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Welcome to another exclusive feature in our Impact Forge biography series here at Kampala Edge Times. Today, we sit down with Nansikombi Dianah, the dedicated Programs and Partnerships Manager at Omuto Foundation. From her personal battles with period poverty to leading vital community initiatives, Dianah shares her profound journey of resilience, grassroots leadership, and empowering the next generation.
1. Who is Nansikombi Dianah in a few words?
Nansikombi Dianah is a female youth, mother, and a Catholic. Professionally, I am the Programs and Partnerships Manager at the Omuto Foundation. I am also the Chairperson of a Youth Livelihood Program (YLP) group called Buwama Youth Boda Boda, and the Chairperson of a Better Migration Management, Social Action Project (SAP) group called Innovative Minds. In a few words, I describe myself as a hardworking, kind, welcoming, and open-minded single woman who is always ready to learn.
2. When and where were you born?
I was born on October 25, 1997, at Mulago Hospital in the Kawempe Division. My parents currently stay in the Kawempe Division in a village called Kalule Zone.
3. What did you study, and how did your academic background prepare you for NGO management?
I studied Business Administration. After my graduation, I secured a job at the Buwama Community Learning Center under the direct supervision of the Community Development Officer. That role was instrumental in preparing me for NGO management because it exposed me to working directly with the community, handling government programs, and booking workshops for various NGOs.
4. How did your relationship with your siblings influence your passion for helping others?
I am the last born in my family, and I was deeply supported by my elder brothers and sisters growing up. In fact, my very first job was connected to me by my sister. Experiencing that kind of support showed me that sometimes, you just need a helping hand to move to the next step or to grow. That realization naturally translated into my passion for being a helping hand to others in the community.
5. How did you first get involved with the Omuto Foundation?
It happened during my time working at the Buwama Community Learning Center. The Omuto Foundation was organizing an event for International Girl Child Day. Because I worked under the Community Development Office, Omuto came in to seek authorization, recommendations, and assistance with fundraising. My boss was involved, and that is how I got to know about the Omuto Foundation, what they do, and where they are located. I ended up becoming friends with one of their staff members, which officially started my journey with them.
6. As the Programs and Partnerships Manager, what does your typical day at the Omuto Youth Centre look like?
My typical day starts with waking up and heading to work. I begin by reviewing our weekly plan to understand the day’s program. Then, I check in with the team to see who is handling what and if anyone needs help. I review any pending tasks and work on completing them. At the close of the day, we check out as a team, share reports on our achievements, note what is pending for tomorrow, and advise each other on how to improve.
7. What is the core mission of the RED Campaign, and why is it personal to you?
The core mission of the RED Campaign is to reduce period poverty among young girls and women through sensitization on menstrual health management and the provision of sustainable products.
This campaign is incredibly personal to me because I was raised in a poor family where my mother was the main provider. Buying pads was an option, not a priority. My mother introduced me to using pieces of cloth, which I used from Senior 1 all the way to Senior 4. It was a huge challenge. I had to use a very large piece of cloth just to make it through a 10-hour school day without changing or leaking, which could easily cause burns. I distinctly remember a scary moment when the cloth wasn’t tucked in properly and started moving. My friends noticed, and I had to quickly tie a sweater around my waist to hide it. During my Senior 4 vacation, I finally started working and bought my own pads. Because of that experience, I know exactly how uncomfortable it is to use inappropriate materials.
8. Who are the key women on your team helping you drive the foundation’s vision?
It is just me. I am currently the only woman on the team helping to drive the foundation’s vision.
9. How do you ensure that the vocational skills (like soap making) specifically benefit young mothers?
We do this through our Youth Action Program chapters, which act as entrepreneurship circles consisting of five or more members registered under the Omuto Foundation. These young mothers are mentored and trained in easily marketable skills.
We also collaborate with partners, such as banks, to provide financial literacy training so they know how to handle and invest their money. Once they acquire the skills and financial knowledge, we welcome them as paid volunteers to produce items for us, and we actively help them tap into job opportunities or start their own small businesses.
