Mastercard Foundation Alumni Network
Uganda
The Alumni Network is the culmination of our vision to mobilize the alumni from our programs — which include the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), Ashoka, the Youth Think Tank (YTT), the Scholars Program, the Anzisha Prize, and Youth Forward — to be a force for change.
To learn more about the Alumni Network, click here to complete the Mastercard Foundation Alumni Interest form.
The Uganda Mastercard Foundation Alumni Committee is the culmination of our vision to mobilize graduates from programs such as YALI, DOT, Makerere University, BRAC, FAWE, and RUFORUM into a unified force for change. It brings together empowered youth leaders to collaborate, share learning, and drive impact in their communities through continued engagement and collective action.
To learn more about the Uganda Alumni Network email: mcfugandaalumninetwork@gmail.com.
Meet the Leadership Committee for 2025 - 2027
Flavia Anena
Flavia Anena
A Seasoned Facilitator, Teacher, Debate trainer, and a Research Assistant with passion for empowering individuals with extensive skills in designing and delivering training programs. Flavia has worked with diverse groups, including students, teachers and Cooperate professionals.
As a facilitator and teacher, flavia has honed her expertise in creating, engaging interactive learning experiences. Her training program focuses on “Igniting Hidden Strength” and developing essential life skills, such as Self-awareness, Effective communication, Problem-solving, leadership, Networking and Team management.,” The power of ignored skills”, focuses on the importance of developing often-overlook - rather under looked life skills in and out of school. This program aims to empower individuals including cooperate professionals and students with the skills and confidence needed to navigate life’s challenges and achieve their goals.
Flavia’s career spans various roles, including Secretary at Elshadai Nursery and Primary School in 2017, Mentor with Educate Uganda! from 2017-2019, and as a student at her alma mater, she served as a student leader, holding positions such as GRC for Women Representative and Vice Guild President at Gulu University.
As an educator, she gained valuable skills and experiences honing her skills in education and community development during her internship at CEED Concordia Uganda and taught English Language and Literature, trained students in debates, poetry and public speaking at Ocer campion Jesuit college. Flavia also worked with Teach for Uganda as a teacher leader and with Bishop Gasis Relief and Rescue Foundation in South Sudan as Adult and Community Teacher. She recently served as program facilitator at the R creation project.
In addition to her one-site work, she has successfully transitioned to remote work, leveraging digital platform to extend her reach. Notably, flavia has collaborated with synapses centre in Senegal as a Soft Skills trainer, delivering online training modules to University Students across the country through the Innovative TECH@work program, which aimed at bridging the skills gaps and enhanced employability among young professionals.
Currently, she serves as a safeguarding officer with Brac Uganda.
Her expertise, characterised by her warmth, passion, dedication, enthusiasm, and ability to create a safe and inclusive learning environment, make her sought-after facilitator, teacher, social work in the field of life skills development.
Ayella Isaac Tooya
Ayella Isaac Tooya, Digital Opportunity Trust
A purpose driven Communications and Advocacy professional with over four years of experience designing and leading transformative development campaigns across Uganda’s
NGO sector. He currently serves with Nile Girls Forum, where he has played a pivotal role in shaping national conversations around gender equality, youth empowerment, and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
Throughout his career, Mr. Ayella has led the successful execution of three flagship programs; We Lead, PISCCA, and the Mosaic Guidance Programme delivering measurable impact in community mobilisation, adolescent health, and inclusive education. His strategic leadership of a family planning campaign in the Alur Kingdom, which earned the formal endorsement of cultural leadership, stands as a hallmark of his ability to merge advocacy with tradition and policy. He also authored and implemented a robust communications framework that strengthened institutional visibility, stakeholder engagement, and policy influence at the national level.
A passionate advocate for digital inclusion, Mr. Ayella is a proud alumnus of the Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT), where he participated in the #GirlsinICT Street Team 2, advancing access and equity in technology for young women. In 2021, he was nationally recognized by UNFPA Uganda as a Male Champion for Adolescent Girls and Young Women, honoring his commitment to gender-transformative change.
