©2025 Eannaso
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eannaso@eannaso.org
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Plot # 595, Themi Nanenane, Njiro Road P.O. Box 6187- 23109 Arusha, Tanzania

Our Secretariat

Our Secretariat

Our Secretariat team brings together deep expertise and a shared commitment to advancing EANNASO’s mission. The Secretariat plays a central role in ensuring that EANNASO remains aligned with its vision and continues to lead in community engagement and policy advocacy. Besides the Secretariat staff, EANNASO engages a broad pool of consultants on both short- and long-term contracts, thereby expanding our technical capacity and reach.

  • Kennedy Otundo, BASS, MBA, MPH
    Kennedy Otundo, BASS, MBA, MPH
    Executive Director
  • Rodrick W. Mugishagwe
    Rodrick W. Mugishagwe
    Resource Movilization and Strategic Partnership Officer
  • Levina Joachim Lyimo
    Levina Joachim Lyimo
    Finance & Administration Manager
  • Richard Swai
    Richard Swai
    Finance and M&E Officer
  • Denis Bwana Eliasaph
    Denis Bwana Eliasaph
    SRHR Officer
  • Linda Hamisi Kakolwa
    Linda Hamisi Kakolwa
    Policy and Advocacy Officer
  • Lisa MaryAnne Mwangi
    Lisa MaryAnne Mwangi
    Anglophone Africa Learning Hub Coordinator
  • John Beku
    John Beku
    Programs Support
Kennedy Otundo, BASS, MBA, MPH
Executive Director

Champion of Human Rights & Universal Health Care
Kennedy Otundo is a dynamic and visionary leader in public health and human rights, recognized for driving transformative programs that strengthen health systems, empower communities, and advance social justice across Eastern Africa. As the newly appointed Executive Director of the Eastern Africa National Networks of AIDS Service Organisations (EANNASO), he brings unparalleled expertise in strategic leadership, civil society engagement, and evidence-based health programming.
With over 20 years of proven leadership in HIV/AIDS, TB, sexual and reproductive health, WASH, and gender-based violence programming, Kennedy has consistently mobilized resources, built high-performing partnerships, and championed the rights of vulnerable populations. He has led multi-million-dollar initiatives with global partners including USAID, GIZ, Global Fund, Plan International, and Frontline AIDS, delivering measurable impact and strengthening the voice of civil society in national and regional policy-making.
Kennedy’s academic credentials—a Master’s in public health (NEXUS International University, 2022) and an MBA in Developing Project Management (St. Elizabeth University, Slovakia, 2016)—combined with advanced certifications in sexual and reproductive health, adolescent-focused interventions, and human rights-based programming, equip him with the strategic insight to design and execute innovative, high-impact programs.
Throughout his career, Kennedy has transformed civil society networks into powerful agents of change, leading Uganda’s national and regional coordination of CSOs, strengthening youth-led advocacy platforms, and integrating cross-sectoral interventions that reduce stigma, improve treatment adherence, and expand access to quality health services. His work has been showcased at prestigious international forums, underscoring his capacity to influence policy, guide evidence-based practices, and foster sustainable development outcomes.
Kennedy is a strategic negotiator, inspirational leader, and credible voice at high-level government and donor platforms. He serves as Vice Chairperson of the Committee of Technical Experts at the Uganda AIDS Commission and represents civil society in PEPFAR country and regional strategic planning. He has also co-founded and chaired boards of impactful initiatives, cultivating robust partnerships that amplify resource mobilization and program sustainability.
Fluent in English, Kiswahili, and Luganda, Kennedy excels at building consensus, advocating for equity, and driving cross-sector collaborations. His approach combines strategic vision, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to human rights, ensuring that programs are inclusive, sustainable, and results-driven.
As Executive Director of EANNASO, Kennedy is committed to advancing universal health coverage, strengthening civil society influence, and mobilizing transformative resources that deliver lasting impact across Eastern Africa. He is a proven catalyst for change, recognized for his ability to align partners, inspire communities, and deliver measurable results that matter.

