Meet the Team
PLA International is guided by a dedicated team of professionals committed to our mission of social justice and empowerment.
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Founder, Board Member, and PLA Uganda LiasonLilian Keene-Mugerwa is the founder of Platform for Labour Action (PLA). She has been the driving force behind the organization’s 25-year history of defending the rights of marginalized workers in Uganda, and she continues to guide its mission as a Board Strategic Advisor and Liaison.
Her foundational work in social entrepreneurship was recognized in 2002 when she was elected an Ashoka Fellow for Life. She is also a certified Human Rights Advocate through the prestigious Advocates Program at Columbia University's Institute for the Study of Human Rights. An accomplished human rights lawyer, Lilian also serves as a Justice Transformation Consultant for Uganda, advising on justice sector priorities and strategy. Her impact was further honored in 2014 when the Uganda Law Society named her Human Rights Lawyer of the Year.
Lilian's influence extends across the justice sector. She is the founding partner of Kleeva Associated Advocates and has served on the boards of several prominent non-profits, including the Legal Aid Project of the Uganda Law Society and FIDA(U).
She holds a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University, a diploma in legal practice from the Law Development Centre, and a Master of Arts in Governance and Development from the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), Sussex University. She is licensed to practice in all courts of Uganda.
Beyond her professional work, Lilian is passionate about building meaningful connections by listening to and sharing people’s experiences, valuing empathy and the power of every story.
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SecretaryJoseph Bagenyi serves as Secretary of the Board for PLA International. His professional background as both a registered nurse and an entrepreneur provides a distinct and practical perspective to his role.
His experience in nursing contributes to a meticulous and organized approach to board documentation and communication, which is essential for the Secretary function. Concurrently, his entrepreneurial experience informs his focus on creating efficient systems and clear processes for the board's governance. This combination of skills helps ensure that board operations are both orderly and effective.
Joseph believes that clear, consistent governance is fundamental to an organization's ability to achieve its mission. He is dedicated to maintaining the integrity of the Board's records and facilitating clear communication, which are vital to PLA International's operational health and success.
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Board Advisor
Ibrahim Tamale serves as a trusted Board Advisor for PLA International, contributing his extensive experience in strategy, growth, and private equity consulting. With a deep professional focus on the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) industry, he has a strong track record of helping organizations understand their users, refine their offerings, and build sustainable paths to growth.As an advisor, Ibrahim is passionate about applying his analytical background to the non-profit sector. He supports PLA International by providing guidance on strategic planning, operational efficiency, and long-term financial health. He believes that the same principles of user-centric design and data-informed strategy that drive success in technology can be powerful tools for creating social impact.
Drawing on his experience advising high-growth companies, Ibrahim helps the board navigate complex decisions and stay focused on scalable, mission-driven outcomes. He is dedicated to helping PLA International maximize its effectiveness and ensure every program delivers meaningful value to the communities it serves.
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Chairperson, PLA InternationalDr. Naseem Labue is the Chairperson of the Board for PLA International. A physician by profession, her approach to leadership is informed by her extensive experience in the medical field.
Her medical background brings a practical, evidence-based perspective to the Board's work. She emphasizes a methodical approach to strategy, focusing on clear outcomes and the well-being of the communities PLA International serves. As Chairperson, she guides the Board in setting clear strategic priorities and ensuring robust governance.
Dr. Labue is committed to steering the organization toward its goals with a steady focus on its core mission. Her leadership ensures that PLA International operates with purpose, accountability, and a consistent dedication to the people at the heart of its work.
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TreasurerDane Labue serves as Treasurer for PLA International, bringing a practical and methodical approach to the role informed by his career as a Software and Application Support Engineer.
His background in engineering, where precision and logical problem-solving are essential, directly translates to his responsibilities as Treasurer. He focuses on maintaining clear and accurate financial records, developing straightforward budgets, and ensuring the organization's financial processes are both transparent and efficient.
Dane believes in using clear data to support strategic decision-making, helping the Board effectively allocate resources to best serve the organization's mission. His technical skills also provide a valuable perspective on managing the systems and tools the organization uses for financial oversight.
His work ensures a strong financial foundation, allowing PLA International to focus on achieving its programmatic goals with confidence.
Join Our Mission: Volunteer with PLA International
Our work is powered by a dedicated global community of volunteers who contribute their skills, time, and passion to the fight for labor rights. We offer opportunities for students and professionals to engage in meaningful, project-based work that directly supports our mission and the efforts of PLA Uganda. Whether your expertise is in legal research, communications, curriculum development, or fundraising, your contribution can make a significant impact.
Meet Our Valued Volunteers
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Hama Amadou
Associate Director of Operations
Hama brings over 20 years of experience in humanitarian operations and program management from his extensive career with the United Nations. He has led major stabilization and recovery initiatives in conflict settings, such as overseeing 3,000 personnel with MINUSMA in Timbuktu. A certified project management professional with an MA from Brandeis and training from MIT and Yale, Hama provides a unique blend of operational leadership and policy expertise to PLA International.
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Madeline Cruz
Comparative Labor Law Researcher
Madeline brings her skills in legal research and analysis to PLA International as a Comparative Labor Law Researcher. She gained practical legal experience as an intern for the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s office, where she assisted attorneys with trial preparations and legal proceedings. Currently completing her B.S. in Political Science, Madeline's research for PLA involves a comparative analysis of the labor rights and conditions of domestic workers in Uganda and South Africa. Her analytical skills and passion for law provide valuable support to the organization's mission.
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Yaron Dagan
Comparative Labor Law Researcher
Yaron brings his expertise as a qualified lawyer from Israel to PLA International's research team. Specializing in criminal law and high-profile litigation, he has extensive experience advising leading NGOs in the fields of anti-corruption, human rights, and access to justice. Holding an LL.B from Tel Aviv University and an M.A. in Criminology, Yaron’s research for PLA involves comparative analysis on minimum wage frameworks. His background in complex litigation and human rights advocacy is a powerful asset to the organization's mission.
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Ruby Kellard
Civic Engagement Research Volunteer
Ruby is a program designer and facilitator with over seven years of experience in civic development and conflict transformation. As a Civic Engagement Research Volunteer, she draws on her experience leading education initiatives in Uganda, Kosovo, and Northern Ireland. Previously, as Head of UK Programmes for Plan for Peace, she led a national portfolio on conflict transformation. At PLA, Ruby develops adaptable civic engagement training modules and researches grassroots organizing models to support local advocacy. She holds an MSc in International Development and a BSc in Psychology. -
Sihan Shen
Comparative Labor Law Researcher
Sihan is a recent graduate from the College of William and Mary with degrees in English and History. As a Comparative Labor Law Researcher, he applies his strong analytical skills from the humanities to his work at PLA. His experience as a language tutor and instructor has provided a strong foundation for the detailed analysis required for his project, which involves a comparative study of the labor rights and conditions of domestic workers. Sihan's research contributes directly to PLA's goal of advancing labor rights.
Let’s work together
Are you a student or professional with skills in research, law, political science, or communications? We are always looking for passionate volunteers to contribute to our projects.