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Profile
Frameworks designed to ensure safe and equitable AI systems are reproducing the same structural failures that humanitarian institutions took decades to acknowledge. This argument is underpinned by a decade of research on humanitarian response in conflict-affected settings, including how institutions assign and deny recognition, and what happens when protective frameworks exclude the people they were built to serve. It draws on a PhD in Conflict Management, research on human security, a peer-reviewed publication, and a working paper posted on SSRN (2026) that applies this analysis to AI governance frameworks. The guiding question is how systems are designed, who they are designed for, and who they structurally exclude.
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Core Competencies
Grounded in conflict studies and humanitarian research, with a developing specialization in AI governance and the structural exclusion of marginalized populations by emerging technology frameworks.
AI Governance and Policy Research
A working paper posted on SSRN (2026) argues that AI governance frameworks reproduce the structural exclusion already documented in humanitarian response, drawing on the UN Advisory Body on AI. These arguments are developed further in a public commentary series, The Architecture of Exclusion on Substack (2026).
Policy Communication & Research Translation
Translates research findings into clear, actionable outputs for policymakers, funders, and practitioner audiences. Completed the Population Reference Bureau Policy Communications Fellowship, producing a policy brief as its capstone. Also produced a multi-country research report for Journalists for Human Rights on COVID-19 media mobilization.
Engagement with International Legal Frameworks
Doctoral research engaged with International Humanitarian Law, International Human Rights Law, and the Rome Statute of the ICC as they apply to conflict-related sexual violence and institutional accountability.
Qualitative Research Methods
Semi-structured interviews and participant observation, including fieldwork in Northern Uganda (2010). Document analysis and thematic analysis across the wider research. Analytical software: ATLAS.ti.
Victim Rights and Humanitarian Practice
Master's fieldwork on victim rights and institutional responses to conflict in Northern Uganda, 2010. Doctoral research engaged with conflict-related sexual violence and institutional accountability from a remote, interview-based design.
Digital Tools
Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Slack. Practical experience with generative AI tools including Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity.
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Education
PhD in Conflict Management
Nelson Mandela University, South Africa
2017 – 2020
"Conflict-Related Sexual Violence against Males: Recognition by and Responses of Humanitarian Organisations in Africa." Submitted December 2019, conferred April 2020.
Magister Philosophiae (Conflict, Transformation and Management)
Nelson Mandela University, South Africa
2009 – 2011
"The Challenges Facing Non-Governmental Organisations in Transforming Conflict through Capacity-Building in Northern Uganda." Coursework 2009, field research and dissertation writing 2010, conferred April 2011.
BA in History and German
Makerere University, Uganda
2003 – 2006
Graduated February 2007.
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Publications & Research Outputs
Working Papers & Policy Briefs
Akurut, C. 2026. "Frameworks That Cannot See: How AI Governance Is Repeating the Recognition Failures of Humanitarian Response." SSRN. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=6670261
Akurut, C. 2019. "Action Response to Male Victims of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) in Africa." Recognized through the Population Reference Bureau Policy Communications Fellowship, developed as its capstone.
In Preparation
Akurut, C. "Beyond Discursive Recognition: How Humanitarian Organisations Can Reach Male Survivors of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence."
Peer-Reviewed Publications
Akurut, C. 2020. "Examining the Appropriateness of Gender-Inclusion as a Humanitarian Response Mechanism for Conflict-Related Sexual Violence against Men." Journal of Humanitarian Affairs 2(3): 35–41. DOI: 10.7227/JHA.050
Commentary & Public Writing
A public commentary series applying recognition-failure analysis from humanitarian research to how current AI governance frameworks determine whose safety counts, with particular attention to African and Global South contexts.
Akurut, C. 2026. "When the System Is the Weapon: A Kill Chain Analysis of AI-Enabled Humanitarian Harm." The Architecture of Exclusion, Substack. Read article
Akurut, C. 2026. "Designed for Whom? A Question AI Governance Frameworks Have Yet to Answer." The Architecture of Exclusion, Substack. Read article
Conference Presentations
Presenter, "Strategic pathway to reach male victims of conflict-related sexual violence." African Studies Association (ASA) Annual Meeting, USA (2023).
Presenter,"Policy path for addressing conflict-related sexual violence against men."VolkswagenStiftung & Centre for Atlantic and Global Studies Herrenhausen Symposium, Leibniz University, Germany (2022).
Facilitator (by invitation), 2nd International Conference on Peace and Conflict Management, Global Academic Research Institute (2019).
Presenter, Nelson Mandela University, Department of Political and Conflict Studies Annual Colloquium (2017, 2018, 2019).
Research Reports
Akurut, C. 2020. "Media Monitoring Report: Mobilizing Media Fighting COVID-19." Journalists for Human Rights, Canada.
Doctoral Dissertation
Akurut, C. 2020. "Conflict-Related Sexual Violence against Males: Recognition by and Responses of Humanitarian Organisations in Africa." Conferred doctoral dissertation, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa.
Monitor and Journal Contributions
Invited contributions to the Africa Conflict Monthly Monitor, published by In On Africa (formerly Consultancy Africa Intelligence).
Akurut, C. 2016. "Tool of Warfare and African Social Crisis: The Epidemic of Gender-Based Violence." Africa Conflict Monthly Monitor (6): 26–31.