Rodrick W. Mugishagwe
Resource Movilization and Strategic Partnership Officer
Rodrick Mugishagwe is a highly accomplished Project Management Specialist with over 8 years of experience in tuberculosis (TB) programs in East and Southern Africa and currently serving as a Program Manager at EANNASO. He also coordinates TB civil society (CS) and communities in Tanzania through the Tanzania TB Community Network (TTCN) to amplify their voices, advocate for their needs, take ownership of their health outcomes, and drive positive change. Rodrick is a dedicated TB advocate with a profound commitment to improving the lives of those affected by TB. He serves as a member Developing Country NGO Delegation to the Stop TB Partnership Board, Ministry of Health Tanzania Community TB & Mining Technical Working Groups, Board member of the Stop TB Partnership Tanzania, Regional Coordinating Mechanism Oversite Chairperson for the TB in the Mines in Southern Africa, Member of the WHO CSO Commission, Member of TBCI Technical Working Group and Member of the Tanzania TB Constituency to the TNCM.
Levina Joachim Lyimo
Finance & Administration Manager

Levina joined EANNASO in 2018, bringing 12 years of experience in finance. She oversees financial services including accounting, treasury, reporting, budgeting, insurance management, and grants management analysis, ensuring compliance with legislative requirements and organizational policies. Before EANNASO, she spent 5 years as an Accountant and 7 years as an Assistant Accountant, focusing on audit, financial reporting, and fair market value measurement. Levina is a certified CPA (T) and an active member of NBAA, holding a Diploma in Procurement and Supplies Management, and a certificate in secretarial duties. Her interests include volunteering at church and spending time with family and friends.

Richard Swai
Finance and M&E Officer

Richard Swai, the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) and Accounts Assistant at EANNASO, applies a detailed approach to financial management and program evaluation. With expertise in accounting and data analysis, Richard ensures precise financial reporting, budget monitoring, and adherence to donor requirements. He also contributes to designing and implementing MEL frameworks, facilitating continuous project improvement. Dedicated to boosting organizational efficiency and effectiveness, Richard supports EANNASO’s mission to empower communities and enhance health outcomes across Anglophone Africa. Joining EANNASO in July 2019, he maintains the organization’s books, prepares financial reports, and aids in budget development. Prior to this, he worked at various auditing firms in Tanzania, focusing on accounting and auditing for non-profit organizations.

Denis Bwana Eliasaph
SRHR Officer

Denis Bwana Eliasaph is a Seasoned Lawyer and Advocate of the High Court of Tanzania and Courts subordinate there except Primary Courts, He is also a Notary Public and Commissioner for Oaths. He is also a member of the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) and the East Africa Law Society (EALS). Denis is currently working at EANNASO as a Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) Officer having previously worked at the Prime Minister’s office as the Ethics Officer supporting the National Coordinating Mechanisms for Global Fund (TNCM) in the oversight of the Global Fund investments in Tanzania to fight HIV, TB and Malaria as well as Building resilient and sustainable systems for health.

At EANNASO he currently Leads the SRHR Program implemented in the Great Lake Region Countries (Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, DRC Congo and Zambia) focusing on advocating for policy reforms on SRHR Policies and availability of SRHR Commodities, He also champions the EAC SRH Bill aiming at improving the SRH services within the East Africa Community partner states, He also provides Legal Advice to the Organization.

Denis being a public health practitioner, has worked on several public health programs including but not limited to Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW), most at-risk populations, Gender, Youths interventions, sexual reproductive health, HIV, TB and Malaria interventions focusing on Human Rights and Gender components as well as Advocacy on Policy and legal framework reforms.

Linda Hamisi Kakolwa
Policy and Advocacy Officer

Linda Hamisi Kakolwa is a dedicated public health advocate and community development practitioner with a strong background in research, policy, and project management. She holds a BSc. in Family and Consumer Studies and an MSc. in Project Planning and Management and is currently pursuing an MSc. in Public Health Research. Passionate about eradicating poverty and improving health outcomes in African communities, Linda specializes in developing and implementing advocacy strategies for public health issues, including HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria, SRH, climate change, and pandemic preparedness. With extensive experience in capacity building, community-based research, and policy influence, she believes that evidence-based interventions can transform livelihoods and redefine Africa’s development narrative.