10. What was the first major project you personally led that was a success?
The first major project I led was the Youth Innovation Summit. Our initial target was to mobilize 50 youths and 5 chapters. We ended up exceeding all expectations, registering over 80 youths and more than 10 chapters.
11. What is the most significant achievement the foundation has reached under your guidance?
There are three major achievements I am incredibly proud of. First, successfully establishing the Omuto Youth Center, which gave us a larger space to provide as many skills training sessions as possible. Second, establishing our own production unit for Dignity Pads, which are our reusable sanitary pads. Lastly, opening a resource office in Kampala located in Kyebando. This means we now successfully operate two locations: our field office in Kamengo and our resource office in Kampala.
12. Tell us about the toughest moment you’ve faced as a female leader in a community setting.
There are two parts to this. Generally, there’s a challenge where people think that if you are involved in many things, your value diminishes—they expect you to only do one specific thing.
Specifically, the toughest moment was during a mobilization effort for a financial literacy training. We targeted the youth, but the mobilizers ended up bringing community elders instead. To make matters worse, the electricity was off, and our solar system couldn’t power the projector. The facilitator also struggled to speak Luganda. On top of all that chaos, I found out the mobilizers had lied to the community, telling them they were coming to register for free products rather than attend a training. When I stepped up to speak, I was shocked by the audience’s expectations.
13. How did you overcome that challenge, and what did you learn about yourself?
I overcame it by stepping directly into the miscommunication. I welcomed everyone and honestly communicated the real purpose of our gathering. I had to clarify exactly what was on the ground—explaining what we were actually providing that day, and informing them that the other expected products would be handled by a different provider next time. Even though some people didn’t buy into it right away, I managed the situation. Through that, I learned that people will actually listen to me, believe in me, and trust me. I realized the immense power I have in communication.
14. Why is addressing “Period Poverty” so essential for keeping girls in Ugandan schools?
When a girl has the right pads, proper toilets, and the necessary resources, it instantly boosts her confidence, comfort, peace of mind, concentration, and overall health. Good concentration in class directly improves academic performance. Keeping them comfortable and in school reduces the chances of early child marriages and sexual exploitation because they are not left desperate to find money for pads.
15. How has being part of the Impact Forge changed how you design your programs?
Being part of the Impact Forge has allowed me to meet a number of young people with diverse ideas, knowledge, and connections. This network has fundamentally improved how I design programs. When someone has a similar program in a different area, we collaborate, partner up, and advise each other on the best implementation strategies.
16. What is the biggest misconception people have about youth-led NGOs in rural areas?
The biggest misconception is the belief that we have endless funds from foreign donors or “bazungus” (white people). People often expect free money for transport or free services just for showing up. They are so used to the idea of NGOs handing out free things that when you tell them there is no money, they get upset and think you are hiding funds from them.
17. How do you balance the emotional weight of your work with your own personal growth?
I balance it by talking to my mentor and coach. I share absolutely everything with them—both about my work and my personal life. Whenever I face challenges or feel the weight of the work, my mentor advises me, supports me, and provides the encouragement I need to keep pushing forward regardless of the obstacles.
18. Where do you see the Omuto Foundation’s impact in the next five years?
Currently, we operate in two districts. In the next five years, I see us successfully escalating and extending our programs to reach two entirely new districts in Uganda.
19. What is your advice for young women who want to start their own community initiatives?
My advice is that it is not a piece of cake; you have to be ready for the tough days. It requires immense patience, hard work, and a willingness to continuously learn. Stick to the goals you want to achieve. Surround yourself with like-minded people who carry positive energy and will support your vision. Most importantly, remember that it is entirely okay to pause, restructure, and restart when things get tough—just don’t quit.
20. Where can people follow your journey and support the foundation’s work?
People can learn more and support us through our website at www.omuto.org. You can also connect with us on LinkedIn under “Omuto Foundation” and my personal page, “Nansikombi Dianah.” For direct support, you can email us at info@omuto.org or programs@omuto.org, or reach out via phone and WhatsApp at +256750028703. We also have an active WhatsApp community of over 200 contacts. For donations, we have a GlobalGiving page. Lastly, you can find our fun and daily updates on TikTok and YouTube under the handle @Omuto Pulse.
