Empowering Leadership-Inspiring results
Global Team
Our global team embodies Empowering Leadership and Inspiring Results. With diverse skills and a shared vision, we drive positive change worldwide. Together, we break barriers, challenge norms, and create a better future for orphans, vulnerable children, and women.
Board of Directors
Daphine Leeser, LL.M. Founder & President | Lawyer & Child Rights Advocate | Harvard Certificate in Child Advocacy
Daphine Leeser is the Founder and President of Barn och Kvinnor Organisation (BOK), a Christian faith-based nonprofit dedicated to protecting vulnerable children, empowering marginalised women, and restoring dignity to disadvantaged families raising children with disabilities. Since founding BOK, she has provided the strategic vision and leadership guiding its development into a humanitarian organization operating in Uganda and Kenya, with its organizational roots in Sweden. Under her leadership, BOK has developed programs addressing disability inclusion, community-based rehabilitation, maternal and child welfare, orphan care, women’s economic empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods. Her leadership emphasizes the transition from short-term humanitarian assistance to sustainable, community-driven interventions that strengthen families and promote long-term independence.
A lawyer by training, Daphine brings a multidisciplinary background spanning human rights, gender justice, international charitable work, financial regulation and organizational governance. Before establishing BOK, she served as Head of the Legal Department within charitable organizations in Sweden, where she worked extensively on gender-based violence, women’s rights, legal protection and access to justice for vulnerable individuals. Her experience exposed her to the systemic inequalities affecting women and children and strengthened her conviction that meaningful social transformation requires both legal protection and practical socioeconomic empowerment. She later advanced her career in the financial sector, taking on responsibilities in Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Know Your Customer (KYC), and regulatory compliance, including management roles in Germany. This combination of legal and financial expertise informs her approach to institutional accountability, risk management, ethical governance and responsible stewardship of charitable resources.
Daphine’s founding vision was shaped by her deep Christian faith and her commitment to translating compassion into practical action. Recognizing the need for sustained support for widows, orphans, children with disabilities and vulnerable women, she brought together like-minded close friends who shared her conviction that faith should be demonstrated through service. This collective commitment laid the foundation for Barn och Kvinnor Organisation. As Founder and President, she continues to lead the organization’s strategic planning, institutional development, resource mobilization and partnership engagement, while championing programs that address the underlying causes of poverty, discrimination and social exclusion.
Daphine earned her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Buckingham in the United Kingdom, followed by a Master of Laws (LLM) in Gender, Justice and Human Rights from Umeå University and a second Master of Laws (LLM) in European Economic Law, specializing in Banking and Financial Law from Stockholm University. Drawing upon her international professional experience and faith-centered leadership, she is committed to building BOK into a credible, accountable, and sustainable humanitarian institution that advances dignity, inclusion, and opportunity for some of society’s most vulnerable families.
Flavia Kakaire Co-founder & Vice President
Flavia Kakaire is a qualified Ugandan lawyer whose professional journey reflects a commitment to justice, human dignity, and protecting vulnerable communities. Having previously served as a Legal Officer, she has gained valuable experience working with women affected by gender-based violence (GBV), addressing legal and social barriers that prevent survivors from accessing protection, justice, and essential support. She currently works with the Uganda Law Society, further strengthening her experience within Uganda’s legal and human rights sector.
Her firsthand engagement with vulnerable women has shaped her understanding of the relationship between legal protection, economic vulnerability and social exclusion. This experience informs her leadership at Barn och Kvinnor Organization, where she advocates for interventions that go beyond immediate assistance to address the underlying challenges affecting women, children and disadvantaged families.
A devoted born-again Christian, Flavia regards her legal profession and humanitarian service as complementary expressions of her faith and commitment to social justice. As Vice President, she brings legal insight, compassion and a strong sense of responsibility to the organization’s governance, strategic development and advocacy efforts. She is particularly committed to advancing women’s dignity, strengthening child protection and promoting opportunities that enable vulnerable families to achieve greater independence and lasting transformation.
