Vision
At Umoja Greenlands, we envision vibrant, self-sufficient communities across Africa, where people collaborate to restore the environment, ensure food security, and build resilience. Through sustainable agriculture, clean water access, and regenerative land practices, we are growing a future of abundance and shared prosperity — one village at a time.
Mission
Our mission is to empower African communities through sustainable, community-led solutions. We provide resources, knowledge, and support to restore ecosystems, ensure food security, and improve access to clean water. By fostering collaboration and resilience, we work toward a thriving, equitable future for all.
Umoja Greenlands prioritizes the alleviation of suffering by bringing access to clean water, nutritious food, and secure housing—transforming conditions of scarcity into abundance across Africa through regenerative and community-centered initiatives.
Leadership
Nanyombi Josephine
Chief Executive Officer
Nanyombi Josephine is the Executive Director of Umoja Greenlands, bringing three years of leadership experience in charitable organizations. As the Founder and CEO of Jos Harmony and Inspiration Mission Foundation, she has successfully guided the organization from its inception to its current impact, driving growth through strategic planning and fostering meaningful partnerships. A dedicated mother, Josephine embodies resilience, compassion, and a strong commitment to community development. Her expertise in philanthropy, team management, and public speaking has been instrumental in creating sustainable, community-centered solutions. At Umoja Greenlands, she leads with a vision for empowerment and positive change, contributing to the organization's mission of building resilient and self-sufficient communities.
NAKYANZI KEZIA
Chief Operating Officer
Kezia is a passionate leader, plant-based advocate, and founder of the Grain and Grace Foundation. As COO of Umoja Greenlands, she oversees daily operations and leads initiatives that promote sustainable agriculture, food security, and community resilience. With experience in permaculture, youth empowerment, and grassroots activism, Kezia brings a strong commitment to ethical living and environmental justice. Her work includes distributing seeds, tools, and resources to farmers, creating job opportunities, and supporting families in need. Through her Kick Meat Off the Plates project, she educates communities on plant-based lifestyles to protect both health and animals. Kezia’s leadership reflects Umoja’s values of unity, compassion, and sustainability.
Team
ETHAN OCHIENG
Director of Rainwater Solutions
Ethan Ochieng holds a Diploma in Community and Clinical Health from Kenya Medical Training College, Nairobi Main Campus. During high school, he turned to permaculture to tackle food security and environmental challenges in his community. As the Community Leader of Karara in Homa Bay County, Ethan works to improve access to clean water, promote hygiene, and provide health knowledge. In his role as Director of Rainwater Solutions at Umoja Greenlands, he leads the installation of rainwater harvesting tanks to ensure communities have sustainable water access. Ethan’s hands-on experience and dedication drive his commitment to creating lasting change in communities across Africa.
PAUL ODIWUOR OGOLA
Director of Permaculture
Paul is a seasoned permaculture educator, designer, and community leader with over nine years of experience promoting regenerative agriculture and ecological resilience. He is the founder of Permoafrica-Centre, a community-based training hub that has empowered local farmers and youth with sustainable farming techniques, job skills, and environmental awareness. Trained by renowned permaculture expert Steve Jones and certified through a transformative course in Uganda, Paul has led impactful projects across East Africa. In 2018, he trained South Sudanese refugees in the Bidi Bidi settlement in partnership with the Norwegian Refugee Council. In 2023, he certified 25 new permaculture teachers, creating a ripple effect of knowledge in his region. In 2024, Paul represented Africa at the International Permaculture Convergence (IPC15) in Taiwan, where he presented on innovative strategies for soil regeneration and sustainable land use. His work is rooted in a deep respect for both traditional wisdom and modern design, making him a vital contributor to Umoja Greenlands’ mission of unity, resilience, and ecological justice.
OKWAIRWOTH SAVIOUR
Director of Spring Water Solutions
Okwairwoth Saviour is from Nguthe Village, a community of 1,000 people. Having completed Senior 3 (S.3), he has firsthand experience with the challenges of accessing clean water. Motivated to find a sustainable solution, Saviour proposed the Spring Water System — a natural water source that flows to the surface from underground, collected without the need for chemical treatment or disinfection. His dedication to ensuring reliable access to clean water for his community led him to become the Director of Spring Water Solutions at Umoja Greenlands. Saviour believes this project will transform the lives of communities by providing safe, natural water and promoting better health and well-being. His leadership reflects his commitment to practical, community-driven solutions.
Lydia Namukwaya
Community Agroecology Facilitator
Lydia Namukwaya is a dedicated Community Agroecology Facilitator from Uganda, with a Certificate in Permaculture Research and Development from the Butambala Permaculture Learning Center. With over four years of experience, she has been empowering individuals and communities to optimize their land use through sustainable gardening practices. Lydia specializes in collaborating with landowners to design and implement productive, eco-friendly gardens that enhance food security and restore soil health. Her hands-on approach includes offering practical guidance on garden planning, resource management, and sustainable agricultural techniques. She also supports communities with seed procurement when necessary, promoting resilience and self-sufficiency. Passionate about regenerative agriculture, Lydia is committed to fostering sustainable land stewardship and ensuring communities have access to nutritious food. Through her work, she continues to make a meaningful impact by promoting sustainability and strengthening local food systems.