Lisa MaryAnne Mwangi
Anglophone Africa Learning Hub Coordinator

Lisa MaryAnne Mwangi is a social impact strategist and feminist leader who designs youth-led and gender-focused programmes across Africa, advancing inclusive governance in the health and policy sectors. Her work centres on strengthening voice, agency and meaningful participation of communities in decision-making spaces.
Lisa collaborates with communities, stakeholders and policy actors to drive systemic and equity-based change, using dialogue and advocacy as a transformative tools. She currently leads Global Fund’s Anglophone and Lusophone Africa Learning Hub to strengthen and enhance community engagement in Global Fund processes. Lisa remains committed to creating pathways, brave/safe spaces and enabling environments where power and resources are reimagined through inclusive and values-driven leadership.

John Beku
Programs Support
John Beku
Programs Support
Kennedy Otundo, BASS, MBA, MPH
Executive Director

Champion of Human Rights & Universal Health Care
Kennedy Otundo is a dynamic and visionary leader in public health and human rights, recognized for driving transformative programs that strengthen health systems, empower communities, and advance social justice across Eastern Africa. As the newly appointed Executive Director of the Eastern Africa National Networks of AIDS Service Organisations (EANNASO), he brings unparalleled expertise in strategic leadership, civil society engagement, and evidence-based health programming.
With over 20 years of proven leadership in HIV/AIDS, TB, sexual and reproductive health, WASH, and gender-based violence programming, Kennedy has consistently mobilized resources, built high-performing partnerships, and championed the rights of vulnerable populations. He has led multi-million-dollar initiatives with global partners including USAID, GIZ, Global Fund, Plan International, and Frontline AIDS, delivering measurable impact and strengthening the voice of civil society in national and regional policy-making.
Kennedy’s academic credentials—a Master’s in public health (NEXUS International University, 2022) and an MBA in Developing Project Management (St. Elizabeth University, Slovakia, 2016)—combined with advanced certifications in sexual and reproductive health, adolescent-focused interventions, and human rights-based programming, equip him with the strategic insight to design and execute innovative, high-impact programs.
Throughout his career, Kennedy has transformed civil society networks into powerful agents of change, leading Uganda’s national and regional coordination of CSOs, strengthening youth-led advocacy platforms, and integrating cross-sectoral interventions that reduce stigma, improve treatment adherence, and expand access to quality health services. His work has been showcased at prestigious international forums, underscoring his capacity to influence policy, guide evidence-based practices, and foster sustainable development outcomes.
Kennedy is a strategic negotiator, inspirational leader, and credible voice at high-level government and donor platforms. He serves as Vice Chairperson of the Committee of Technical Experts at the Uganda AIDS Commission and represents civil society in PEPFAR country and regional strategic planning. He has also co-founded and chaired boards of impactful initiatives, cultivating robust partnerships that amplify resource mobilization and program sustainability.
Fluent in English, Kiswahili, and Luganda, Kennedy excels at building consensus, advocating for equity, and driving cross-sector collaborations. His approach combines strategic vision, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to human rights, ensuring that programs are inclusive, sustainable, and results-driven.
As Executive Director of EANNASO, Kennedy is committed to advancing universal health coverage, strengthening civil society influence, and mobilizing transformative resources that deliver lasting impact across Eastern Africa. He is a proven catalyst for change, recognized for his ability to align partners, inspire communities, and deliver measurable results that matter.

Lisa MaryAnne Mwangi
Anglophone Africa Learning Hub Coordinator

Lisa MaryAnne Mwangi is a social impact strategist and feminist leader who designs youth-led and gender-focused programmes across Africa, advancing inclusive governance in the health and policy sectors. Her work centres on strengthening voice, agency and meaningful participation of communities in decision-making spaces.
Lisa collaborates with communities, stakeholders and policy actors to drive systemic and equity-based change, using dialogue and advocacy as a transformative tools. She currently leads Global Fund’s Anglophone and Lusophone Africa Learning Hub to strengthen and enhance community engagement in Global Fund processes. Lisa remains committed to creating pathways, brave/safe spaces and enabling environments where power and resources are reimagined through inclusive and values-driven leadership.

