UPEACE Team

Dr. Mohamed Osman Mohamoud serves as the Sub-Regional Representative for the United Nations University for Peace (UPEACE), overseeing programs in the Middle East, Eastern Africa, and Southern Africa. In this capacity, he has been instrumental in establishing UPEACE’s presence in Somalia, reflecting his dedication to advancing peace and education in the region. Beyond his role at UPEACE, Dr. Osman serves as the National Economic Advisor to the President of Somalia and is a member of the National Economic Council. His efforts in economic reform, education, youth empowerment, and peacebuilding have earned him recognition as one of Somalia’s most influential leaders for two consecutive years.

Esther Lum Ndutu is the Programme Manager and Senior Researcher at the United Nations University for Peace (UPEACE) Africa Programme. With a rich background in journalism, corporate communication, and academia, she has held roles as an Assistant Editor, Administrative Officer, and Managing Director in the Academic Milieu. She has contributed significantly to peace and conflict scholarship, including serving as an Assistant Managing Editor for the Africa Peace and Conflict Journal. Esther holds a BSc in Journalism and Mass Communication, an MSc in Conflict Resolution, and an MA in Disaster Resilience, Humanitarian Action, and Leadership. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Peace Governance and Development, she is dedicated to advancing research and capacity-building in peace and security across Africa.

Rahel Getachew, Finance Manager, joined the University for Peace (UPEACE) as an accountant in Aug. 2006. Rahel has rich and varied experience in multiple finance and leadership roles in accomplishing the University’s goal. She has held this position for the past  19 years.

Stephen Turner is the Partnership Coordinator and communications advisor, working with UPEACE Somalia in the Africa Programme.  Identifying and developing relationships with academic, diplomatic and international institutions and stakeholders in Africa and the Middle East, Steve has been active in raising the profile and status of UPEACE.  He has advised on media products and communications, gaining extensive coverage of UPEACE Somalia events in national and international media. 

Steve has worked extensively in Somalia on development, media, stabilization and research initiatives since 2010 and continues to date. Internationally, he has managed, planned and implemented many media companies, media in conflict initiatives, productions and promotions, working with WTN/APTN, FCO, UN, several UN Agencies, Phoenix Television, ICMP, EU, EC, World Bank, AJMI and several NGOs.

Dr. Mohamed Yusuf serves as the Country Director for the United Nations University for Peace (UPEACE) in Somalia. In this role, he has been instrumental in advancing peace education and environmental initiatives. Under his leadership, UPEACE has actively supported Somalia’s National Regreening Initiative by donating 100,000 tree seedlings to combat deforestation and promote climate resilience. Dr. Yusuf’s efforts align with broader environmental goals, such as the African Union’s “Great Green Wall” project, aiming to restore degraded lands and enhance regional stability. His commitment to integrating peacebuilding with sustainable development reflects a holistic approach to addressing the interconnected challenges facing Somalia.​

Ambassador Salim Kinyiri is currently the Country Representative UPEACE – Uganda. His diplomatic tenure involves the provision of leadership at country level that involving collaborations between UPEACE and Uganda Police Force, where Ugandan Police Officers have graduated with Masters and PhDs. He is also at the centerstage of implementing the MoU between UPEACE and Makerere University Business School where a robust student and facilitators exchange program exists. Salim Kinyiri is a Ugandan lawyer whose professional experience spans development and humanitarian programing, research and academia with several agencies and institutions including the University for Peace (UPEACE),

Dr. Mohamed Abdinor Dahir is currently the Country Representative UPEACE – Kenya .He is a strategic and initiative-driven professional with over 15 years of experience in international development and humanitarian emergencies, complemented by an additional decade in the education sector. His expertise encompasses project management, humanitarian response, resilience building, consortium management, and educational administration. Throughout his career, Dr. Dahir has collaborated with various corporations, governments, intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, religious institutions, and green energy foundations to address issues such as refugee crises, disaster preparedness, emergency response, research, climate change adaptation, governance, and food security. He is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of the One-Stop-Development Agency (ODA), where he continues to apply his extensive experience to drive impactful initiatives.

Dr. Abdou Latif Aidara is currently the Country Representative of UPEACE – Senegal. He is an international consultant specializing in geopolitics, peace and security, supports institutions and organizations in the analysis of strategic issues, conflict prevention and the promotion of stability. Committed to a more peaceful world, where he combines local expertise and global vision.

Omar is the ICT Manager with the UPEACE Africa Program, a seasoned digital strategist with expertise in developing integrated communication campaigns and digital system solutions. He manages the Africa Program website and oversees the Somalia Program’s web and digital platforms, ensuring effective online communication and visibility. He is also the lead producer for the magazines published by the University.
He began his career as a Digital Consultant with the Canadian Red Cross in Calgary, then moved to Africa to work as a Cloud Security Engineer with development organizations. Omar holds a degree in Cyber Security and Networking from the University of Central Lancashire in the UK.