Hon. Avako Naima Musa Gule Named IDPN Patron to Drive Africa’s Border Community Transformation

By OSMARA DIGITAL MEDIA | Africa in Focus

Islamic Development Partnership Network (IDPN) has appointed Hon. Avako Melisa Naima Gule, the Woman Member of Parliament for Yumbe District, as its Patron, recognising her commitment to community service, education, leadership, and sustainable development. The appointment places Hon. Avako at the centre of IDPN’s vision of transforming communities through partnerships, knowledge, empowerment, and humanitarian support, especially in the West Nile region of Uganda and neighbouring areas connected to South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).

IDPN operates in a region with unique development opportunities and challenges due to its strategic location along Uganda’s borders with other African nations. The organisation focuses on programmes in education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, women development, entrepreneurship, peacebuilding, and humanitarian assistance. As a founding member and Patron, Hon. Avako brings political leadership, community experience, and an understanding of grassroots challenges that affect ordinary people. A trained educationist, Hon. Avako has spent years supporting learning, mentorship, and community advancement. Her background in education has shaped her belief that knowledge and skills development are key drivers of social and economic transformation. Her role as a Member of Parliament has further expanded her experience in understanding public needs, engaging with communities, and advocating for policies that improve people’s livelihoods.

Explaining why Hon. Avako was appointed, Draga Osman Brahan, Director of IDPN, said her leadership qualities and connection with communities made her the right choice. “Hon. Avako Naima Gule is a leader who understands the people. She is simple, approachable, and always ready to listen. She knows the challenges affecting communities because she has worked closely with ordinary citizens,” Draga Osman Brahan said. He added: “Her experience as an educationist and Member of Parliament gives her a strong understanding of how development organisations work, how communities can be empowered, and how partnerships can create lasting change.” According to the IDPN Director, the appointment reflects the organisation’s commitment to bringing together leaders from different sectors to address Africa’s development challenges. “At IDPN, we believe development requires partnership. We need political leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, health experts, and community champions working together. Hon. Avako represents that spirit of collaboration,” he said. As Patron, Hon. Avako will provide strategic guidance, support advocacy efforts, strengthen partnerships, and help promote programmes that improve education access, women empowerment, youth opportunities, and community resilience. A Leadership Team Built on Diversity Hon. Avako’s appointment is part of IDPN’s wider approach of building a professional and inclusive leadership structure. The organisation has brought together experts from different fields, including education, healthcare, business, agriculture, and governance. Fatuma Jamila, a Lecturer at the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), Arua Campus, serves as Secretary General of IDPN. She brings expertise in procurement, supply chain management, administration, and institutional governance. As Secretary General, she is expected to strengthen IDPN’s organisational systems, coordinate programmes, support partnerships, and ensure effective administration. Rose Candiru, a registered nurse and experienced health professional, heads the IDPN Health Department. She brings valuable experience from working with health organisations, including Marie Stopes, where she gained expertise in community health services, outreach programmes, and healthcare challenges affecting vulnerable populations. Draga Osman Brahan said Rose’s appointment demonstrates IDPN’s inclusive approach. “IDPN is not a religious organisation serving only one group. It is a development organisation focused on humanity. Health challenges affect everyone, and Rose’s professional experience is what matters most.” He added: “Her leadership shows that people from different faiths and backgrounds can work together for the common good.” Meanwhile, Tabu Sam, a successful businessman and farmer, serves as a founding member of IDPN. Through his experience in entrepreneurship, agriculture, and community initiatives, he contributes to programmes focused on livelihoods, economic empowerment, and sustainable development. He is also the proprietor of Artzon, a leading printing and branding business in Arua City, where he has supported organisations and businesses with communication solutions. Driving Development in Border Communities IDPN’s focus on border communities comes from the understanding that regions such as West Nile play an important role in connecting African nations. Communities bordering South Sudan and DR Congo face challenges including limited access to healthcare, unemployment, skills gaps, poverty, and the need for stronger livelihood opportunities. Through its programmes, IDPN aims to support communities by promoting education, vocational training, agriculture, health awareness, entrepreneurship, and humanitarian interventions. Draga Osman Brahan said: “Africa’s future depends on partnerships that reach the grassroots. Our mission is to work with communities, leaders, and professionals to create opportunities that improve lives.” The appointment of Hon. Avako Naima Musa Gule as Patron marks a new chapter for IDPN as it continues building partnerships for sustainable transformation across Africa’s border regions.