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"I was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). War broke out when I was five years old, forcing our family to flee to Uganda while escaping gunfire. My exact date of birth is unknown because all our family documents were lost during the conflict."
"I grew up in a large family living in extreme poverty in Kyangwali Refugee Settlement, where even having one meal a day was uncertain."
Today, Shalom is married to Beneconsira and is the proud father of five children, leading IGRAO to empower thousands of displaced youth across Uganda.
Began demonstrating a heart for leadership and service at an early age. While in Primary 5–7, he served as a Class Monitor, building a strong foundation of responsibility, integrity, and commitment to fellow pupils.
Continued serving as a Class Monitor throughout Senior 1–4. Expanded his leadership scope as a Kyangwali Branch Counselor at CIYOTA and served for two years as the Disciplinary Head at the CIYOTA Hostel, guiding, disciplining, and mentoring fellow refugee students.
Worked professionally as a Social Worker and Community Mobiliser with Action Africa Help International (AAHI), dedicating his efforts to supporting vulnerable families and strengthening local community development initiatives.
Deeply rooted in faith since 2007. Since 2013, he has ministered the Word of God to the community, encouraging spiritual hope, local reconciliation, and moral transformation.
Founded Mukarange Community Tree Nursery Association (MCTNA) in 2018, which evolved in 2026 into IROD GLOBAL REFUGEES ACTIONS ORGANISATION (IGRAO). These accumulated leadership experiences continue to guide his executive vision to protect children, expand education, and empower refugee-led agricultural self-reliance.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about IROD GLOBAL REFUGEES ACTIONS ORGANISATION (IGRAO). This organization was born not from theory, but from lived experience, faith, and a deep understanding of the devastating impact that poverty has on children and families.
In 2007, my life was transformed through faith. I was welcomed by a community that believed in me, nurtured my growth, and showed me the power of compassion, dignity, and opportunity.
In 2018, I founded what was then known as Mukarange Community Tree Nursery Association (MCTNA), an organization dedicated to environmental conservation and supporting vulnerable children to access education.
On 30 July 2026, we adopted a new name to better reflect the full scope of our mission and activities: IROD GLOBAL REFUGEES ACTIONS ORGANISATION (IGRAO). IROD stands for Inclusive Resilience Through Opportunity that Brings Development. This vision was inspired by the resilience of refugees, who are among those most affected by poverty, displacement, and limited opportunities.
Today, our purpose is clear: to restore hope and create lasting change for vulnerable children and families living in refugee settlements and host communities across Uganda, with a vision to expand our impact throughout Africa.
Everything we do is guided by accountability, transparency, integrity, and measurable impact. We work hand in hand with donors, churches, volunteers, community leaders, and partners who share our vision of a future where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
"Your support does more than provide assistance—it restores dignity, unlocks potential, and builds hope for future generations. Together, we can wipe away tears and replace them with opportunity, resilience, and purpose."
With gratitude and hope,
Shalom Bizimana
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, IGRAO Africa
