Who We Are
We are a Christian development organisation, committed to working with and empowering children, families and the communities of northern Uganda. Our mission is to help people overcome poverty and enable them to reach their full potential.
We do not induce or require people to convert or to be a Christian in order to benefit from our services. We love others because God first loved us and it is our faith and values that inspire us to empower the communities in which we work to bring about sustainable, positive change.
IGF Vision
A Better World for Every Child
IGF Mission
Changing Children’s Worlds
IGF Values
Accountability
Compassion
Teamwork
Excellence
Diligence
Our Team
Board of Directors Uganda
Hon. Ben Okello Luwum
Chairman of IGF
Hon. Ben Okello Luwum
Hon. Ben Okello Luwum was appointed Chairman of IGF in 2013, and serves on several national boards and finance committees, contributing extensive expertise in governance, finance and organisational oversight. Ben Luwum is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) in the United Kingdom, a Member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda and the Managing Partner of BVL & Co. Certified Public Accountants. With a career spanning public service and corporate leadership, he has served as Minister of Lands and Surveys of the government of Uganda and Member of the National Resistance Council for Chua County in the parliament of Uganda. Hon. Luwum helped Mama Irene to register IGF as a company and NGO in 1995 and was one of the original subscribers.
Ted E. Ssempebwa
Company Secretary of IGFU
Ted E. Ssempebwa
Ted E. Ssempebwa was appointed Company Secretary of IGFU in 2013. Ted Ssempebwa is a Barrister-at-Law of the Middle Temple (UK) and Partner at Katende, Ssempebwa & Co. Advocates – one of the largest leading law firm in Uganda. With 25 years of legal practice, he is recognised as one of Uganda’s leading authorities in Energy, Oil and Gas Law, and advises on major multi-disciplinary and international financial transactions. Ted holds an LL.B and LL.M (Distinction) from the University of Wolverhampton and is admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Uganda. He is also a Notary Public, Commissioner for Oaths, and member of several regional and international bar associations.
Denish Olanya
Executive Director
Denish Olanya
Denish Olanya is a development professional and community leader serving as Executive Director (ED) of IGF. As a former beneficiary of IGF’s child sponsorship program, he has a unique personal connection to the Foundation. Denish was sponsored by IGF to acquire a degree in business administration and a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management.
He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in management science. Denish served IGF in various leadership roles, including Principal of the Business School, Sponsorship Manager and Program Manager. As ED, he is the Chief Executive and principal operational leader of IGF and is responsible for providing strategic, organisational and executive leadership to the Foundation. Denish’s leadership is grounded in Christian values, integrity, service and a commitment to sustainable, inclusive community development.
John Paul Kiffasi
Special Board assignments
John Paul Kiffasi
John Paul Kiffasi served as Executive Director of the Irene Gleeson Foundation for 13 years, providing strategic and operational leadership. With training in business administration and project management, he began his 26-year-service in IGF as a volunteer during the region’s insurgency, he later became the trusted deputy of founder Irene Gleeson and successfully guided the organisation through its leadership transition after her passing in 2013 – helping continue the legacy of mama Irene. With a foot in the global donor world and a heart rooted in the community, Kiffasi is currently undertaking a special Board assignment to provide strategic leadership to IGF’s Resource Mobilisation efforts to secure and expand the financial, technical, material and strategic resources required to advance the Foundation’s mission and ensure its long-term sustainability.
Dr. Ayot Gladys Oyat
Education Leader
Dr. Ayot Gladys Oyat
Dr. Ayot Gladys Oyat is an education leader with over 30 years of experience in teaching, school management, and community development. She holds a Master’s in Educational Administration and Planning from Makerere University and PhD in Education Planning from Uganda Christian University.
She has served on university councils and led national education bodies, including the Association of Secondary School Headteachers Uganda, while actively promoting peacebuilding and community development in Northern Uganda.
Aciro Jane Opio
Board Member of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation
Aciro Jane Opio
Aciro Jane Opio is a Board Member of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), bringing a strong record of public-sector governance, strategic oversight, and institutional leadership. She previously served on the Board of the Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA), where she contributed to policy direction, performance review, risk management, and accountability.
Her board experience spans technical oversight, audit and risk, finance, human resources, legal affairs, and governance. Aciro is also committed to community development and the empowerment of vulnerable children and families. Guided by her Christian faith, she serves with integrity, humility, compassion, and a commitment to excellence.
Dr. Mshilla Maghanga
Senior Lecturer at Gulu University
Dr. Mshilla Maghanga
Dr. Mshilla Maghanga is a pharmacist, academic, and management consultant with more than twenty years of experience in higher education, healthcare leadership, pharmaceutical practice, and strategic management. He serves as a Senior Lecturer at Gulu University and has held academic and consultancy roles with leading institutions, including the Uganda Management Institute and ESAMI.
Dr. Maghanga has extensive experience in research supervision, external examination, capacity building, strategic planning, and monitoring and evaluation. His interdisciplinary expertise spans business management, health, entrepreneurship, and education. He has published widely and contributed to local and international scientific conferences.
Our Team
IGF Australia Advocacy and Fundraising Committee
Michele Thomson
Team Leader Australian IGF Advocacy and Fundraising Committee
Singleton, NSW, Australia
Bachelor Nursing, Newcastle University, ATCL, Grad. Cert.
Child and Family Health.Visited Kitgum eight times
About Michele Thomson
Michele Thomson is a retired Registered Nurse and community leader. She holds a Bachelor of Nursing from Newcastle University (2008), a Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health, a Certificate IV in Community Services (Disabilities), and an Associate Diploma in Speech and Drama from Trinity College London.
