Sandra Justine Kyagaba

Sandra Justine Kyagaba is a dedicated Ugandan community social worker and passionate human rights activist. Currently based in Toronto, Canada Sandra works with the African Partnership Against AIDS (APAA). Sandra’s commitment to HIV/AIDS advocacy is deeply personal, stemming from her experiences growing up in a country heavily affected by the epidemic. Witnessing the suffering and loss caused by AIDS inspired her to humanize the issue and leverage her community experience to drive change.

Sandra has a robust background working with civil society organizations at various levels—community, national, regional, and international. Her expertise spans multiple areas, including HIV/AIDS organizations, single parent support groups, VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas), LGBTQ groups, and educational institutions such as universities, colleges, churches, and youth groups. She excels in community development programs and human rights advocacy, with a strong focus on women, young people, and people living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs).

A skilled trainer, Sandra has facilitated numerous workshops, training, and conferences, serving as a presenter and keynote speaker on national and international platforms. Her exposure to high-skilled professionals through international conferences and training has enriched her knowledge and skills in information, education, and communication. She is dedicated to sharing this knowledge to empower vulnerable communities.

Sandra’s significant contributions have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Commonwealth Professional Fellowship in the UK (2012) and the Ma’ Africa Title in South Africa (2002) for her work in sustainable community development. She has also received numerous local recognitions for her impactful work.

In Canada, Sandra collaborates with several organizations including Toronto People With AIDS Foundation (PWA), Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (Black CAP), Access Alliance, 519, CAAT, Women’s Health in Women’s Hands, and Uganda Catholic Community of Toronto (UCCT), where she volunteers and participates in circles of peer workers and stigma projects.

In the UK, she has been involved with George House Trust, Huggins Trust, VSO UK, and Microbicides as a Commonwealth Professional Fellow, volunteer, and research participant. In South Africa, she has worked as a regional trainer for SRH with the International Community of Women Living with HIV/AIDS East Africa and was a contestant for the Ma’ Africa title in Gauteng Province.

In Uganda, Sandra has contributed to NACWOLA, The AIDS Support Organization (TASO), NAPHOFONU, NGEN+, VSO-UG, SWAA, and ICWEA in various roles including staff, volunteer, life member, internal trainer, board member, and executive committee member. In Thailand, she participated in community HIV response initiatives with UNICEF and the Uganda AIDS Commission in Chang Rai. In Norway, she engaged in resource mobilization efforts with the Norwegian Council for Africa in Oslo and Stavanger.

Sandra's career is marked by her unwavering dedication to human rights and community development. Her work continues to make a significant impact, empowering communities and advocating for the most vulnerable groups.