At just 38 years, Donatien Niyongendako, a refugee in Uganda is taking the human rights world by storm. As the founder of Integrated Refugee Organization, he’s revolutionizing the way we think about defending and promotion of rights and well-being of Human Rights Defenders, Civil Society Activists, Refugees, IDP’s and Host Communities.
Growing up in a small town in Burundi, Donatien was always inspired by what other human rights activists were doing back home thus growing the passion to acquire professional skills in IT and digital security which he would later use to defend and advocate for rights of fellow activists.
He was born in 1986 and spent his childhood days in Muramvya Province (Burundi). He has a master’s degree in computer engineering.
He came to Uganda in May 2015, following the political situation in Burundi that had become increasingly volatile, especially around the time of the 2015 elections.
“As someone deeply involved in human rights and digital security, it became unsafe for me to continue my work in Burundi. The escalating violence and threats forced me to leave my country in search of safety”. He said in an exclusive interview.
Adapting to a new country and environment was quite challenging but Donatien was fortunate to have a strong support network. His skills in IT and digital security came in hand.
“I was fortunate to have as much support as I needed particularly with the human rights community in Uganda. My professional skills in IT and digital security also allowed me to quickly find a role within DefendDefendres, which helped me stay focused and continue contributing to the causes I care about”.
The kindness and solidarity of the Ugandan people also made the transition smoother for him.
Back home in Burundi after completing his degree, Donatien worked for several organizations. When he got to Uganda, he worked for DefendDefenders for 9 years before starting his own NGO.
Integrated Refugee Organization launched in just two years ago, has already gained significant engagement and influence. Donatien’s approach to open up a Resource center, Digital Security Helpline and Refugee Innovation Hub to provide a safe and supportive space for learning, empowerment and collaboration for human rights defenders has caught the attention of donors, partners and activists.
Donatien was inspired by his personal experience as a refugee and the desire to empower others in similar situations.
“I saw a gap in the support available to refugees, especially in the areas of device’s access, digital security, entrepreneurship and innovation. I wanted to create platform that not only addresses immediate needs but also builds long-term resilience by providing training, resources, and opportunities for refugees to develop new skills and create their own pathways to success”. He said.
Donatien’s legal status has not stopped him from pursuing his dreams and actively engaging in human rights advocacy – a calling he passionately loves.
“I am still a refugee in Uganda. My status has not changed since I arrived, but I have been able to work legally through various permits and my association with Organizations like DefendDefenders. I am focused on my work and continue to advocate for human rights and digital security in the world”.
Asked to describe the state of human rights in Uganda compared to when he had just arrived, this is what he has to say.
“Uganda has made some strides in certain areas, but there are still some challenges. Human rights defenders, Journalists and Civil Society activists face ongoing challenges. However, there is also a resilient community of defenders who work tirelessly to protect and promote human rights. The environment remains hard, but the commitment of local and international actors gives hope for gradual improvement”. He noted.
During our conversation, I couldn’t miss out on the fact that Donatien is mesmerized by Ugandan food and culture.
“Ugandan food and culture are incredibly rich and diverse. The variety of dishes; particularly Matooke, Posho, and the different types of stew, have become part of my life. The culture is also very welcoming, with a strong sense of community that resonates with my own values. I’ve enjoyed learning about the different traditions and languages, which have helped me, feel more connected to the people here”. He said.
His message to fellow refugees in Uganda and other countries is to not lose hope, remain resilient and seek out opportunities for growth and learning.
“Even in difficult circumstances, it’s important to build a support network and stay connected with communities that share your experiences. Education and skill development are crucial; they open doors to new opportunities and help you become self-reliant. Lastly, never lose hope – no matter how challenging your situation might be, there’s always away forward. Stay strong, keep pushing for your rights, and remember that you are not alone”. He encouraged refugee communities.
His success can be attributed to his tireless work ethic, creativity, hard work, resilience, patience, networking and passion for making a difference. He’s a true rising activist, and his journey is only just beginning.
Keep following our website for more of these stories. In our next episode, I will unpack for you IRO’s newly launched Resource center, Digital SECURITY Helpline, and Refugee Innovation Hub at the Human Rights House in Nsambya
Report compiled by Teddy Namayanja. She’s a staff writer at SML News UG passionate about politics and human rights.