The team

Led by people who have lived it.

A former Prime Minister as patron. A founder who walked out of addiction and came back for others. A team that treats this work as calling, not career.

Our Patron

Guided by a national statesman

Our patron chairs the Board of Trustees — anchoring ADAAM’s governance at the highest level.

Patron & Chairman, Board of Trustees

Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda

Physician, diplomat and former Prime Minister of Uganda (2014–2021). Dr. Rugunda has served as Minister of Health, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. He launched the first Uganda Recovery Walk in 2016 and serves as Chief Patron of the Coalition Against Illicit Alcohol — Uganda Chapter.

Full profile

Board of Trustees

Governance with deep expertise

Oversight from leaders in public policy, public health and psychology.

Dr. Kimberley Garth-James

Board of Trustees

Manager of KAGL and a renowned figure in advocacy and public policy, with a wealth of experience in justice administration and education.

Ms. Butesi Patience

Board of Trustees · Public Health Specialist

A public health specialist with over 15 years of experience in mental health and substance abuse — a passionate advocate for those in need.

The Employees

The people who walk with people

A passionate team dedicated to empowering people to reclaim their lives.

Founder & Executive Director

Mr. Christian Mugarura Mafigiri

Founder and Executive Director of ADAAM. Christian brings 12 years of executive experience in non-profit organisations and a personal commitment to addiction counselling — having overcome addiction himself. He leads from the front: training ghetto youth in early recovery skills, driving the #DrowningPreventionUG campaign, and using storytelling to change how Uganda talks about addiction.

Full profile

Mr. Allan Mugume

Public Policy Lead

Leads ADAAM’s public-policy engagement — carrying the movement’s evidence and advocacy into government rooms, ministries and national policy conversations.

Ms. Christine Ninsiima

Behavioral Change Lead

Leads ADAAM’s behavioral change work — shaping the school prevention sessions, early recovery skills training and community engagement that shift how people think and live across the districts we serve.

Want to serve with us?

Volunteers, recovery coaches, water-safety trainers and faith partners — there is a place for you in this movement.

Get in touch