Bienvenu Byamungu (Co-founder)
Global Director — P4T Global
Bienvenu Byamungu is a refugee leader and social entrepreneur who has transformed personal tragedy into a movement that empowers thousands of vulnerable refugees across East Africa. In 1995, when Bienvenu was five years old, tribal militias attacked his village in the Democratic Republic of Congo during a conflict that would claim over six million lives. He witnessed devastating violence and human rights violations before fleeing to Uganda in 1996 at age six.
Bienvenu lived in Kyangwali Refugee Settlement for ten years, experiencing firsthand the barriers refugees face. In 2007, at just 17 years old, Bienvenu co-founded Planning for Tomorrow Youth Organisation (P4T) with a revolutionary vision: refugees themselves should lead the solutions to refugee challenges. What began as a small volunteer group has grown into a legally registered organisation operating schools, health programs, vocational training centres, and protection services, serving over 30,000 people.
Under Bienvenu's leadership, P4T pioneered the "Nothing for us without us" approach, ensuring that refugees designed, implemented, and evaluated all programmes. This community-led model has achieved remarkable results: 2000+ children educated, 10,000+ patients treated, 1,000+ individuals trained in marketable skills, and 20,000+ people provided with access to clean water. In 2019, Bienvenu was resettled in Norway, where he continues to serve as a Board Member of P4T. From Norway, he leverages international networks, builds partnerships with former refugees, advocates for refugee rights at global forums, and ensures P4T remains true to its refugee-led roots.
Bienvenu's passion for women's empowerment and child protection stems directly from witnessing the devastating impact of conflict on vulnerable populations. He survived when over six million from his region did not. His core belief: refugees are not problems to be solved but people with solutions. "Refugee children, future leaders. This isn't just a slogan—it's my story, and it can be theirs too”
