Activist Mugisha appointed to Institute of Global Politics

Human rights activist Dr Frank Mugisha has been in an impressive lineup of distinguished individuals at the newly-established Institute of Global Politics (IGP).

This institute is a convention of prominent policymakers, political leaders, practitioners and scholars to develop and advance evidence based solutions to today’s pressing global challenges in the world. It is led by former USA secretary of state Hillary Clinton, who will chair the IGP faculty advisory board.

It aims to foster civil discourse and create evidence-based policy strategies for real-world impact.

“I’m excited to be joining the Institute of Global Politics (IGP) at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA),” he said.

An inaugural Carnegie Distinguished Fellow, Mugisha will serve alongside Michelle Bachelet (former president of Chile), David Miliband (the former UK foreign secretary and current president and CEO of the International Rescue Committee), and Henrietta Fore (former Unicef executive director) among other eminent people.

Dr Mugisha has received numerous awards for his advocacy work, including the Robert F Kennedy Human Rights Award in 2011. This award recognised his courage and dedication in the face of adversity.

Dr Frank Mugisha has maintained his lifelong journey to advocate for human rights. He has refused to be silenced, even when faced with threats and arrests.

Whether he is on the world stage, traversing global capitals to garner support, or in Uganda, he remains unwavering in his commitment to advancing the cause of the human community. His tireless efforts, often undertaken at great personal risk, encompass both international diplomacy and grassroots advocacy.

When abroad, he uses his diplomatic skills and connections to engage with leaders and organizations, seeking allies in the ongoing struggle for human rights for all. But even when he returns home, he continues to push the envelope, demanding rights and respect for the community, knowing that progress can only be achieved through a combination of global cooperation and grassroots activism.

His dedication to this cause is a testament to the enduring power of individuals to effect change, no matter where they may be.

RECOGNITION

Mugisha’s work has been recognized worldwide by distinguished figures, including former United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon and former USA secretaries of state Hillary Clinton and John Kerry.

He has also received numerous awards, including the 2011 Rafto Prize for Human Rights, and the 2013 International Human Rights Film Award. In 2014, he was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.