ALARI is led by a passionate team of legal experts and advocates committed to advancing employment justice, fair labour migration, and climate resilience across Africa. Joseph Okia brings extensive experience in labour and migration law; Grace Atim Okeny specializes in climate justice and energy transition; and Ronald Tumwesigye champions juvenile and employment justice. Together, they combine legal expertise, policy advocacy, and community impact to shape a more just and inclusive future for workers across the continent.
Joseph Okia, Legal Expert | Labour and Migration Law
Joseph Okia is the Team Leader and Founding Partner at ALARI. Joseph is a highly experienced labour and migration law expert with a dedicated practice in the areas of employment law, labour rights and migration policy. With an in-depth understanding of local and international labour standards, Joseph has successfully represented workers and employers at the labour tribunals and the Industrial Court in Uganda on issues of workers compensation, and enforcement of worker’s rights, recovery of retirement benefits including pension and social security funds. He has also advised institutions of government and collaborated with international organizations in influencing labour and migration policies and legislation in Uganda. Passionate about ensuring just and equitable labour conditions, Joseph works to shape policy and advocates for legal reforms that protect immigrants and vulnerable workers both domestically and abroad. Beyond ALARI, Joseph teaches law at the School of Law- Uganda Christian University. He is a member of the Labour and Retirement Benefits Law Cluster of the Uganda Law Society and the East Africa Law Society.
Ms. Grace Atim Okeny, Legal Expert | Climate Justice & Energy Transition Advocate
Ms. Grace Atim Okeny is a climate justice expert and legal scholar committed to ensuring that Africa’s transition to sustainable energy is equitable, inclusive, and legally sound. Grace’s doctoral research at the University of Pretoria examines Uganda’s legal framework on climate justice, particularly in relation to renewable energy and a just transition. Her work bridges the gap between climate law, energy policy, and social justice, ensuring that sustainability efforts do not come at the expense of vulnerable communities.
With nearly a decade of experience in legal research, policy development, and environmental advocacy, Grace actively contributes to climate governance, energy law, and just transition policies. As a co-founder at ALARI, she plays a pivotal role in promoting the alignment of labour laws with environmental sustainability and ensuring that climate adaptation does not compromise employment rights. Her advocacy extends to fair labour migration, employment justice, and the protection of workers navigating the challenges of climate change. Through ALARI, Grace has become a key player in shaping just transition policies that secure the livelihoods of workers as green industries emerge. Her expertise includes climate justice, climate finance, carbon markets, and regulatory frameworks that support a fair and effective transition to clean energy.
Beyond her research and advocacy, Grace is a lecturer at Gulu University Faculty of Law. She is also a member of Women in Energy and Extractives Network Uganda (WEEN-U) and the Lawyers for Environment and Climate Justice Uganda. Through her work, she continues to shape legal discourse on climate governance and energy transition policies, championing a low-carbon transition for Africa that is built on solid legal foundations, inclusivity, and environmental integrity.
Ronald Tumwesigye, Legal Expert | Juvenile Justice, Labour and Employment Relations
Ronald is a co-founder at ALARI. He is an Advocate of the High Court of Uganda with a dedicated practice in the area of juvenile and employment justice. His extensive experience in these fields has made him a trusted advisor on complex legal issues. Ronald is committed to ensuring that worker’s rights are respected and upheld.
In additional to his work at ALARI, Ronald is the founder of Mtaani Foundation, a Non-Government Organization focused on improving the lives of street children in Kampala, Uganda. Through Mtaani Foundation, he leads impactful initiatives for vulnerable children, empowering them to build better futures.
Ronald’s expertise in employment law and passion for social justice drives ALARI’s mission to advance labour rights across Africa.