Secretariat

Elvis Ng’andwe is a distinguished professional, with a diverse background in law, international relations, and peace studies. Currently serving as the Executive Secretary at the Africa Europe Faith and Justice Network (AEFJN), Elvis stands out as a prominent figure in the fields of law, academia, and migration research.

Elvis’s educational foundation includes a Master of Arts in International Relations and Peace Studies, a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B), a Post-Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, a Bachelor of Philosophy, and a Diploma in Theology.

As a Lawyer (Advocate of the High Court for Zambia) and a member of the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA), Elvis’s legal background underscores his commitment to justice and human rights.

In addition to his legal expertise, Elvis serves as a University Lecturer in Political Science and Law, mentoring the next generation of professionals. His academic contributions are invaluable in shaping future leaders in these fields.

His career highlights include serving as the Director of Research at the Faith & Encounter Research Centre (FENZA) in Lusaka, Zambia, where he led groundbreaking research initiatives. In January 2023, he also served as an assistant lecturer in Migration Studies at the University of Applied Sciences Fulda, Germany, demonstrating his commitment to international cooperation and cross-cultural understanding.

From 2019 to 2022, Elvis worked as a Research Assistant to Prof. Dr. Mathias Sahinkuye at the African Institute of International Law in Tanzania. He is a seasoned public speaker, having delivered lectures on various subjects at several universities in Tanzania.

Elvis’s past experience includes roles as a Human Rights Officer in Niamey, Niger, and a Legal-Social Officer in Lusaka, Zambia, where he made significant contributions to the cause of human rights and social development. His diverse experience also includes work as an Assistant Legal Practitioner in Lusaka, Zambia, and pastoral and social work with the Maasai community in Arusha, Tanzania, providing him with a unique perspective on global challenges.

Elvis has undergone specialized SE4U Training on Stakeholder Engagement for the Implementation of the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and completed a training program on Regional Integration and Trade at the Macroeconomic and Financial Management Institute of Eastern and Southern Africa (MEFMI).

His notable publications in various newspapers and journals demonstrate his deep understanding of critical issues, including child welfare, peacebuilding, the role of youth, international justice, and the ethics of war.

Innocent Byegarazo is a passionate advocate for African unity, development, and prosperity. He is dedicated to promoting social justice, institutional strengthening, and sustainability across the continent. His work emphasizes the importance of collaboration and shared values in addressing critical issues such as human rights, economic justice, and environmental stewardship. He serves as an AEFJN Policy Advisor on Human Rights and Institutional Strengthening and Sustainability and holds the position of Secretary of the AEFJN – Uganda Antenna, reflecting his commitment to advancing Africa’s progress through impactful advocacy and strategic action.

Augustine Bahemuka is a peace scholar, social justice advocate and social environmentalist affiliated with Laudato Youth Initiative at John Paul II Justice & Peace Centre where he serves as a Research Editor. His research focuses on climate change, migration, refugees, non-violence, financial inclusion, and human trafficking. He has published extensively on forced displacement, environmental peacebuilding, and migration economics, contributing to academic and policy discussions. He is a menber of the Ecotheology Early Career Network based on Laudato Si’ Research Institute at Campion Hall, University of Oxford. He is co-founding member of the Interfaith Network on Climate Action based in Uganda. He is a customer experience professional with 7 years experience in the banking sector across Uganda and Kenya. He holds BSc in Biomedical Laboratory Technology (Makerere University), Diploma in Theology (Tangaza University), and MA in Peace Studies & International Relations (Hekima University College). He is currently pursuing an MBA at Uganda Management Institute, focusing on sustainable development.

Noel Kondwani B. Mtonza is a visionary leader and strategist driving policy, governance, human rights, rule of law and institutional development. As Malawi’s Policy Officer for Human Rights, African Affairs, and Institutional Strengthening at the Africa-Europe Justice Network (AEFJN), he champions governance reforms, human rights advocacy, and institutional capacity-building.

With expertise in corporate governance, project management, business continuity planning, strategic leadership, and organisational development, Noel has spearheaded high-stakes programmes, change management initiatives, and stakeholder engagement efforts. A sought-after policy analyst, team builder, strategic business planner, and facilitator, his insights in business continuity management, philosophy, ethics, strategy, and sociology shape his leadership agenda. Armed with an MBA, BA in Philosophy, Diploma in Philosophy and Religious Studies, and certifications in Project Management, Training for Transformation, Youth Leadership, and Human Rights, he builds high-level partnerships, driving sustainable institutional growth and lasting impact.

Baudouin Theunis has been married for 46 years, has two daughters and four grandchildren.

He started his professional career as a programmer-analyst at Philips data system. He then worked as an accounting and financial manager in a group of SMEs such as chemical traders, road hauliers, international carriers, etc.

He likes sports and has played football, tennis and golf and enjoys walking.