As the United States of America celebrates 60 years of the U.S-Uganda relationship, the U.S. Mission acknowledged the outstanding work of Ugandan Exchange Program alumni through the Alumni Impact Awards that occurred in Kampala at Sheraton, on January 21, 2023.
The red-carpet event featured more than 250 Alumni from across the country who participated in U.S. government exchange programs over the past six decades. There were 13 award categories, and alumni were recognized for their dedication to selfless service within their local communities, the region, and the world. These alumni have made a significant impact in their respective sectors in Uganda, be it in business, academia, education, public management, civil society, the arts, medicine, public health, the media, and many more.
The function was also graced by the presence of iconic figures such as Eddy Kenzo, Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, Juliana Kanyomozi, Hon. Flavia Kalule, Ms. Dianah Atwiine, Hon. Beatrice Anywar.
“As we celebrate 60 years of the United State’s partnership with the Ugandan people, I can think of no better way to honor the work we are doing together than by celebrating the impact of U.S. exchange program alumni,” U.S. Ambassador to Uganda Natalie E. Brown said at the awards gala. “The U.S. believes in investing in people. We believe in partnership. We are proud to see you use the experiences, networks, and new perspectives gained through our programs, to thrive and positively impact the communities in which you work.”
The Embassy solicited nominations for 13 Award Categories (winners listed below) from alumni and Embassy staff via an online platform. The nominations were considered by a committee consisting of both Alumni and Embassy staff, with nominations of five finalists in the categories submitted to the Ambassador for approval.
Mr. Tushabe Ronard, the Founder and Director of Empower Youth in Technology (EYIT) was nominated in the Innovation and ICT category alongside Engineer Bainomugisha (category winner), Jeremia Lwebuga, Tike Mercy Winnie Chagara and Beka Ntende Isabirye.
Speaking after the event, Mr. Tushabe Ronard expressed his gratitude for being nominated for the awards alongside other outstanding Alumni with impactful work in the field of technology and innovations “Such a nomination is an indication that the public is appreciating and recognizing the work we do” Said, Tushabe Ronard.
The winners for the categories selected are as follows.
The Dorothy Ngalombi Lifetime Achievement Award – Margaret Sekaggya, Executive Director of the Human Rights and Peace Center, International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) Alumna.
Public Sector – Florence Nightingale Kuteesa, Founder Council for the Economic Empowerment of Women – Uganda (CEEWA-Uganda), Retired Civil Servant, Public Finance Management Consultant and Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Alumna.
Business and Entrepreneurship – Ronald Innocent Hakiza, Founder, Ugabus and Young African Leaders Initiative –Regional Leadership Center East Africa (YALI-RLC) Alumnus.
Health – Etheldreda Nakimuli-Mpungu, Senior Lecturer and Psychiatric Epidemiologist at Makerere University, Head of the Consultation–Liaison Psychiatric Service at Mulagoq National Referral Hospital, and Fulbright Alumna.
Innovation, Information and Communication Technology – Engineer Bainomugisha, Chair of the Department of Computer Science at Makerere University. AirQo Founder, and International Visitor Leadership Program Alumnus.
Agriculture – Omia Iganachi Razak, Founder of Omia Agribusiness Development Group and Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumnus.
Media and Journalism – Richard Kayiira, Program Editor, Bukedde Newspaper, International Visitor Leadership Program.
Creative Arts – Fred Mutebi, Artist, and Fulbright Scholar: An artist and social critic, Mr. Mutebi advocates for the sustainability of raw materials, primarily Ugandan barkcloth, through his art.
Civic Leadership – Victo Nalule, Executive Director of Tunaweeza Foundation, YALI- RLC and Mandela Washington Fellowship (MWF) Alumna.
Education – Elizabeth Rwabu, Training and Development Coordinator for Africa, JDO Foundation, International Leadership in Education Program Alumna.
Young Alum – Mercy Musingo, Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Student at Makerere University and 2019 Pan African Youth Leadership Program Alumna.
Outstanding Leader in the Alumni Community – Moses Obbi, Founder Grange Masticate LTD, and YALI-RLC Alumnus.
Alumni Booster Award – Raymond Musiima, Michigan Agribusiness Fellows Initiative (MFAI) Founder and Professional Fellows Alumnus.
Congratulations to all winners!
For additional information, please contact:
Dorothy Nanyonga, Information Assistant
U.S. Mission Uganda, Tel: +256-772-138-194
Email: KampalaPress@state.gov