Esther Kisembo Co-Founder & Executive Impact Director of Barn och Kvinnor Organisation (BOK)
Esther Kisembo is the Co-Founder and Executive Impact Director of Barn och Kvinnor Organisation (BOK), bringing over a decade of professional experience in humanitarian program management, women’s rights advocacy, gender justice and community development. As a qualified lawyer and experienced development practitioner, she plays a central role in translating BOK’s humanitarian vision into impactful, community-driven programs that protect vulnerable children, empower women and strengthen disadvantaged families in Uganda and Kenya.
Before joining BOK’s leadership, Esther built an extensive career in Uganda’s civil society and development sector, including more than ten years of senior project management and coordination experience with ActionAid International Uganda. Her work involved managing and coordinating programs addressing gender-based violence (GBV), women’s empowerment, human rights, and the protection of vulnerable communities. She also served as a Legal Officer with the Uganda Association of Women Lawyers (FIDA Uganda), where she gained valuable experience in legal advocacy, women’s rights, and access to justice. These roles strengthened her expertise in program implementation, stakeholder engagement, community mobilization, and the delivery of rights-based interventions.
As Co-Founder and Executive Impact Director, Esther provides strategic leadership in program design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, helping ensure that BOK’s initiatives deliver measurable and sustainable outcomes. Her experience in managing complex development programs informs the organization’s approach to disability inclusion, women’s economic empowerment, child protection, and community resilience. She is particularly committed to strengthening program accountability, building effective partnerships, and ensuring that humanitarian resources translate into meaningful improvements in beneficiaries’ lives.
Esther holds a Master of Management Studies and a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management from the Uganda Management Institute. Combining her legal background, advanced management education, and extensive humanitarian experience, she brings a results-oriented leadership approach to BOK, grounded in the conviction that effective development programs must empower communities, uphold human dignity, and create lasting social change.
Edith Ayebare Qualified Financial and Business Controller. MBA-Finance - The Hague University Netherlands
Edith is a dedicated finance and project management professional who plays an important role at Barn och Kvinnor Organisation. With a strong background in finance, human resource management, and project coordination, she supports initiatives aimed at improving the lives of orphans, widows, and vulnerable women. Her experience in budgeting, administration, stakeholder coordination, and team leadership helps ensure that the organisation’s resources and programmes are managed effectively.
Guided by her strong Christian faith, Edith approaches her work with compassion, integrity, and a genuine desire to serve others. She is inspired by the scripture, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Through her commitment and caring approach, Edith strives to bring hope, dignity, and lasting positive change to vulnerable communities.
Suzana Brandsen Co-Founder & Board Member
Suzana Makumbi is the Co-Founder and Project Advisor of Barn och Kvinnor Organisation (BOK), with an educational background and practical experience in supporting children with disabilities in Sweden. Her experience has equipped her with valuable knowledge of disability inclusion, individualized care, and the importance of creating supportive environments for children with disabilities, orphans, and other vulnerable children.
As Project Advisor, Suzana helps plan and develop BOK’s humanitarian programs, particularly initiatives supporting children with disabilities, orphans, and disadvantaged families. She also plays an active role in fundraising and resource mobilization, helping secure essential resources to strengthen the organization’s charitable activities in Uganda and Kenya.
Driven by compassion and a commitment to children’s welfare, Suzana advocates for inclusive, sustainable interventions that give vulnerable children opportunities for improved well-being, protection, and a brighter future.
Juliet Hansson Co-Founder & Board Member
Juliet Hansson serves as a Board Member of Barn och Kvinnor Organisation (BOK), contributing to the organization’s strategic direction, project development, and humanitarian mission. She provides guidance on program planning, implementation and sustainability, helping ensure that BOK’s initiatives respond effectively to the needs of vulnerable communities.