Akurut, C. and Lukhele, S. 2013. "Understanding Abyei: the oil-rich source of Sudan-South Sudan tension." Africa Conflict Monthly Monitor (2): 8–11.
Public Commentary
Written during a research internship with In On Africa (formerly Consultancy Africa Intelligence), 2011–2013.
Akurut, C. 2013. "Foreign aid and corruption: relationship and the Ugandan Government's quandary." Part 1. Read article
Akurut, C. 2013. "Foreign aid and corruption: relationship and the Ugandan Government's quandary." Part 2. Read article
Akurut, C. 2012. "Kony 2012 documentary: an avant-garde approach to justice." Part 1. Read article
Akurut, C. 2012. "Kony 2012 documentary: an avant-garde approach to justice." Part 2. Read article
Akurut, C. 2012. "M23: DRC's latest breed of mutineers." Read article
Akurut, C. 2012. "Kenya: Involvement of the ICC in the 2007 post-election violence." Read article
Akurut, C. 2012. "IGAD: Innovation and Women in Regional Development." Read article
Akurut, C. 2011. "Male sexual violence Part 1: The need to 'speak out'." Read article
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Research Experience
Independent Researcher
Self-employed | Remote
2026 – Present
- Current research focus: AI governance, with emphasis on recognition failures and exclusion in AI frameworks as they affect populations affected by armed conflict and other marginalized groups.
- Established a practice offering research communication and policy writing services, including research summary briefs, policy briefs, and multi-source synthesis reports.
Fellowship Reviewer
Social Science Research Council (SSRC), USA
2021, 2022, 2023 (annual review cycles)
- Reviewed 37 PhD fellowship applications across three annual review cycles for the Next Generation Social Sciences in Africa competition, assessing research quality, methodological rigor, and scholarly impact potential, contributing to the initial review stage of a competitive fellowship selection process.
- Part-time, honorarium-based role.
Research Consultant
Journalists for Human Rights, Canada
2020
- Produced a multi-country research report on COVID-19 media mobilization across Uganda, Tanzania, and South Africa as Media Monitoring Consultant for JHR's Mobilizing Media to Fight COVID-19 (MMFC) initiative, delivered in partnership with Global Affairs Canada.
Assistant Lecturer and Researcher
Nelson Mandela University, South Africa
2019 – 2020
- Conducted independent research to update conflict management course content; developed 17 assessments and a comprehensive final examination.
- Taught 500+ undergraduate students across three course runs, including Introduction to Negotiation Skills (2019, 2020) and Introduction to Conflict Management (2019); introduced entry and exit tickets as formative assessment tools, using exit-ticket feedback to inform the planning of subsequent sessions.
- Delivered virtual lectures incorporating video and photographic media to enhance student engagement; student feedback affirmed the approach.
- Delivered a guest lecture on Humanitarianism and Development for the Department of Development Studies, Nelson Mandela University (2019).
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Operations and Coordination Experience
Organizational Coordinator
Cornerstone Family Church, South Africa
2023 – 2025
- Coordinated administrative and communication workflows for executive leadership, 50+ ministry leaders, and 150+ members.
- Designed and implemented a records management system where none existed, standardizing information retrieval across the organization.
- Introduced communication protocols and deadlines across ministry teams; achieved full adoption after initial resistance.
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Fellowships, Grants & Scholarships
Carnegie Corporation of New York Fellow
African Studies Association, USA
2023
International Research Travel Grant
VolkswagenStiftung & the Centre for Atlantic and Global Studies, Leibniz University, Germany
2022
Dissertation-Based Writing Fellowship ($3,000)
SSRC, USA
2020
Policy Communications Fellowship, including training in policy brief development for humanitarian audiences
Population Reference Bureau (PRB), in partnership with the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), USA/Malawi
2019, with alumni workshop training in 2022
Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Fellowship ($3,000)
SSRC, USA
2018
SAAWG International Fellowship Award (R1,500; approx. $110 at the time of award)
South African Association of Women Graduates, Cape Town, South Africa
2018
Postgraduate Research Scholarship, PhD (R135,000; approx. $10,000 at the time of award)
Nelson Mandela University, South Africa
2017
Postgraduate Research Scholarship, Master's (R32,000; approx. $3,800 at the time of award)
Nelson Mandela University, South Africa
2009
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Certifications & Training
AI Governance Foundations
Future of AIBlueDot Impact, 2026
AI Security and GovernanceSecuriti, 2026
Operational & Program Training
Project Management EssentialsDisasterReady, 2025
MEAL EssentialsDisasterReady, 2025
Financial Management EssentialsDisasterReady, 2025
Security Risk Management EssentialsDisasterReady, 2025
PMD Pro: Project ManagementKaya Humanitarian Leadership Academy, 2020
Social Determinants of Migrants' Health: Theories and Possible Interventions (4 ECTS)Bergen Summer Research School, University of Bergen, 2020
Humanitarian Practice & Response
Crisis Management of Critical IncidentsGlobal Interagency Security Forum (GISF), 2026
Humanitarian Information Management, Communications & MediaSave the Children, 2025
When Disaster Meets ConflictErasmus University Rotterdam, 2020
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Languages
English
Native proficiency
Luganda
Professional working proficiency
Rutooro
Professional working proficiency