Jalidah Nabukalu
PROFILE
Name: Jalidah Nabukalu
Jalidah Nabukalu is an emerging Ugandan researcher and development practitioner with a strong academic foundation in public and environmental health. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Health Science from Makerere University School of Public Health, a leading institution in Africa for public health training and research. Her academic training has equipped her with competencies in epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, and community-based research, which laid the foundation for her passion for evidence generation and development-focused inquiry. Throughout her studies, she participated in conferences, workshops, and scientific presentations that strengthened her research and analytical capacity.
She has contributed to nearly ten multidisciplinary research projects in collaboration with institutions such as Makerere University School of Public Health, Aga Khan University, Uganda Bureau of Statistics, the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology, Restless Development, and the Ministry of Health. Through these roles, she supported national data collection, community-level assessments, health system studies, and policy-relevant research that informs decision-making and strengthens development programs.
As a youth researcher with Restless Development, she contributed to the publication Living in the Climate Crisis: Young People in Uganda, which was later featured by the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership. Her work explored youth experiences, adaptation strategies, and climate vulnerabilities. She also represented Restless Development at COP26, participating in youth-led dialogues on climate justice. In 2022, she served as a panelist for Reboot the Future, sharing insights on youth resilience and sustainable development.
Beyond academics and research, she has served as a peer mentor, guiding over 250 adolescent girls across KCCA schools in Kampala, focusing on leadership, reproductive health, and psychosocial support.
Jalidah expressed that she feels deeply honored to be part of the Research & Project Implementation 2025 course offered by Freya International School of Research and Implementation. She noted that receiving the scholarship strengthened her confidence and affirmed her commitment to research, community development, and meaningful youth engagement. She shared that the program has provided opportunities to learn from diverse participants and experienced tutors, expand her skills, and apply new knowledge to improve projects within her community. She highlighted that the course aligns perfectly with her passion for public health, gender equality, and climate justice.
She thanked Freya International School of Research and Implementation for awarding her the scholarship, describing it as a tremendous support that has made it possible for her to participate fully in the course and gain invaluable knowledge and experience. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute, learn, and represent young leaders from Uganda.