Robert is a PhD candidate and Maria Skłodowska-Curie Fellow under the GROW program, supported by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) and the European Union. He is jointly conducting his research at the The Van Vollenhoven Institute for Law and Governance (VVI) and the Africa Study Centre (ASC), Leiden University. Previously worked as development consultant for governments, Think tanks and international organisation on rule of law, governance and Justice innovation in fragile contexts in Africa.

His PhD research entitled “People-centred justice or ethnojustice? Assessing the claim for customary and informal justice systems in post conflict context” The research aims to unpack the claim for people-centred justice within customary and informal justice systems operating in fragile context. Utilising the Acholi Customary Justice System of “Mato oput”–traditional reconciliation ritual as a case study, the research investigates how traditional justice systems adapt and evolve during period of conflict and transitions. In doing so, the research will critically examine the impact of these systems on land governance, natural resource management, focusing particularly on the complex relationship between traditional authority, state institutions and international donors. The study seeks to understand how these dynamics influence access to and control over land for rural women and youth in post conflict context, and what implication this holds for achieving equitable land governance and people-centred justice. Robert’s research is jointly supervised of Janine Ubink (VVI) and Mayke Kaag (ASC), Leiden University.

He holds a Master’s degree in Development Studies, with a specialization in Human Rights from Erasmus University Rotterdam (International Institute of Social Studies–ISS), Best Africa Thesis Award ASC 2022. He also holds a Bachelor degree in Business Statistics (with Merit) from Makerere University, and Diploma in Law (with Distinction) from the Law Development Centre in Uganda.

In his free time, Robert enjoys travelling, spending time with friends and dancing. He is a semi-pro Afrobeats and Amapiano dancer and also enjoys Bachata and Kizomba.