Onesmo Olengurumwa

Onesmo Olengurumwa is a distinguished human rights lawyer, renowned for his significant contributions to the field. As a founding member of the East Africa Human Rights Institute (EAHRI) and Managing Partner at Afritanza Attorney, he applies his extensive legal expertise and unwavering dedication to advance justice, human rights education and uphold human rights. Widely recognized as one of Tanzania's foremost human rights expert and ardent defender of rights, he has served in key leadership roles including as the Founding National Coordinator (CEO) of the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC). 

With a robust educational background, Olengurumwa wields a master’s degree in research and public policy alongside a bachelor’s degree in law (Hons) from the University of Dar es Salaam. His journey into legal advocacy was further bolstered by a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from Law School of Tanzania. Committed to continuous growth, he has honed his skills through prestigious courses such as Certificate in Strategic Public Leadership from Harvard Business School (2023), Certificate in Security Management for Social Organization for Human Rights Defenders by York University (2014),  Certificate for Key Essential of Sustainable Development Goals and Law by Lucy Cavendish College of Cambridge University, 2024, Certificate of CSOs Law by University of Pretoria, Advanced Human Rights Course  in Human Rights and Business by University of Oslo and Pretoria University, 2025. 

As a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience spanning over fifteen years, Olengurumwa is an ardent advocate of human rights and social justice in Tanzania.  With a multifaceted approach, Olengurumwa participated in various studies examining the intersection of human rights with diverse sectors, including the impacts of major investments, climate justice, civic space, freedom of expression, and the rights of defenders. His expertise extends to navigating legal complexities such as addressing civil societies compliance challenges; and promoting civic engagement including rule of law; advocating for disability rights; child rights; climate justice etc. His other areas of intervention include freedom of expression; access to justice and human rights mechanisms; non-profit sector taxation; human rights violations in the extractive and wildlife/ protected areas; public interest litigation; criminal justice; social justice; and challenges afflicting pastoralist and marginalized communities.

As a seasoned consultant, Olengurumwa has collaborated with stakeholders both domestically and internationally, offering strategic insights into legal and human rights matters. His versatile skill set encompasses training, policy analysis, legal support, public interest litigation, legal analysis and advocacy, bolstered by his credentials as a registered advocate and certified tax consultant. Olengurumwa's commitment to social justice is evident in his comprehensive understanding of complex issues, coupled with his dedication to effecting meaningful change within Tanzania and beyond. 

Adv. Olengurumwa is a participant in the 2025-26 Human Rights Advocates Program at the Institute for the Study of Human Rights at Columbia University.