Deo Mbabazi
Meet Deo
Entrepreneur
Kampala, Uganda
Deo Mbabazi is a Ugandan peace and justice advocate, environmental steward, and evangelist committed to social equity, climate action, and grassroots empowerment. He currently serves as Interim National Coordinator of Voices Unbound Collective (VUC), a nationwide network defending human rights and environmental justice. With a background in founding and leading impactful community initiatives like BIWODA, Assure Uganda, and COTI, Deo amplifies marginalized voices and drives transformative change across Uganda.
Areas of activity:
Policy and Advocacy
About:
Deo Mbabazi is a passionate advocate for peace, justice, environmental stewardship, and social transformation in Uganda. With over a decade of experience leading grassroots and national movements, Deo has dedicated his life to building a more equitable and sustainable future for communities across the country.
His journey in leadership began with the Biringo Women’s Development Association (BIWODA) in 2014—a grassroots initiative born from the support of local women who helped fund his education. BIWODA became a model for community-driven empowerment, focusing on education, agriculture, and sustainable energy.
In 2017, Deo co-founded Assure Uganda, a youth-centered organization advancing democracy, civic education, and climate resilience. As its Volunteer President since 2022, he has been a catalyst for youth engagement in public life and environmental advocacy.
Deo’s national influence grew further when he was elected National Coordinator of the Grassroots Defenders Network (GRADNET) in 2018. There, he supported and protected human rights defenders navigating Uganda’s increasingly constrained civic space.
He also founded the Community Change and Transformation Initiative (COTI) in Mpigi District, tackling poverty through education, sustainable farming, and public health campaigns.
In November 2024, Deo was elected Interim National Coordinator of the Voices Unbound Collective (VUC)—a powerful network of 56 human rights defenders across Uganda. Through VUC, he now coordinates efforts to safeguard human rights, civic engagement, and environmental justice on a national scale.
A respected leader in climate advocacy, he has spoken at forums like the UN-Africa Regional Summit on Sustainable Development, championing indigenous solutions and expanded climate finance.
Deo’s life and work are driven by a vision of a free, just, and thriving society where every voice matters and the planet is protected for future generations.