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Profile
AI governance has a recognition problem. 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 into how institutions assign and deny moral recognition, and what happens when protective frameworks exclude the people they were built to serve. With a PhD in Conflict Management, research on human security across Sub-Saharan Africa, a peer-reviewed publication, and a working paper on SSRN applying that analysis to AI governance frameworks, I bring a perspective grounded in Sub-Saharan African armed conflict and humanitarian contexts that is underrepresented in this field. This question now applies directly to AI governance: to 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 specialisation in AI governance and the structural exclusion of marginalised populations from emerging technology frameworks.
AI Governance and Policy Research
Original policy research at the intersection of humanitarian recognition failure and AI governance. A working paper published on SSRN (2026) argues that AI governance frameworks are reproducing the structural exclusion already documented in humanitarian response, with the analysis drawing on the UN Advisory Body on AI. Independent public commentary on these arguments published in The Architecture of Exclusion on Substack (2026).
Policy Communication
Translating complex research findings into clear, actionable outputs for policymakers, funders, and practitioner audiences. Recognised through the Population Reference Bureau Policy Communications Fellowship for capacity to bridge academic research and policy relevance. Outputs include policy briefs, research reports, and research translation for humanitarian and international governance organisations.
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, though this reflects research-level familiarity rather than formal legal training.
Qualitative Research Methods
Semi-structured interviews, focus groups, participant observation, document analysis, and thematic analysis. Analytical software: Atlas.ti. Field research across multiple sub-Saharan African contexts conducted alongside competitive international fellowship participation.
Victim Rights and Humanitarian Practice
Doctoral and Master's-level engagement with victim rights frameworks, conflict-related sexual violence, and institutional responses in African conflict settings. Field research in Northern Uganda conducted four years after the end of the LRA conflict.
Digital Tools
Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Atlas.ti. Proficient in remote research delivery, document version management, and collaborative online working environments. Practical experience with generative AI tools including Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity, with attention to their capabilities and limitations.
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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. Conducted independently, managing fieldwork, data collection, and writing across multiple African contexts alongside competitive international fellowship participation.
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." Field research conducted in Northern Uganda in direct partnership with a local NGO, 2010. Studied 2009–2010, conferred 2011. Overall average 73%, including three courses passed with distinction.
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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. Responding to Male Victims of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence in Africa: What should we do and how should we do it? Policy brief, Population Reference Bureau Policy Communications Fellowship.
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 the same recognition-failure analysis from my humanitarian research to how current AI governance frameworks decide 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, African Studies Association (ASA) Annual Meeting, USA (2022). Strategic pathway to reach male victims of conflict-related sexual violence.
Presenter, Volkswagenstiftung & Centre for Atlantic and Global Studies Herrenhausen Symposium, Leibniz University, Germany (2022). Policy path for addressing conflict-related sexual violence against men.
Facilitator (by invitation), 2nd International Conference on Peace and Conflict Management, Global Academic Research Institute (2018).
Presenter, Nelson Mandela University, Department of Political and Conflict Studies Annual Colloquium (2017, 2018, 2019).
Research Reports
Akurut, C. 2020. Media Monitoring Report: Mobilising 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. Unpublished PhD thesis, 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.
Under Review
"Beyond Discursive Recognition: How Humanitarian Organisations Can Reach Male Survivors of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence." Submitted to Human Rights Quarterly, 2026.
Public Commentary
Written during an 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 armed conflict-affected and marginalised populations.
- Established an independent freelance 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, USA
2021, 2022, 2023 (annual review cycles)
- Reviewed 37 PhD fellowship applications across three annual review cycles for the Next Generation of Social Sciences in Africa competition, assessing research quality, methodological rigour, and scholarly impact potential.
- Engaged annually on a part-time, honorarium basis during each review period, contributing to the integrity of a competitive international fellowship selection process serving emerging African researchers.
Research Consultant
Journalists for Human Rights, Canada
2020
- Produced a multi-country research report on COVID-19 media mobilisation across Uganda, Tanzania, and South Africa, used to inform JHR's regional media engagement strategy.
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 semesters; introduced formative assessment tools intended to improve student-lecturer engagement.
- Delivered virtual lectures and multimedia presentations aimed at improving student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Delivered a guest lecture on Humanitarianism and Development, Department of Development Studies, NMU (2018).
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Leadership Experience — Non-profit Organisation
Organisational Coordinator
Cornerstone Family Church, South Africa
2023 – 2025
- Served as the central administrative and communications point for executive leadership and 50+ ministry leaders across a community of 150+ members, demonstrating capacity to coordinate complex multi-stakeholder environments.
- Designed and implemented structured records and document management systems, standardising information retrieval and organisational processes across all levels.
- Led internal communications across multiple platforms, ensuring consistent and accountable information flow across a distributed organisational structure.
- Coordinated meetings, schedules, and external engagements for executive leadership, managing competing priorities across a large and active organisation.
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Competitive Fellowships & Funding
Carnegie Corporation of New York Fellow
African Studies Association, USA
2023
Travel Grant
Volkswagenstiftung & the Centre for Atlantic and Global Studies, Leibniz University, Germany
2022
Dissertation-Based Writing Fellowship ($3,000)
Social Science Research Council, USA
2020
Policy Communications Fellowship, including training in policy brief development for humanitarian audiences
Population Reference Bureau, USA
2019
Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Fellowship ($3,000)
Social Science Research Council, USA
2018
Postgraduate Research Scholarship — PhD (R135,000 / ~$7,500 at time of award)
Nelson Mandela University, South Africa
2017
Postgraduate Research Scholarship — Master's (R32,000 / ~$1,800 at time of award)
Nelson Mandela University, South Africa
2009
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Certifications & Training
All certifications completed through self-paced study.
AI Governance Foundations
Future of AIBlueDot Impact — March 2026
AI Security and GovernanceSecuriti — March 2026
Operational & Programme Training
Project Management EssentialsDisasterReady — 2025
MEAL EssentialsDisasterReady — 2025
Financial Management EssentialsDisasterReady — 2025
Security Risk Management EssentialsDisasterReady — 2025
Humanitarian Information Management, Communications & MediaSave the Children — 2025
Humanitarian Practice & Response
Introduction to International Humanitarian LawInternational Committee of the Red Cross — April 2026
Crisis Management of Critical IncidentsGlobal Interagency Security Forum (GISF) — January 2026
Introduction to Conflict AnalysisDCAF Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance — August 2021
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Languages
English
Native and Fluent
Luganda
Conversational
Rutooro
Conversational