NSABIMAANA GILBERT
Director of Borehole Water Solutions
Nsabimaana Gilbert holds a Diploma in Wildlife Conservation and Natural Resources Management from the Uganda Wildlife Research and Training Institute. He is the Executive Director of Restore Nature Kanungu and has worked with organizations like King Charles Tours and Travel and Parkview Safaris. Gilbert runs initiatives that support both people and wildlife. His Peace and Prosperity Orphanage provides food and vocational skills to children who lost parents involved in poaching, helping them build a brighter future. Through his Poacher Reform Program, he has transformed former poachers into dedicated conservationists. As the Director of Borehole Water Solutions at Umoja Greenlands, Gilbert is committed to providing clean water to communities in need. His dedication to sustainable solutions continues to make a positive impact across Africa.
Shadiah Bashir
Agriculture and Permaculture Specialist
Shadiah Bashir is an experienced agriculture and permaculture practitioner from Mubende, Uganda. With extensive hands-on experience in community-based projects, she has dedicated her career to promoting sustainable farming practices. Shadiah has worked extensively on permaculture initiatives, focusing on seed planting, crop care, and empowering her community through practical agricultural training. Her passion for regenerative agriculture and food security has made a significant impact, helping local farmers build resilience and enhance their productivity. At Umoja Greenlands, Shadiah applies her deep knowledge of permaculture to support sustainable agricultural solutions, fostering self-sufficiency and environmental stewardship within the communities she serves.
JOE ALLAN
Director of Affordable Housing
Joe Allan, from Kenya, has spent the past three years building affordable homes to support vulnerable communities. His passion for creating safe and sustainable living spaces has shaped his commitment to providing housing solutions for those in need. Recently, Joe partnered with Sorin, someone he considers a brother, who shares his dedication to helping the homeless. Together, they developed a plan to offer low-cost housing to ensure that vulnerable individuals and families have a secure place to call home. As the Director of Affordable Housing at Umoja Greenlands, Joe leads efforts to make quality housing accessible to communities facing economic hardship. His goal is to promote stability, dignity, and long-term resilience through sustainable construction and inclusive housing initiatives.
SORIN IONESCU
Community Organizer, Communication Specialist, and IT Expert
Sorin Ionescu holds a Master’s in Software Engineering from Concordia University in Montreal, with a background in artificial intelligence. After 17 years in software development, he transitioned to animal rights and environmental activism, working with organizations like the Algosphere Alliance, Extinction Rebellion, and Animal Rebellion. As a founder of Vegan Option Canada and the Plant-Based Transition Coalition, Sorin has contributed to initiatives promoting sustainability and ethical living. At Umoja Greenlands, he serves as a Community Organizer, Communication Specialist, and IT Expert, applying his knowledge to strengthen community-driven projects. With expertise in holacracy and a commitment to addressing the metacrisis and existential risks, Sorin is dedicated to creating resilient communities and fostering a sustainable future.
Levis Solitei
Plant-Based Transition Advisor
Levis Solitei is a respected leader, activist, and protector of life in all its forms. From the Maasai community of Amboseli, Kenya, Levis brings to Umoja Greenlands a fierce, loving commitment to both social and ecological justice. As our Plant-Based Transition Advisor, Levis guides how our values are lived in practice—across food, culture, land, and interspecies care. He is the founder of three grassroots organizations: Iloing’ok CBO, defending cultural and ecological integrity; Olgulului Land Defenders (OLD), protecting ancestral territory and community rights; and Stanley Gama Sanctuary (SGS), where mistreated and abandoned animals are given dignity, care, and safety. Levis doesn’t just speak for animals—he listens to them. He helps ensure that our plant-based commitments are not abstract ideals, but real practices rooted in compassion, sovereignty, and Earth connection. He reminds us that how we treat animals reflects how we treat people, land, and ourselves.
