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Who is Calvin Robert Rutainama?
Calvin Robert Rutainama is the Founder and CEO of Gen Z Voices Uganda. He is a dynamic leader channels a passion for debate, public speaking, and community engagement into creating spaces where young voices drive change. A fervent supporter of Manchester United and Uganda’s KCCA Football Club, Calvin blends charisma with purpose, tackling issues like sexual and reproductive health, mental health, climate change, and leadership. In this exclusive interview with The Kampala Edge Times, Calvin shares the journey, inspirations, and vision behind a movement that’s reshaping Uganda’s future.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to certain individuals who believed in me at Reach A Hand Uganda (RAHU), gave me opportunities, and took a chance on me. Humphrey Nabimanya – Founder & CEO, RAHU, Bob Sulaiman Muganza – Senior Programmes Officer, RAHU, Mark Chris Kayizzi – Partnerships and Resource Mobilization Officer, RAHU, Sheilah Kasabiti – Senior Programmes Officer, RAHU. Your trust, mentorship, and encouragement have played a pivotal role in shaping my journey. Lastly, I wish to appreciate my big sister Frazy Frances Aanyu for her unwavering motivation, guidance, and belief in my potential.
Calvin Robert Rutainama
A Life Shaped by Diversity and Discipline
Born in western Uganda, with family roots in both the western and eastern regions, Calvin grew up immersed in the country’s rich cultural tapestry. Time spent in eastern Uganda, particularly Katakwi district, and later in Kampala for higher education, fostered fluency in local languages and a deep appreciation for Uganda’s diversity. Raised in a vibrant, supportive family, Calvin was influenced by a father who has served 40 years in the Ugandan military and a mother, a businesswoman in Katakwi, whose resilience saw her raise Calvin and a sister through challenges, ensuring access to top schools and instilling strong morals. “Growing up with siblings in a disciplined home taught resilience and hard work,” Calvin reflects.
Childhood was a blend of movement, discovery, and curiosity. From school debates to community involvement, Calvin was always eager to engage and ask questions. “Debate was where the power of communication came alive,” Calvin recalls. This passion led to St. Charles Lwanga International Secondary School in Wakiso District, where leadership roles emerged naturally. Later, at Makerere University, a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, majoring in Accounting and Finance, sharpened analytical and leadership skills. “Numbers, financial literacy, and systems thinking have always been a passion,” Calvin explains. “The goal was to gain tools for strategy, planning, and impact, not just a career.”
Mentors and Moments That Shaped a Leader
Interest in leadership sparked early through debate but solidified at the Balunywa Leadership Academy, founded by Professor Waswa Balunywa, former Principal of Makerere University Business School. “Professor Balunywa’s commitment to mentoring young leaders showed what’s possible,” Calvin says, expressing a dream to one day become a university lecturer and mentor. The Peer Educators Academy at Reach A Hand Uganda further honed skills in addressing youth issues like sexual and reproductive health, education, civic engagement, unemployment, and empowerment. “Those programs gave practical tools and a real understanding of what young people face,” Calvin notes.
Education played a pivotal role, building confidence, structure, and exposure. “Debate taught critical thinking, university fostered teamwork and diversity of thought, and programs like the Balunywa and Peer Educators Academies showed how to turn knowledge into action,” Calvin says. This foundation enables leadership with empathy, strategy, and purpose.
The hardest moment came in 2021 with the loss of an uncle, Major Mwesigwe Noel. “It was heartbreaking,” Calvin admits. “Leaning on family, taking time to grieve, and finding renewed purpose through that pain was how it was overcome.” This loss fuels a drive to make every day count and uplift others facing silent struggles.
Gen Z Voices Uganda: A Platform for Change
On March 25, 2025, Calvin founded Gen Z Voices Uganda, a youth-led NGO empowering those aged 13–28—whether in secondary schools, universities, or communities across Uganda. Targeting young leaders, peer educators, and marginalized youth, including those living with disabilities or affected by HIV, the organization focuses on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), mental health, climate change, disability inclusion, and leadership development. “Young people were being left out of policy discussions and community initiatives, especially around SRHR and mental health,” Calvin explains. “Gen Z is often seen as problematic or lacking principles, but it’s really about a disconnect. This organization bridges that gap.”
Gen Z Voices Uganda has launched impactful initiatives, including the HIV Unfiltered podcast, school leadership sessions on HIV awareness and SRHR for teens aged 14–19, climate advocacy and mental health campaigns, and the Gen Z Conversation Debates, creating safe spaces for youth to voice concerns. Mentorship programs nurture leadership potential, and milestones include hosting debate competitions on SRHR and gender-based violence, conducting peer-to-peer learning sessions in schools, and selection for Impact Forge by Reach A Hand Uganda. Representing Uganda at the Youthspark Leadership, Change, and Mentorship Summit in Lusaka, Zambia, in August 2025 marks a high point.
Challenges persist. “Finding a team that shares the vision and trusts the leadership is tough,” Calvin says. Funding, visibility, and access to policy spaces are hurdles, especially for a youth-led initiative. “It’s not always easy to be taken seriously, but persistence, collaboration, and results keep us moving forward.” Volunteerism and passion drive the organization, though they stretch capacity at times.
The vision is bold: in five years, Gen Z Voices Uganda aims to be a leading youth advocacy hub in East Africa and beyond, with expanded reach, national and global partnerships, and sustainable programs.
Inspiration and Drive
Calvin draws inspiration from key figures: Humphrey Nabimanya, founder of Reach A Hand Uganda, for 15 years of relentless SRHR advocacy; a mother whose strength and commitment shine through; a father whose military service taught discipline, focus, and sacrifice; and an elder sister, Frances Aanyu, whose support keeps things grounded. “Carrying my father’s full name motivates me to maintain the legacy he’s built,” Calvin adds.
The daily drive comes from a desire to leave a lasting legacy. “Uganda’s youth face high rates of teenage pregnancy, HIV, mental health stigma, and unemployment,” Calvin says. “Knowing there’s a role to play in shaping better outcomes is what gets me up every day.” Failure and criticism are embraced as growth opportunities. “Every failure is evidence of trying, and constructive criticism shows blind spots to improve,” Calvin notes. “It’s about learning, adjusting, and moving forward.”
Join the Movement
For those eager to support Gen Z Voices Uganda, Calvin welcomes collaboration. “Volunteer, partner on youth-centered projects, amplify our message on social media, or contribute financially or in-kind,” Calvin urges. Visit www.genzvoicesuganda.org or follow @GenZVoicesUganda on social media to learn more.
Calvin Robert Rutainama is building a movement that empowers Uganda’s Gen Z to lead with purpose. With Gen Z Voices Uganda, the future is in capable hands, and the voices of a generation are finally being heard.
