Meet The Team

Semkae Kilonzo began work at Policy Forum in 2007 as the lead responsible for media, communication and advocacy at the network’s secretariat office as part of the organisation’s desire to see policy analysis information widely disseminated to policy makers, civil society and the general public. He has since assumed the role of Coordinator, heading the Secretariat. He is also on the Steering Committee of the Global Movement for Budget Transparency, Accountability and Participation (BTAP). Semkae holds a Masters degree in Journalism and Media Studies from Cardiff University, U.K. and received his earlier media training in Dublin Ireland and the Tanzania School of Journalism. He is also an alumnus of the Public Service Accountability Monitor (Fundamentals of Social Accountability Monitoring Course) of Rhodes University, South Africa. Among his many interests, Semkae is passionate about encouraging public participation in policy making and championing the equitable use of public resources.”

Prisca Kowa works at Policy Forum as a Senior Officer for Local Governance and Stakeholders Relations. Prior to acquire that position she worked as a Program Assistant for Capacity Enhancement and later a Program Officer for Local Governance. Before joining Policy Forum, Prisca worked with CARE International and Aga Khan Foundation respectively. In both organizations she worked around community development projects. Prisca possess a massive experience on local governance related issues and how they are administered in Tanzania. Academically, she holds a Master Degree of Research and Public Policy and a Bachelor Degree of Sociology both from the University of Dar es Salam. She is also an alumnus of the Public Service Accountability Monitor (Fundamentals of Social Accountability Monitoring Course) of Rhodes University, South Africa. Her passion is to see the implementation of policies results to the improved lives of Tanzanians within their locales.

Rashid Kulewa joined Policy Forum in the year 2010, He completed his certificate course in computer studies at ICL Training Centre. He had worked with different organizations like, FHI as a driver and Axios Foundation as an Assistant Logistic Officer/Driver.Rashid's interest is to see that the Tanzanian's benefit from their country's resources.

Gibons Mwabukusi joined policy forum in 2010 as Finance and Administration officer. Before joining Policy Forum he worked with various NGOs in the same capacity. He holds an Advanced Diploma in Accountancy from the Tanzania Institute of Accountancy and holds a CPA. He desires to see Policy Forum at the forefront of governance and accountability advocacy.

Amani Ndoyella joined Policy Forum in 2004 after completing his National Board for Materials Management (NBMM) Certificate. He is now in charge of the logistics, office inventory, and cataloging of information of members of the network. Amani is interested to see that Tanzania's resources are used effectively inorder to make people's life better.

Elinami John joined Policy Forum in September, 2016. He previously worked as a programme officer in charge of information access and press freedom at the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT). He completed his undergraduate and honours degree with University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He holds a Masters’ degree in Media and Communication from Karlstad University, Sweden. He is more interested in exploring the dynamics of the globalization of the media and communication and its implications for society. He desires to see a state which efficiently and effectively allocates and manages its resources based on the needs and priorities of the citizens.

Nicholas Lekule | Manager - Budget and Policy Analysis

Nicholas Lekule joined Policy Forum in May 2013 in the position of Manager responsible for Budget and Policy Analysis. Before coming to Policy Forum, he previously worked for Sikika as a Program Officer, a position which he held for five years. His experience is mostly in the area of budget analysis in particular and governance in general. Nicholas holds a Master’s degree in Development Policy and Practice for Civil Society offered by Bradford and Mzumbe Universities. He got his first degree of Arts in Sociology obtained from the University of Dar es Salaam in 2007. He has also attended several short term courses in and out of the country which are meant to improve his carrier. He is also an alumnus of the Public Service Accountability Monitor (Fundamentals of Social Accountability Monitoring Course) of Rhodes University, South Africa. His interest is seeing our policies working in favor of the majority of the Tanzanians.

Hellen Massawe | Programme Assistant - Budget and Policy Analysis

Hellen Massawe has recently joined Policy Forum as a Programme Assistant – Budget & Policy Analysis.  She is a graduate at the University of Dar es salaam where she was pursuing a degree of bachelor of Laws. She obtained a post graduate diploma in legal practice from Law School of Tanzania. Hellen has a comprehensive legal background that places prominence in policy making aspects. She finds satisfaction that comes from taking part in conceptual developments.

Amne Hamid | Programme Officer - Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL)

Amne Hamid has joined Policy Forum as a Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer, where she is responsible for leading on MEL activities within the organization. Amne has more than 3 years’ experience in the field of M&E with a degree in Community Development from the Tumaini University Iringa University College. Her experience is around designing M&E systems including M&E plans and data collection tools, ensuring data quality, conducting project evaluations and training M&E system users. Her experience is broad in monitoring various projects including on youth and peer education, gender & sexual reproductive health, entrepreneurship and governance programmes for various donors including SIDA, UNICEF, DFID, Novo and the Global Fund. She has past experience working for Restless Development and Population Services International (PSI). As a skilled Monitoring and Evaluation person her desire is to ensure that MEL standards are operating effectively within policy Forum.