganda’s leading human rights advocacy organization, $1M budget, 15 staff attorneys, and five volunteers.• Led from startup to influence Uganda’s national legislation and public policy by building and guiding network of 250 lawyers.• Conduct research on threats to civil society, democracy, and human rights issues; train and educate staff and stakeholders.• Monitor and report on government and society compliance with human rights standards and laws.• Led the successful challenge of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act and the enactment of legislation criminalizing torture.• Leverage collaborative partnerships with NGOs, nonprofits, government agencies, companies, and individual influencers.• Provide support and assistance to individuals who have experienced human rights abuses.• Recruit, train, and develop a top-performing team supporting individuals who have experienced human rights abuses.• Won numerous international awards for courageous, path-setting, advocacy, and life-saving human rights work.• As Board Chairperson of Anti-Corruption Coalition Uganda, Action Aid Uganda led the turnaround of organizations under government attack via decisive, fast improvements to people, processes, policy, and programs. Show less