Utu Jamii
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About Us

Utu. Ubuntu. A joint humanity.

At UTU JAMII, we believe in the power of utu — a Swahili word similar in meaning to ubuntu that embodies togetherness, a recognition of our joint humanity. We position ourselves as a bridge between businesses, donors, and governments with African communities.

Our Philosophy

If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

African proverb

Our Story

Not just a company — a movement.

UTU JAMII is not just a company; it's a movement. We bridge the gap between corporate operations and community welfare in a continent where the stakes could not be higher. Africa is rich in resources. Yet immense challenges persist — poverty, inequality, environmental degradation, and gender disparities hold back millions. Our work weaves three threads: facilitation that turns conflict into constructive dialogue, training that equips women and youth with knowledge and rights, and research that ensures development is rooted in lived experience.

Our Mission

To contribute to social change and development for all — in particular women and marginalised groups — through providing consultancy services in participatory community engagement and research, workshops and training facilitation, and capacity development to a wide range of clients including investors, government MDAs at national and sub-national level, CSOs, development partners, and community organisations. Areas of specialisation include community engagement, uraghbishi (participatory action research and meaningful engagement), gender and intersectionality, and the human rights-based approach to development.

Our Vision

A society where businesses and other stakeholders in Tanzania and across Africa thrive alongside vibrant communities — where economic growth goes hand in hand with social progress and where everyone has the opportunity to flourish. A society in which all people, in particular women and marginalised groups, are fully able to participate in contributing to and benefitting from the development of their families, communities, and society as a whole.

Foundational Principles

The ground we stand on.

Social dignity
Gender equality
Inclusivity
Empowerment of marginalised communities
Respect for cultural heritage
Why Work With Us

Rooted in principle, driven by impact.

Utu — Human Dignity

The essence of being human — recognising our interconnectedness and working with respect for cultural dignity and inclusivity.

Jamii — Community

A win-win model where business thrives and communities flourish — beyond the misunderstandings and the unnecessary conflicts.

Wide-Ranging Expertise

Legal acumen, field experience, research expertise, and skills in community engagement, negotiation, and mediation.

Beyond Projects, a Vision

Committed to promoting development while ensuring gender equality, youth development, and active contribution to social change across Tanzania and Africa.

§ Examples of ImpactChapter 02

Resettlement with Dignity

On projects like Mwadui and Strandline Nyati, we worked to ensure fair compensation, dignified relocation, and community-led development plans — making sure displaced families were heard, not just processed.

Women's Empowerment

Training programmes on sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) response, economic rights, and leadership — over 10,000 women equipped with knowledge and skills to advocate for themselves.

Dialogue Facilitation

Animation workshops and participatory research projects break down barriers between communities, developers, and authorities — turning anger and confusion into constructive dialogue.

Alternative Dispute Resolution in Zanzibar

Community-based conflict resolution methods serving institutional, community, and household levels — building durable peace from the ground up rather than imposing top-down settlements.

§ FounderChapter 03

Annagrace Felix Rwehumbiza

Founder & Managing Director

Gender Expert & Mediation Specialist

With a law degree and an LLM in Sexual and Reproductive Rights, Annagrace brings deep legal acumen and extensive field experience to UTU JAMII. She has led work on resettlement projects, human-rights-and-business collaborations, and gender concerns across East Africa. A skilled qualitative researcher using participatory methodologies, she has trained women entrepreneurs and facilitated dialogue with community leaders at every scale. Beyond UTU JAMII, she is actively engaged with feminist movements and organisations promoting women's rights across Tanzania, mentors young activists and researchers, and provides legal counsel to women facing domestic violence.

Qualifications
  • · Law degree
  • · LLM in Sexual and Reproductive Rights
  • · Trained mediator and qualitative researcher
Beyond Projects

Active in feminist movements and women's rights organisations across Tanzania. Mentors young activists and researchers. Provides pro bono legal counsel to women facing domestic violence.

Our Team. Our Experts

Richard Mabala

Community Engagement Mentor

Practitioner

A seasoned community engagement mentor and practitioner, Richard brings decades of experience in participatory approaches, community dialogue facilitation, and capacity building across Tanzania and the broader East African region.

Beata Rutabingwa

Community Engagement Specialist

Disaster Risk Management

Beata specialises in community engagement and disaster risk management, bringing expertise in building community resilience, facilitating stakeholder dialogue, and developing frameworks for managing social risks in complex project environments.

Dedi Mwita

Social Development Specialist

Dedi is a dedicated social development specialist with expertise in community development programming, social impact assessment, and stakeholder engagement across diverse sectors including mining, infrastructure, and energy.

Let's Build
Together

Get in Touch

Share your vision,
your challenges,
and your dreams.

P.O. Box 3661, Kigamboni Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

info@utujamii.com

+255 712 077 908

Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM