Team Biographies
Discover the passionate individuals driving UADC’s mission to empower Ugandan communities. Our team brings together a diverse range of expertise, from community development and advocacy to business and finance. Learn about their backgrounds, experiences, and what inspires them to create positive change in Uganda. Explore our team members’ profiles below to learn more about their contributions to UADC’s success.
THE EXECUTIVES
Patrick Ogwang
Patrick Ogwang, the President of the Uganda American Diaspora Community (UADC), is a visionary leader with an unwavering commitment to bridging the gap between Uganda and the United States. His deep-rooted understanding of both countries, cultivated through a Ugandan upbringing and a successful career in America, makes him an invaluable asset to UADC.
Ogwang’s extensive experience in management, honed through over a decade in Walmart management, equips him with exceptional leadership and strategic planning skills. He has seamlessly transitioned this expertise to his community leadership role, effectively mobilizing Ugandans at home and in the diaspora and promoting vibrant cultural/educational exchange.
Further enriching his profile, Ogwang is a licensed realtor with a proven track record of helping individuals achieve their homeownership dreams. As the founder of Texas Umoja Investment Group, he has a keen entrepreneurial spirit and a dedication to investing in Uganda’s future.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ogwang is the founder of “Aspire to Be More”, a platform inspiring individuals to reach their full potential. This aligns seamlessly with his role at UADC, where he empowers the Ugandan American community to thrive.
Under Ogwang’s stewardship, UADC has blossomed into a thriving hub for cultural exchange, economic development, and social connection. His lifetime of experience, alongside his passion for community building, positions him as an exceptional leader driving UADC towards a future of unity, growth, and shared prosperity.
Barbra Karamaji
VICE PRESIDENT
Barbra Karamaji is a devoted entrepreneur and community leader.
As the founder of Magi Candles, she combines creativity and hard work to drive her business forward. Beyond being a product line, Magi Candles serves as a platform for giving back and spreading kindness.
Barbra also holds the position of Vice President at the Ugandan American Diaspora Council (UADC), where she empowers the community.
Her goal is to achieve success while uplifting others, leaving a lasting legacy of positivity and compassion.
CHRISTOPHER NYEKO
TREASURER
Christopher Nyeko is a passionate climate change activist skilled in Financial Management, Procurement, Logistics, with Risk assessment, Security and Safety management experience.
FIORA ABE
SECRETARY
Fiora Abe is a seasoned Education Director, Financial Investment Planner, and Business owner with vast Board experience and notable community outreach impact.
THE DEPARTMENT HEADS
Susan Gakwavu
Susan Gakwavu is a renowned philanthropist and empowerment advocate leading the Ugandan Community in California.
Founder of the New Life Autism Foundation, she is dedicated to supporting women with special needs children, especially those affected by Autism in Uganda. With a background in behavioral therapy and life coaching, and nine years of experience with organizations like Creative Steps and the Aurelia Foundation, Susan is a champion for challenging stereotypes surrounding Autism.
Recipient of the 2021 Global African Award for Community Champion/Philanthropic Services, her work inspires positive change and promotes inclusivity for individuals with special needs.
As the Head of Women & Children departments at UADC, Susan continues to drive impactful initiatives for vulnerable populations.
PATRICIA AYEBARE
Patricia Ayebare is an ICT professional and Basketball enthusiast representing the Federation of Uganda Basketball Association (FUBA) as Commissioner, Youth and Mini Basketball.
Henry Todwong
Henry Todwong is a Ugandan American based in Dallas, Texas, with a strong educational background.
He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Wichita State University and has gained valuable experience in both pharmacy management and special education.
Henry’s career trajectory includes roles at Walgreens Pharmacy and Winfree Academy, where he made significant contributions to organizational success and positively impacted students with special needs.
Henry is actively involved in the Texas Education Diagnostician Association and is currently pursuing graduate studies to further his educational pursuits.
As the Head of Education for UADC, Henry brings his expertise to spearhead educational initiatives and drive positive change in Uganda.
Fanny Martinez
Fanny Martinez brings a wealth of experience, perfectly aligning her skills with our mission. With a strong foundation in creative marketing from roles at Warner Bros and Disney, she excels in brand building and promotion.
Her passion for conservation is evident in her work with Stop Poaching Now! and Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, making her a valuable asset for our sustainable tourism initiatives.
Fanny’s hands-on experience as a tour operator and consultant, positions her to effectively develop and market educational tourism/marketing programs.
Fanny’s commitment to community development shines through her successful international projects. She has great abilities to manage large-scale initiatives, secure funding, and build strong partnerships.
Her proven track record in tourism, education, and community development positions her to make a significant impact on the planet.
As the Head of UADC’s Sustainable Tourism department, including educational programs, Fanny is instrumental in driving our tourism initiatives and creating positive change in Uganda.
JOY RUHIGISHA
Joys Ruhigisha is in mental health/family Psychotherapist and founder Family Life and Beyond helping college students understand the complexities of human behavior
AMON KARAGARA
HEAD OF TECHNOLOGY
Transformational Data Analyst with diverse expertise, leveraging IT to drive innovation and uncover hidden insights for impactful change.
ANDREW MWASE
Andrew Mwase is a Scientist and Engineer, CEO KyM Property and investments and Temba Investments, and former Chairman/President Twegaite International Organization.
GOODWILL AMBASSADORS
Yunia Lubega
TALENT ACQUISITION
EDRINNAH V. DDUMBA
COMMUNICATIONS
SUSAN AUDO
ADVOCACY
A dynamic, passionate, detail-oriented, and results-focused public health management professional with experience in rights-based programing, community development and complex humanitarian settings.
Lowena Ahabwe
WOMEN & CHILDREN
TAMMY NAMALE
FEMALE YOUTH REPRESENTATIVE
Maurice Ochol
MEDIA RELATIONS
Molly Katusiime
Publicity
Cynthia E. Pacutho
Coordinator (Uganda)
CEO UBORA Marketing and Communications, involved in ASD awareness, Common Threads Project Board and SHONA pool of experts.