In her advisory capacity, Juliet supports the development of community-focused projects, offering insights into program priorities, resource mobilization and opportunities for organizational growth. Her contribution strengthens BOK’s commitment to supporting children with disabilities, orphans, widows and vulnerable women through inclusive and sustainable interventions.
As a member of the Board, Juliet is committed to promoting effective governance, collaboration and meaningful community impact, helping advance BOK’s vision of restoring dignity, empowering families and creating lasting positive change
Jane Kakande Co-Founder & Board Member
Jane Kakande is a qualified social worker and Senior Practitioner in Adult and Family Social Care in the United Kingdom, bringing extensive professional experience in safeguarding, family welfare, and supporting vulnerable individuals. Her work focuses on protecting at-risk adults, strengthening families, and promoting dignity, independence, and social inclusion.
Jane holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Stockholm University, Sweden. Her academic background and professional experience have given her expertise in social protection, safeguarding, and person-centered care, particularly for individuals and families facing complex social challenges.
As a Board Member and Project Advisor, Jane contributes her expertise to BOK’s programs supporting children with disabilities, orphans, vulnerable women, and disadvantaged families. Her guidance strengthens the organization’s approach to child protection, family support and inclusive community development, ensuring that interventions promote long-term well-being and sustainable social impact.
Lillian Bukirwa Board Treasurer
Lillian Bukirwa is the Treasurer of Barn och Kvinnor Organisation (BOK), bringing over 16 years of professional experience in banking, financial services, and regulatory compliance. She has built an extensive career with Stanbic Bank Uganda, where she has held leadership responsibilities in Know Your Customer (KYC) operations, financial risk management, and compliance processes.
Her banking experience has given her strong expertise in financial oversight, regulatory compliance, risk assessment, and operational accountability. As Treasurer, Lillian applies this knowledge to strengthen BOK’s financial governance, promote transparency, and support the responsible management of charitable funds.
With a strong commitment to financial integrity and ethical stewardship, Lillian helps ensure the organization manages its resources effectively to support sustainable programs benefiting vulnerable women, children with disabilities, orphans, and disadvantaged families.
Country Coordinator
Stella Kagoro Country Coordinator – Uganda & Kenya
Stella Kagoro is the Country Coordinator for Uganda and Kenya at Barn och Kvinnor Organisation (BOK), bringing extensive professional experience in banking, real estate development, and philanthropy. Her background in financial services, business management and community engagement strengthens her ability to coordinate humanitarian operations and foster sustainable partnerships.
As Country Coordinator, Stella provides operational leadership and oversees the coordination, implementation, and monitoring of BOK’s programs across Uganda and Kenya. She serves as a key link between the organization’s leadership, local project teams, community stakeholders and implementing partners, ensuring that activities align with BOK’s strategic objectives and respond effectively to the needs of vulnerable communities.
Stella also supports resource mobilization, partnership development, field operations and program accountability, helping strengthen operational efficiency and the responsible use of resources. Her commitment to philanthropy and community development reinforces BOK’s mission to improve the lives of children with disabilities, orphans, widows, and vulnerable families through sustainable, measurable impact.
Staff
Babra Komuhangi Community Rehabilitation Officer & Project Lead
Babra Komuhangi is an experienced physiotherapist and Community Rehabilitation Officer at Barn och Kvinnor Organisation (BOK), bringing over 10 years of professional experience in community-based rehabilitation, disability care, and supporting children with special needs. She specializes in providing physiotherapy interventions for children with disabilities, particularly those with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and other physical and developmental conditions.
As Community Rehabilitation Officer and Project Lead, Babra coordinates BOK’s field projects, conducts rehabilitation assessments and provides community-based physiotherapy to improve children’s mobility, functional independence and overall well-being. She also works closely with caregivers, local healthcare professionals and community stakeholders to strengthen family-centered rehabilitation, promote disability inclusion and ensure effective project implementation.
Babra holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation and a Master’s degree in Psychology, specializing in Counseling Psychology and Human Behavior. Her multidisciplinary background enables her to integrate physical rehabilitation with psychosocial support, caregiver counseling, and evidence-based project monitoring.
Through her clinical expertise and field leadership, Babra plays a central role in advancing BOK’s disability inclusion programs, ensuring that children with disabilities and their families receive compassionate, practical, and sustainable support.
Volunteers
Milly Akumu Community Volunteer | Uganda
Milly Akumu is a dedicated volunteer with Barn och Kvinnor Organisation (BOK), supporting community outreach and humanitarian activities in Uganda. She helps coordinate and deliver charitable initiatives that benefit children with disabilities, vulnerable mothers, widows, and disadvantaged families.
Through her volunteer service, Milly supports community engagement, beneficiary support, and the distribution of essential resources, helping ensure BOK’s programs reach families most in need. Her commitment to compassionate service reflects the organization’s mission to restore dignity and strengthen vulnerable communities.
Diana Sempasa Volunteer | Uganda
Diana Sempasa is a dedicated volunteer with Barn och Kvinnor Organisation (BOK) in Uganda, bringing professional experience in finance and insurance services. She works with Jubilee Insurance Uganda, where she has gained valuable knowledge of financial services, risk management and organisational operations.
As a volunteer, Diana supports BOK’s community outreach, fundraising and resource mobilisation initiatives, contributing to programmes benefiting children with disabilities, orphans, widows and vulnerable families. Her financial background provides valuable insight into responsible resource management and the effective coordination of charitable activities.
Driven by a commitment to community service, Diana contributes her time, professional knowledge and skills to advancing BOK’s mission of restoring dignity, empowering vulnerable families and creating sustainable community impact.
Carol Namatovu Community Volunteer | Uganda
Carol is a Registered Nurse and volunteer with Barn och Kvinnor Organisation (BOK), bringing professional healthcare knowledge and experience in patient care and community health. She is currently pursuing a degree in Public Health, further developing her understanding of disease prevention, health promotion, and community well-being.
As a volunteer, Carol contributes her healthcare expertise to BOK’s initiatives supporting vulnerable mothers, newborns, children with disabilities and disadvantaged families. Her nursing background strengthens the organization’s health outreach, caregiver education, and maternal and child welfare activities, helping build healthier, more resilient communities.
Millia Nahabwe Community Volunteer | Uganda
Millia is a valued community volunteer at BOK, where she works as an Assistant Specialist for Children with Special Needs. Her work covers both physical and emotional support: she helps with physiotherapy to build children’s strength, mobility and confidence, and offers counselling to children and their families as they face everyday challenges.
Millia believes every child deserves to be seen, heard and celebrated for who they are. Her patience, warmth and commitment to inclusion make her a trusted part of the BOK community, and a familiar, caring presence for the children she works with.
Zanet Amalemba Project Coordinator & Volunteer
Zanet Amalemba is the Project Coordinator and Volunteer for Barn och Kvinnor Organization (BOK) in Kenya, providing local leadership and coordination of the organization’s humanitarian initiatives in Mombasa. She plays a central role in managing BOK’s partnership with Likoni AIDS Orphanage Center, supporting programs that improve the welfare, education, and living conditions of vulnerable children and orphans.
As Project Coordinator, Zanet oversees local project activities, coordinates volunteers, engages with community partners and supports the distribution of essential resources. She also facilitates communication between BOK’s leadership and its implementing partners, helping ensure projects are delivered effectively and respond to beneficiaries’ needs.
Her dedication to community service and children’s welfare strengthens BOK’s presence in Kenya and advances sustainable support for orphans and disadvantaged families.
Contact Our Dedicated Team
Our team at Barn Och Kvinnor Organisation is here to assist you.
Reach out to us for any inquiries or to learn more about how you can support our mission to uplift vulnerable children, orphans and widows.