Our Story & Founder

We are dedicated to delivering life-saving support to Uganda's most vulnerable Key Populations (KPs). Established by Ssebandeke Dullaart in 2024, SSENS is the culmination of his years of personal commitment to providing safe spaces, vocational training, mental health resources, and shelter to underserved communities in Uganda. Given the challenging legal landscape, SSENS prioritizes discretion and confidentiality, ensuring that KPs can access critical support services without fear. Through targeted mental health care, sexual and reproductive health (SRH) resources, secure shelter, and empowerment through skills building, SSENS is a trusted sanctuary for those facing societal marginalization and severe risks.

The story of SSEBAN Support & Empowerment Networks (SSENS) began in 2018 when founder Ssebandeke Dullaart, driven by a deep commitment to his community, began offering informal support to vulnerable Key Populations (KPs) in Uganda. Using his own resources, he provided shelter, food, mental health support, and vocational training to over 60 individuals, including LGBTQ+ individuals facing homelessness, depression, and family rejection. As word spread and the demand for support grew, it became clear that more formalized efforts were needed to expand this critical work. In 2024, SSENS was officially established, transforming Ssebandeke’s personal mission into a structured organization capable of reaching more lives and securing sustainable funding. Today, SSENS stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, committed to empowering Uganda’s most marginalized communities with the support and resources they need to reclaim their futures.

Shaped by his own experiences of societal rejection and personal struggles with mental health, Ssebandeke Dullaart has committed his life to supporting Uganda’s most vulnerable Key Populations. From the beginning, he used his own income to create a lifeline for those in crisis, offering shelter, vocational training, and urgent crisis intervention to individuals facing life threatening situations. Often working alone, he managed a growing demand for these essential services, providing hope where there was none. With the formal establishment of SSENS, Ssebandeke’s vision has expanded to reach even more lives across Uganda. Today, SSENS continues to embody his unwavering dedication to human rights, economic inclusion, and compassionate support, ensuring that the most marginalized individuals have access to the care and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide inclusive, confidential, and life-saving support to Uganda’s underserved and vulnerable Key Populations. We focus on delivering mental health care, sexual and reproductive health (SRH) resources, safe shelter, and family reconciliation, empowering individuals and promoting community resilience and economic independence.

Our Vision

At SSENS, we envision a Uganda where vulnerable Key Populations live free from stigma and fear, embraced by communities that respect diversity. Our goal is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives with dignity, resilience, and opportunity.

Meet The Team

Core Values

At SSENS, we are guided by six core values

Inclusivity and Respect for Diversity

We create safe, welcoming spaces for all individuals, celebrating diversity and ensuring everyone is valued, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or socio-economic background.

Empowerment and Capacity Building

We provide individuals with the tools, resources, and knowledge needed to overcome challenges, achieve self-reliance, and build resilience.

Confidentiality and Trust

We prioritize the safety and privacy of those we serve, ensuring confidentiality to build trust and foster a sense of security.

Advocacy and Human Rights

We champion equal rights and work tirelessly to challenge discrimination, fight stigma, and promote justice for marginalized populations

Integrity and Accountability

We uphold the highest standards of transparency, honesty, and responsibility in all our actions, building trust with our stakeholders and beneficiaries

Collaboration and Partnership

We value working together with allies, organizations, and communities to amplify impact and achieve shared goals in promoting equality and inclusivity

Meet our Leadership team

Dedicated professionals driving our success

Ssebandeke Dullaart

Executive Director

Leads strategic vision, organizational growth, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring SSENS fulfills its mission with impact and sustainability.

Marvin Bakanyana

Programs Director

Oversees program design, implementation, and evaluation, ensuring impactful delivery of services that align with SSENS's mission and objectives.