Team of last Hope refugee association
Laurent Shabombo
Founder and Executive Director
I’m Laurent Shabombo, a 24-year-old trans woman, Congolese by origin, and a refugee in Uganda. Dedicated to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, I worked for 5 years as a focal point for Bagira commune and LGBTQ+ advocate at Rainbow Sunrise MAPAMBAZUKO in DRC, Bukavu. I also served as a peer educator for 3 years at Parlons Santé au Communauté (PASCO).
In 2019, I was forced to flee DRC due to my activism for LGBTQ+ rights. Accused of “promoting homosexuality” by Protestant communities, I sought refuge in Uganda.
Founding Last Hope Refugee Association
Daniella Musesambili
Advocacy Officer
I escaped persecution in the Democratic Republic of Congo due to my sexual orientation and gender identity. I am currently a refugee in Uganda.
I currently work with Last Hope Refugee Association as an advocacy officer. My goal is to advocate for my community and help them access the same rights as others.”
Balaga David
Program Manager
Born with a desire to make a difference, I pursued my secondary education at Collage Saint Paul in the Democratic Republic of Congo, graduating with a diploma in Bio-Chemistry in 2016. My plans to attend university were interrupted when I was arrested for my human rights activism at just 18 years old.
In 2017, fearing for my life, I fled to Uganda, seeking safety and continuing my advocacy for human rights.
In Uganda, I resumed my education at Bishop Stuart University, completing my course in Oil and Gas in 2020.
Noella Nanyesiza
Finance
Noelle Nanyesize, a Congolese trans man and renowned human rights activist, has dedicated his life to advocating for social justice. Previously, he worked with CUSO RDC, a humanitarian organization, promoting human rights and equality.
Due to his activism and gender identity, Noelle faced persecution in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He escaped to Uganda, where he now seeks refuge and continues his humanitarian work.
Currently, Noelle serves as Finance Officer at Last Hope Refugee Association, supporting LGBTQ+ refugees and vulnerable populations.
Quote:
“I’m proud to be a voice for my community, fighting for equality and justice, even in the face of adversity.”
Gilbert Ntaundi
Human Resource
Gilbert Ntaundi, a renowned activist from the Democratic Republic of Congo, has dedicated his life to human rights advocacy. With over 20 years of experience in humanitarian work, he has served as a trainer for various organizations.
Due to his activism, Gilbert was forced to flee the DRC and seek refuge in Uganda. He joined Last Hope Refugee Association, where he serves as Human Resources Officer and Trainer.
In this role, he continues to advocate for refugee rights and vulnerable populations, sharing his expertise and experience to promote social justice and equality.”
Kezakimana Hugor
Awareness Officer
Born with a gender identity that challenged societal norms, Kezakimana Hugor discovered her true self as a trans woman at 17. This revelation marked the beginning of a courageous and resolute journey of activism.
Kezakimana began her advocacy as a Peer Educator at Centre Remuruka, an organization defending LGBTQ+ rights in Burundi. For two years, she tirelessly raised awareness about gender and sexual orientation issues in local communities.
Adelard Baroli
Health charge
A Life of Commitment to Trans Rights
Born with a gender identity that breaks societal norms , Adélard Baroli discovered her sexual orientation at the age of 15 when she came out as a trans woman.
Beginning of activism in Congo
I started Activism in 2010 in Bukavu and I was a co-founder of an organization called RAINBOW SUN RISE MAPAMBAZUKO, I was in charge of health but also a position as a representative of transgender people within the organization.
Riziki Ndanjungu
advisor
I am Riziki Ndanjungu, born in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo. I fled persecution due to my sexual orientation and activism as an LGBTIQ advocate, until I arrived in Uganda in 2012. Since 2020, I have been working with Last Hope Refugee Association.
I am passionate about my community and proud to advocate for my Transgender brothers and sisters.”
Daniel Lubala
Peer Educator
Daniel Lubala, a Congolese trans woman, fled the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2017 due to persecution and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals. She found refuge in Uganda, where she joined the refugee community.
As a trans woman in the DRC, Daniel faced numerous challenges, including discrimination, violence, and marginalization. Despite these obstacles, she found the strength to continue fighting for her rights and those of her community.
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