Mrs Chioma Ezike is currently a PhD Candidate conducting her research with the Energy Justice and Social Contract Chair of University of Pau and Adour Countries France. She holds an LLM in Energy and Climate Law from the University of Groningen, Netherlands. She is a legal practitioner called to the Nigerian Bar. Before commencing further studies, she worked as a legal associate with Michaelmas Chambers and the Law office of Nnabuihe & Nnabuihe in Abuja, Nigeria.

Presently, she is the Development Director & Mentorship Project Manager of the African Energy and Mineral Management Initiative (AEMI) – a non-profit organization situate in Uganda. Her interest in the energy space was spurred by her concern about the unsustainable maximization of energy compounds, inadequate regulations, and the lack of efficient energy practices towards a better society.

Chioma has published some articles, including, a paper on Renewable Energy Deployment in Nigeria published on the AEMI website, and a co-authored an article bordering on the economics, policy and regulation of Carbon Capture and Storage technology development in Australia. This article was published in June 2022 in Volume 20 Issue 4 of the Oil, Gas and Energy Law (OGEL), an internationally reputed energy law journal, as part of its “Special Issue on Carbon Neutral Energy”. Her interests include, energy justice, energy communities, carbon capture and storage and artisanal mining.

Ms Precious Okelo is a member of the AEMI Mentorship Project Team. She is an undergraduate law student at the University of Nairobi. She is currently learning French and Mandarin. Precious is an incredibly fast learner who is kind, dedicated and eager to increase her knowledge working in the legal field

KEY AREAS OF PRACTICE

1. Drafting legal documents such as motions, briefs, complaints, or pleadings based on the attorney’s instructions
2. Researching applicable laws and legal precedents to provide legal support to attorneys working on cases
3. Preparing and filing legal documents with courts or other agencies
4. Conducting legal research on issues relevant to cases being tried in court
5. Preparing briefs, motions, petitions, and other legal documents for the court

Elizabeth Natyabule is a dedicated legal professional with a passion for regulatory compliance and advocacy. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Uganda Christian University and is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma at the Law Development Centre. Her legal experience spans service at the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs—where she worked closely with the Assistant Administrator General on estate matters—and a subsequent role as a legal clerk with Centenary Rural Development Bank, conducting in-depth research on banking regulations.

Elizabeth has honed her research and reporting skills while serving as a rapporteur at the KTA Annual Symposium. Through these diverse experiences, she has developed strong analytical, drafting, and regulatory compliance capabilities. Elizabeth’s commitment to transparent governance and her keen interest in policy formulation align seamlessly with the mission of the African Energy and Mineral Management Initiative (AEMI).

At AEMI, Elizabeth looks forward to contributing her legal expertise to support responsible mining and sustainable resource management across Africa.

Byamukama Aine Jairus, a holder of a Bachelors of Laws Degree from Makerere University and Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre, is a young and passionate Ugandan lawyer dedicated to the intersection of justice, innovation and knowledge. She has a thirst for understanding how the law can be used in society as a tool for change.

Her love for justice fuels her participation in projects aimed at creating equitable systems that empower individuals and communities. Jairus believes that the law is a dynamic tool that can be used for change and championing the needs of the most vulnerable in society. She also subscribes to the concept of “Ikigai” which suggests that one should find work that they have expertise in, find fulfilling and with a meaningful purpose to the society at large.

Beyond her legal pursuits, Jairus is an ardent lover of literature that expands her worldview and feeds her curiosity. With a mind eager to explore and a heart set on justice, she continues to carve her path as a legal professional who believes in the power of ideas, fairness, and forward-thinking solutions. She thrives in environments where ideas are exchanged freely, solutions are crafted, and justice is pursued with integrity.

As she begins her career in legal practice, she hopes to use her abilities to positively impact people and the environment.

Currently a law student at Uganda Christian University,I am actively engaged in community initiatives and passionate about advancing social justice. I am pursuing my law degree, which has equipped me with a strong foundation in legal reasoning, research, and advocacy. I have been involved in several volunteer projects that address issues of inequality and promote access to justice, and I am constantly seeking ways to integrate my legal education with community service.

Through internships and volunteer work with various non-profit organizations, I have gained practical experience in legal support, public speaking, and project management. These experiences have nurtured my ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups and provided me with insights into the challenges faced by underrepresented communities. I believe that law is a powerful tool for positive change, and I am eager to harness my skills to contribute meaningfully to society.

Joining AEMI’s mentorship program represents an exciting opportunity for me to grow professionally and personally. I am enthusiastic about learning from experienced mentors, expanding my network, and making impactful contributions to AEMI’s projects, particularly in areas where legal insights and community engagement intersect. I am committed to using my legal expertise to advocate for justice and improve community outcomes.

Nurudeen Mohammed Aliu is a young Lawyer, and an international development practitioner. He is in his second year of practice as a lawyer and has handled a couple of cases, provided advice to clients and has contributed to the design and implementation of projects and programs geared towards strengthening Rule of Law and promoting development. Nurudeen is a Member of the Ghana Bar Association, an Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Arbitrators UK and a Member of the Africa Evaluators Associations. He holds an MSc in Strategic Planning and Management, and BA honour in Integrated Community Development both from the University for Development Studies in Ghana, a Bachelor of Law (LLB) from the University of Professional Studies Accra Ghana, and a Master of Law (LLM) in Natural Resources Law from the University of Ghana, Legon. His research areas include Corporate Social Responsibility in the Energy and Extractive Sectors, Natural Resources Governance, and Law and Development.