Helen Namyalo Kimbugwe is a nonprofit leader with over 15 years of experience in human rights programming, financial stewardship, and organizational leadership.

Having co-founded, and served formerly as the Programs Director, Helen is currently the Executive Director of the Defenders Protection Initiative (DPI), and she provides strategic direction for the organization’s core mission of enhancing the safety, security, resilience and protection of Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) in particularly in high-risk and restrictive environments.

She has established and led innovative protection loose networks, including the Security Working Group and the Digital Security Alliance, which serve as first responders for marginalized, highly at risk and rural activists. Additionally she has coordinated landmark advocacy initiatives, such as shepherding the Human Rights Defenders Bill to its first reading in Parliament.

Beyond DPI, Helen has served in leadership and operational roles with Protection International, Mercy Corps Uganda, International Law Institute, and Amnesty International, and serves as a Board member of the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders Uganda, Ubuntu Law and Justice Center, and Freedom and Roam Uganda.

A confident speaker and relationship-builder, she brings a people-centered, solutions-driven approach to human rights work, grounded in resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to justice and dignity.