Kullein Ankunda is a public health and global development professional with a strong background in learning, evidence uptake, and innovation in humanitarian contexts. She currently serves as the Learning Hub Manager for the U-Learn Program at Save the Children Uganda, where she leads the strategic direction of learning and innovation initiatives to influence policy and programming in Uganda’s refugee response. Prior to this, she worked as Learning Specialist with U-Learn, supporting the identification of sectoral learning needs and designing high-impact learning products across themes such as self-reliance, financial inclusion, private sector engagement, and climate resilience.
Kullein began her career as Communications, Knowledge Management, and External Relations Officer at Jhpiego Uganda, where she led communications and documentation efforts for public health programs. She holds a Master of Applied Science in Global Health Planning and Management from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Cavendish University Uganda.
In 2018, Kullein founded Malketha Maternal Services, a social enterprise dedicated to providing respectful, quality, and mother-centered care with a primary focus on maternal mental health. The organization offers a range of services, including prenatal and postnatal care, doula support, lactation consultations, and postpartum counseling. Malketha also engages in community outreach and advocacy initiatives, such as the “Dance Mama, Dance!” project and maternal mental health dialogues, to promote awareness and support for mothers' well-being.
Memberships and Distinctions
Kullein is a Mandela-Washington YALI Network alumna, having completed several short courses in public-private partnerships, human rights, community organizing, and social enterprise development. She has also been recognized through professional development programs such as Save the Children’s Humanitarian Intermediate Program (SHIP) and Project Management Methodology (PMM). Her commitment to humanitarian and development causes is reflected in her active volunteer work as a Rotarian and with organizations including UN Online Volunteers, the Rotaract Club of Bukoto, and Orph-Fund International.
Expertise and Interests
Professionally, Kullein specializes in knowledge management, strategic communications, evidence uptake, and stakeholder engagement. Her expertise spans across Global health, livelihoods, financial inclusion, energy and environment, and accountability to affected populations. She is particularly passionate about creating inclusive learning platforms that bridge humanitarian and development efforts.
Outside of her professional work, Kullein has a strong interest in creative writing, digital storytelling, and social impact communication. She is also committed to grassroots community service, having participated in initiatives to support displaced and marginalized populations through education, agriculture, and public health outreach.