Her career includes ten years as a Practice Nurse, two years as a Theatre Nurse and seven years working in disability services until 2012. Prior to that she owned and ran her own Hair Salon from 1999 to 2002.
Michele is currently the President of the Singleton Branch of Red Cross and has given more than twenty year’s service to the organisation. She is the Sunday School Co-ordinator at her local Church and teaches as well.
Michele has volunteered in Russia, Kenya and Uganda. She has dedicated twelve years of voluntary service to IGF having visited seven times.
Michele has recently accepted an appointment as a Director on the IGF Uganda Board and Team Leader of the Australian IGF Advocacy and Fundraising Committee. Michele set up the Cengwa Women’s Health Project, a Cervical Cancer Screening and Breast Check Program based in Kitgum, Northern Uganda, two years ago and has since raised funds to refrigerate the OPD Mortuary, which recently opened.
Leads the Australian IGF Advocacy and Fundraising Committee, setting direction and keeping the team focused on raising awareness and funds for IGF’s schools, health services and community projects. Chairs meetings, coordinates the work of committee members, and acts as the main link between the Australian committee and the IGF Uganda Board. Ensures fundraising activities are well planned, transparent, and true to IGF’s mission.
Represents IGF at community events, churches, schools and fundraising functions, sharing first-hand stories of the students, clinics and communities IGF serves. Presents confidently and compassionately, inspires audiences to support IGF’s work, and invites them to get involved through giving, sponsorship or volunteering.
Gabby Waverley-Smith
Communications and Outreach Coordinator
- Brisbane, Australia
- Bachelor of Arts, University of Queensland
- Volunteered on-site at IGF Kitgum for 2 months
About Gabby Waverley-Smith
Gabrielle Waverley-Smith is from Brisbane, Australia. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Queensland and currently serves as the Partnerships and Outreach Coordinator at the Irene Gleeson Foundation. Gabrielle had the privilege of volunteering on-site at IGF in Kitgum for two months, where she worked closely with staff and the local community. This experience deeply shaped her understanding of IGF’s impact, motivating her to continue serving the organisation and advocating for the wellbeing and future of the children it supports.
Shares the IGF story with supporters and the wider community. Adds news, updates and stories to the IGF website, keeping content current, accurate and engaging. Manages IGF social media presence. Prepares the quarterly newsletter for donors, so they see the difference their support makes to IGF schools, students, clinics and communities in Northern Uganda. Promotes fundraising events and campaigns, and works closely with the Team Leader, Partnerships, Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator to keep the message consistent across every channel.
Alice Zagorski
Partnerships, Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator
- Sydney, Australia
- 34 years of dedicated service
- Former Office and Sponsorship Administrator
About Alice Zagorski
Alice Zagorski is originally from Sydney, Australia. She has dedicated 34 years of service to the Irene Gleeson Foundation (IGF), where she has played a crucial role as the Office and Sponsorship Administrator. Throughout her long-standing commitment, Alice and her husband, Paul Zagorski, have been steadfast supporters of Mama Irene and the ongoing legacy of the foundation. Currently, Alice continues her involvement with IGF by serving as the Volunteers Coordinator, further contributing to the mission and impact of the organization.
Builds and maintains relationships with individual sponsors, churches, schools, service clubs, businesses and community groups who may support IGF. Identifies new partnership and sponsorship opportunities and follows up with supporters so they feel connected to the impact of their giving.
Coordinates the program that welcomes international volunteers to IGF in Uganda. Promotes volunteering opportunities, receives and screens applications, and matches volunteers to roles in the schools, health centre and clinics, or community projects according to their skills and experience. Prepares volunteers before they travel by providing information on what to expect, health and safety advice, cultural guidance, and practical details such as accommodation and transport. Gather feedback following voluntary service.
Our Team
The People Behind Our Mission
Okello Geoffrey
Human Resource & Operations Manager
Okello Geoffrey
Mr. Okello Geoffrey has served as the Human Resource & Operations Manager at Irene Gleeson Foundation since February 2010. He holds a Diploma in Human Resource Management from Makerere University Business School–Kampala, in addition to certificates in Data Analysis and Project Planning & Management from Uganda Management Institute (UMI). Currently, he is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Leadership at Monarch University, Switzerland.
Mr. Okello is responsible for providing effective leadership and coordination of IGF’s human resources, administration, logistics and operational support functions. The position ensures that IGF has the right people, systems, facilities, supplies and administrative support required to deliver its programs efficiently and professionally.
Oryem Denish
Finance Officer
Oryem Denish
Mr. Oryem Denish joined the Irene Gleeson Foundation as Finance Officer in June 2024. Through his diligence, professionalism and competence, he was promoted to Finance Manager in 2025. He is an alumnus of Gulu University, where he earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Management and a Bachelor of Business Administration. He is also currently pursuing Certified Public Accountant accreditation.
As Finance Manager, Mr. Oryem provides professional leadership in IGF’s financial management, accounting, budgeting, internal controls, reporting, and financial compliance. He brings strong expertise in strengthening financial systems and improving operational efficiency, supporting the Foundation’s mission and long-term sustainability.
Alfred Komagum
Senior Pastor
Alfred Komagum
Alfred Komagum is Senior Pastor at IGF’s Christian Community Church, supervising four branches in Kitgum and Lamwo. A former sponsored beneficiary during the Northern Uganda conflict, he developed a commitment to ministry under Mama Irene’s mentorship. With 29 years at IGF, he has held various roles and leads based on his personal experience and values.
Alfred has a Certificate in Theology and is pursuing a bachelor’s through Teleo University’s Tnet program. He also serves as Provincial Overseer for East Acholi Subregion in the National Fellowship of Pentecostal Churches, demonstrating his dedication to spiritual leadership and community development.