Staff

Scovia Ekit Opuch

Country Director

Scovia Ekit Opuch is a dynamic humanitarian and development strategist whose 15-year career has driven transformational change across Uganda, Kenya, and South Sudan. Armed with an MBA in Administration & Project Planning and postgraduate diplomas in Monitoring & Evaluation and Public Administration, she blends academic rigor with deep cultural fluency—fluent in English, Swahili, and Luo—to design and lead large-scale, trauma-informed programs. Her expertise spans peacebuilding, child protection, education in emergencies, and refugee financial inclusion, managing portfolios totaling over $20 million and mentoring high-performing, cross-functional teams.

As Uganda Program Manager at the Finnish Refugee Council, Scovia launched the country’s first refugee financial literacy initiative—empowering more than one million people across 13 settlements—and secured $2.65 million in multi-year funding to establish it as the national model for inclusive recovery. Previously, as Country Director for African Revival Uganda, she oversaw 122 staff, scaled accelerated learning for out-of-school children, and championed gender-responsive livelihoods. Driven by a belief in locally led solutions, she forges powerful partnerships between grassroots communities, government bodies, and global donors, leaving a legacy of measurable impact, resilient collaboration, and unwavering commitment to reconciliation.

Mirriam Jane Akullu

Trauma Counselor

Mirriam Jane Akullu is a highly motivated trauma counselor with extensive experience working with remote communities in northern Uganda. At GRG, she brings her expertise to support individuals and groups with histories of conflict, physical and emotional trauma, abduction, and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Mirriam’s experience and dedication to trauma counseling play a vital role in promoting mental health and well-being within the communities GRG serves.

Mirriam was previously a Psychosocial Counselor at Lutheran World Federation, where she led peace dialogues and raised awareness on mental health issues such as PTSD, depression, substance abuse, SGBV, and stigma. She also previously was a Psychotherapist at Reproductive Health Uganda, where she counseled HIV-positive clients, facilitated psychotherapy sessions, and conducted community awareness programs.

Mirriam holds a Bachelor of Science in Community Psychology and Psychotherapy from Lira University and a Diploma in Development Studies from Ndejje University. She is a skilled MHPSS practitioner specializing in work within Uganda’s refugee settlements.

Oturi Denish

Senior Program Officer

Denish implements GRG’s livelihoods activities and conducts skills trainings ranging from apiary, crop production, and animal husbandry to entrepreneurship and VSLA. He holds a Bachelors degree in Science and Organic Agriculture (BSc) from Uganda Martyrs University and a diploma in Sustainable Agriculture from Baraka Agriculture College (Kenya). Denish’s extensive community-based field experience includes working for ACF in food security and livelihood projects and as a field assistant for its Purchase for Progress (P4P) project and ACTED Uganda as a community based facilitator.

Stephen Opiro

Program Associate

Stephen’s strong background in agriculture and conflict resolution to empowering war-affected communities. Stephen is instrumental in delivering training and support in various areas including crop production, animal husbandry, and apiary production. His work aims to foster sustainable livelihoods and drive economic empowerment in the region.

Before joining GRG, Stephen contributed significantly at St. Isidoro Farm of the Gulu Archdiocese, where he provided valuable extension and practical assistance in crop, soil, and livestock management. His diverse experience and passion for peacebuilding and agricultural development make him a vital asset to GRG’s mission of fostering reconciliation and sustainable growth in northern Uganda. Stephen holds a Bachelor’s in Agriculture from Gulu University. His academic background complements his hands-on experience and commitment to community development.

Jolly Joe Lakony

Finance Officer

Jolly Joe Lakony is a finance and grants management professional with over 15 years of experience supporting nonprofit and faith-based organizations. As GRG’s Finance Officer, he oversees day-to-day financial operations, prepares donor reports, ensures compliance with financial policies, and supports program teams in budget planning and reporting.

Prior to joining GRG, Jolly served as Accountant at African Leadership and Reconciliation Ministries (ALARM), and as Finance Officer at Gulu Baptist Church and Youth Development Centre. He also worked with ACTED Uganda as Grant Officer and as a Facilitator for Income Generating Activities (IGA) groups, where he supported community-based economic empowerment programs. Jolly holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (Accounting) from Makerere University and is skilled in financial reporting, donor fund accounting, internal controls, and budget monitoring. He is passionate about promoting financial transparency and empowering local communities through strong financial systems.