Values and Principles
Respect & Inclusivity
We celebrate the unique identity, background, and beliefs of every individual, fostering an environment of inclusion and respect.Active Participation
Everyone has a voice and a role; collective growth depends on shared effort and engagement.Confidentiality & Trust
We safeguard personal and sensitive information to foster a safe, respectful environment.Open & Honest Communication
We speak with clarity, listen with care, and create space for expression without fear.Respectful Disagreement
Differing views are welcomed as opportunities for deeper understanding and mutual growth.Compassionate Conflict Resolution
We address tensions through dialogue, empathy, and shared responsibility for harmony.Democratic Decision-Making
Decisions are made collectively through inclusive, transparent, and equitable processes.Radical Transparency
We openly share information, intentions, and outcomes to build trust and empower the whole.Mutual Accountability
We hold ourselves and each other responsible with integrity, kindness, and fairness.Zero Tolerance for Harm
We actively prevent and respond to abuse, exploitation, and violence in all forms.Supportive Community Culture
We nurture a caring ecosystem where everyone feels held, heard, and supported.Mental Health & Wellbeing
Emotional resilience and mental wellness are prioritized with accessible resources and open dialogue.Collaborative Spirit
We build together, valuing teamwork, consensus, and the wisdom of the collective.Skill-Sharing & Empowerment
Knowledge is freely exchanged to uplift individuals and strengthen community autonomy.Creative Innovation & Regenerative Progress
We embrace bold ideas that serve long-term wellbeing, justice, and ecological balance.Environmental Stewardship
We protect and restore the land, water, and air with reverence for all life.Sustainable & Self-Reliant Living
We cultivate systems that meet present needs without compromising future generations.
🌱 Our Objectives at Umoja Greenlands
Promote Regenerative Agriculture
To support and implement regenerative and sustainable agricultural practices that restore soil health, increase biodiversity, and improve food security.Advance Climate Action and Environmental Protection
To advocate for and implement environmental conservation strategies, including tree planting, reforestation, and sustainable land management.Empower Local Communities
To uplift rural communities through education, capacity building, and access to sustainable livelihoods, especially in agriculture and green entrepreneurship.Support Youth and Women Empowerment
To promote the active participation and empowerment of youth and women in community development, especially in leadership, education, and economic activities.Develop Sustainable Villages
To create model eco-villages based on permaculture and ecological principles as examples of sustainable rural development.Provide Education and Training
To offer practical education and training in regenerative farming, climate adaptation, ecological restoration, and community resilience.Foster Local and Global Collaboration
To build partnerships with local and international organizations for knowledge sharing, funding, and joint environmental initiatives.Promote Agroecology and Permaculture
To encourage farming methods that harmonize with nature and support long-term ecological and community health.Enhance Food Sovereignty
To support communities in becoming self-reliant in food production and resilient to external food system shocks.Combat Poverty Through Green Innovation
To reduce poverty by enabling green jobs, innovative land use, and sustainable community development.
We organise in decentralised & autonomous teams, where individuals have the authority to react quickly to ever-changing situations whilst also harnessing the collective intelligence of the group.
We are working to build a movement that is less-hierarchical, inclusive and free of coercive power dynamics. We want to empower individuals to harness their creativity and initiative, whilst also balancing the need for group consent.
This is done using a Self-Organising System (see this summary by XR reproduced below), which is outlined in our Constitution. The constitution exists so that power is removed from people and placed into processes. This ensures that everyone abides by the same rules and no individual has power over another. You can also explore our Interactive Map of all teams (GlassFrog).
Self-Organising System Summary
DISTRIBUTED AUTHORITY
➔ People fill roles with defined mandates (= purpose + domain + accountabilities).
➔ They have full authority to make decisions and take action within that mandate.
➔ When making a decision from their role, people are responsible for seeking input from those with experience in the area or those affected by it
SELF-ORGANISING CIRCLES
➔ Each circle (or team) has its own mandate and can define and refine its roles.
➔ For large roles, the circle may create a sub-circle that will in turn self-organise.
➔ This circle structure widens out to the Anchor Circle which contains all circles.
➔ Consent and linking ensure that no individual has power over another, and mitigate the negative features of a hierarchical structure.
➔ Each level of the structure is slightly further removed from the nitty-gritty and
take a broader view regarding resource use, purpose and priorities.
LINKING STRUCTURE
➔ External coordinators attend meetings of wider circles, as equal members.
➔ This gives every sub-circle equal power to raise objections during decision-making in the wider circle, if they create or change roles.
HOW POWER IS DECENTRALISED
➔ Authority is distributed into roles and circles using a collective decision-making process. Mandates empower roles to make operational decisions.
➔ To add/change a role/circle, a member presents a proposal to resolve an issue, referred to as a tension, and each circle member has the opportunity to object.
➔ Objections are encouraged, as they represent important information that can be integrated to improve the proposal, before it is either accepted or withdrawn.
➔ The aim is to get something workable that allows movement forward.
➔ The decision can be revisited later on, so it doesn’t have to be perfect first time.
RADICAL TRANSPARENCY
➔ The roles and circles should be kept up-to-date and visible for all.
➔ This allows every member to discover the structure and contact whoever they need to when making decisions day-to-day.
➔ Minutes, projects, and other relevant documents should also be transparent, so the whole organism has insight into the history of each part.
The Umoja Greenlands Self Organising System (SOS) enables us to harness group wisdom while remaining agile and able to respond quickly to emerging situations.