Linda Hamisi Kakolwa
Policy and Advocacy Officer

Linda Hamisi Kakolwa is a dedicated public health advocate and community development practitioner with a strong background in research, policy, and project management. She holds a BSc. in Family and Consumer Studies and an MSc. in Project Planning and Management and is currently pursuing an MSc. in Public Health Research. Passionate about eradicating poverty and improving health outcomes in African communities, Linda specializes in developing and implementing advocacy strategies for public health issues, including HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria, SRH, climate change, and pandemic preparedness. With extensive experience in capacity building, community-based research, and policy influence, she believes that evidence-based interventions can transform livelihoods and redefine Africa’s development narrative.

Denis Bwana Eliasaph
SRHR Officer

Denis Bwana Eliasaph is a Seasoned Lawyer and Advocate of the High Court of Tanzania and Courts subordinate there except Primary Courts, He is also a Notary Public and Commissioner for Oaths. He is also a member of the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) and the East Africa Law Society (EALS). Denis is currently working at EANNASO as a Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) Officer having previously worked at the Prime Minister’s office as the Ethics Officer supporting the National Coordinating Mechanisms for Global Fund (TNCM) in the oversight of the Global Fund investments in Tanzania to fight HIV, TB and Malaria as well as Building resilient and sustainable systems for health.

At EANNASO he currently Leads the SRHR Program implemented in the Great Lake Region Countries (Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, DRC Congo and Zambia) focusing on advocating for policy reforms on SRHR Policies and availability of SRHR Commodities, He also champions the EAC SRH Bill aiming at improving the SRH services within the East Africa Community partner states, He also provides Legal Advice to the Organization.

Denis being a public health practitioner, has worked on several public health programs including but not limited to Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW), most at-risk populations, Gender, Youths interventions, sexual reproductive health, HIV, TB and Malaria interventions focusing on Human Rights and Gender components as well as Advocacy on Policy and legal framework reforms.

Richard Swai
Finance and M&E Officer

Richard Swai, the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) and Accounts Assistant at EANNASO, applies a detailed approach to financial management and program evaluation. With expertise in accounting and data analysis, Richard ensures precise financial reporting, budget monitoring, and adherence to donor requirements. He also contributes to designing and implementing MEL frameworks, facilitating continuous project improvement. Dedicated to boosting organizational efficiency and effectiveness, Richard supports EANNASO’s mission to empower communities and enhance health outcomes across Anglophone Africa. Joining EANNASO in July 2019, he maintains the organization’s books, prepares financial reports, and aids in budget development. Prior to this, he worked at various auditing firms in Tanzania, focusing on accounting and auditing for non-profit organizations.

Levina Joachim Lyimo
Finance & Administration Manager

Levina joined EANNASO in 2018, bringing 12 years of experience in finance. She oversees financial services including accounting, treasury, reporting, budgeting, insurance management, and grants management analysis, ensuring compliance with legislative requirements and organizational policies. Before EANNASO, she spent 5 years as an Accountant and 7 years as an Assistant Accountant, focusing on audit, financial reporting, and fair market value measurement. Levina is a certified CPA (T) and an active member of NBAA, holding a Diploma in Procurement and Supplies Management, and a certificate in secretarial duties. Her interests include volunteering at church and spending time with family and friends.

Rodrick W. Mugishagwe
Resource Movilization and Strategic Partnership Officer
Rodrick Mugishagwe is a highly accomplished Project Management Specialist with over 8 years of experience in tuberculosis (TB) programs in East and Southern Africa and currently serving as a Program Manager at EANNASO. He also coordinates TB civil society (CS) and communities in Tanzania through the Tanzania TB Community Network (TTCN) to amplify their voices, advocate for their needs, take ownership of their health outcomes, and drive positive change. Rodrick is a dedicated TB advocate with a profound commitment to improving the lives of those affected by TB. He serves as a member Developing Country NGO Delegation to the Stop TB Partnership Board, Ministry of Health Tanzania Community TB & Mining Technical Working Groups, Board member of the Stop TB Partnership Tanzania, Regional Coordinating Mechanism Oversite Chairperson for the TB in the Mines in Southern Africa, Member of the WHO CSO Commission, Member of TBCI Technical Working Group and Member of the Tanzania TB Constituency to the TNCM.