By Shawn Kimuli

KIU, Main Campus - Stella Kijange Lajiri, a dynamic leader and advocate for human rights, has become a trailblazer in promoting gender equality and justice across Uganda and beyond. Her remarkable achievements and relentless pursuit of justice and empowerment have earned her recognition as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Young Women in Africa, 2024, an accolade awarded by Women Who Win Africa.

A visionary leader, Stella serves as the Minister of Gender, Youth, and Culture at Ker Kwaro Acoli. Her tenure is marked by initiatives that prioritize cultural preservation, youth empowerment, and gender equality. Additionally, she holds a strategic role as a Member of the Nwoya District Land Board, where she champions women’s rights to land ownership in a region deeply rooted in traditional practices. 

As a Woman Member of Parliament candidate for Nwoya District (2021/2026), Stella has demonstrated her commitment to community service and advocacy for transformative policies. She is also the Executive Director of the Equal Empowerment Network (EENet) in Nwoya District, where she leads initiatives to promote equity and justice for marginalized groups. 

Since 2023, Stella has been the host of the popular Lawyers’ Corner segment on Voice of Nwoya FM. This platform enables her to provide legal education to the public, addressing critical issues such as land rights, gender-based violence, and child protection.

Her earlier contributions include creating the groundbreaking Ask Your Lawyer program on 91.5 FM Mighty Fire Radio in 2018. This program sensitized communities on legal rights, referral pathways, and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and reached over 98% of the Luo-speaking population.

Contributions in Research
Her study on the impact of cultural practices on women’s rights to own land in Acholi earned her a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from Law Development Center including her earlier research on the role of NGOs in promoting and protecting children’s rights in Gulu District that led to her award of Bachelor of Laws degree from Kampala International University.

Awards and Recognition
In Kitgum District, Stella would organize monthly stakeholder meetings to combat sexual harassment and gender-based violence. Her efforts culminated in her election to the District Chain Link Sub-Committee under the Justice Law and Order Sector (JLOS), where she served as Secretary of the Child and Family Protection Committee (2017/2018). In addition to her 2024 Africa-wide recognition, Stella was honored as a Umoja Global Peace Ambassador for the Acholi Sub-Region in 2019, acknowledging her efforts to foster peace and reconciliation in conflict-affected communities.

Training and Certification
Stella has invested in continuous learning to enhance her leadership and advocacy skills. Some of her notable training achievements include:

• Public Interest Litigation Training with the Network of Public Interest Lawyers (2024).
• Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms training with LDC Legal Aid Clinic and the Uganda Human Rights Commission.
• Psychosocial Self-Care and Counseling Training with the Foundation for Women Affected by Conflict.
• Transformational Leadership Mentorship with the Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE) in 2012, 2020, and 2024.

Leadership Roles
Her Leadership roles began way back at Kampala International University

• Moot court representative of first-year law school students, 2011
• Deputy Speaker Acholi Students Association, 2011
• NRM Youth League representative Nwoya District in 2011
• Legal Advisor, Acholi Students Association, 2012
• Deputy Speaker, NRM Youth League,2012
• Vice President, Acholi Students Association, 2013
• Vice Chairperson, KIU Guild Electoral Commission in 2013 where the team reinstated the Guild Union and introduced the electoral college system. 
• Secretary of female staff at Lutheran World Federation, Adjumani where she was legal officer, from 2018 to 2020.

Professional Associations
Stella is an active member of several esteemed professional societies including:

• Uganda Association of Women Lawyers (FIDA)
• National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders
• Akina Mama Wa Afrika (Tuwezeshe Fellow, 2017)
• Uganda Women Human Rights Defenders
• Uganda Christian Lawyers Fraternity (UCLF)

Stella Kijange Lajiri is a beacon of hope and a relentless advocate for justice and equality. Her achievements reflect her unwavering commitment to empowering women, protecting human rights, and fostering development in her community. Through her work, she continues to inspire a generation of young leaders to rise above challenges and create a more just and equitable society.

For more insights into her work and advocacy, you can follow her on social media platforms:

Facebook: Stella Kijange L
X (formerly Twitter): @stellakijange
Instagram: @stellakijange
YouTube: Stella Kijange L
TikTok @SKijange

These platforms provide a window into her ongoing efforts and engagements in promoting human rights and gender equality.