Mr. Ayella holds a Bachelor’s degree in Procurement and Supply Chain Management from Makerere University Business School. Deeply committed to social justice and diplomacy, he aspires to scale his advocacy work onto global platforms, pursue graduate studies in diplomacy and peace building, and ultimately serve in international roles that champion gender equity and youth leadership across Africa and beyond.
Joan Mugaba
Joan Mugaba
An advocate for inclusive education and communication, with a deep passion for empowering women and girls. Words have always captivated me; I believe in their incredible power to connect, inspire, and influence change. I have a natural flair for articulating ideas and a keen eye for effective messaging, which I leverage to foster transformation in my community.
I strive every day to impact lives of girls and women I interact with by either lending an ear or teaching a skill I know. With over 8 years of experience working in underserved communities, I have taught more than 200 young women how to write CV’s, today majority are employed and 1 works with a tech company called outbox. I have trained and empowered over 120 young PWDs with digital and communication skills helping them to become change-makers in their own right under the Immersed Project Uganda sponsored by USAID.
I serve as an Education and Career Advisor at ISBAT University, Former Communications Chairperson for YALI Uganda and also lead Young Women's Hub Uganda, where our efforts are timely to make contribution to ensuring that every young person in Uganda can access quality education while empowering adolescent girls and women in communities with accurate information to direct them in making life decisions and youth holistic development.
I firmly believe that winning rights for women is about changing the way our communities and countries operate. Through #BooksIntheGhetto, a project I’ve been running since November2022, I’ve been able to facilitate over 10 community and school outreaches- taking literacy tools closer to children in underserved communities/schools.
I'm constantly seeking new opportunities to further develop education initiatives in underserved areas through education advocacy efforts as I aspire to be a global south advocate for the right to education.
Sandra Agwico
Sandra Agwico
A visual storyteller, poetess, puppeteer, photographer, filmmaker and journalist.
Sandra is a visual storyteller, poetess, puppeteer, photographer, filmmaker, journalist, and communications officer with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Uganda Christian University, Mukono. She is a 2019 Mastercard Foundation Scholar at BRAC Uganda.
Sandra uses both her voice and lens to amplify unheard stories, with a passion for social change and youth empowerment. She was selected for the 2023 Buni Media Fellowship in Nairobi, participated in the inaugural Puppetry for Political Satire training, and is a proud 2024 Media Challenge Fellow, where she explored ethical and innovative approaches to journalism, communications and public discourse.
Currently, Sandra serves as the Communications Officer at AIDS Education Group for Youth (AEGY) in Kamuli District through the Scholars for Social Change Program. In this role, she leads strategic communications, awareness campaigns, and community engagement initiatives. She also volunteers as a Digital Communications Officer with the Mastercard Foundation Alumni at BRAC Uganda, supporting content creation and alumni engagement.
Sandra is the co-founder of M&S Butter & Love Cakes, a youth-led initiative that equips young people especially girls with bakery and pastry skills to promote fulfilling and dignified work.
Uma Apollo
Uma Apollo
Apollo Uma is an Agricultural and Rural Innovation Specialist with five years of professional experience dedicated to enhancing agricultural value chains, particularly in the rice sector. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural and Rural Innovation from Makerere University and a Master of Science Degree in Agribusiness Management from Egerton University sponsored by RUFORUM under the TAGDev project. His academic background has equipped him with essential skills in value chain analysis, community mobilization, and project management. Apollo has worked with various organizations, including Uganda Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (UFAAS), Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy and Development, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and Kilimo Trust where he provided technical assistance and conducted research to improve agricultural efficiency and effectiveness. Currently, he is a field officer with Give directly at Kiryandongo and Nakivale refugee settlements focused on enrolling and giving direct cash transfers to the extremely poor, a contribution to poverty alleviation.
Uma aspires to leverage his expertise to drive innovations that enhance food security and resilience among vulnerable communities in developing countries. He aims to engage in policy advocacy that promotes sustainable agricultural practices and strengthens food governance systems. By focusing on inclusive agricultural policies that empower smallholder farmers, Uma envisions contributing significantly to climate adaptation strategies and fostering sustainable livelihoods in East Africa. Through continued research and collaboration with stakeholders, he seeks to make a lasting impact on food systems governance and rural development.
Owekitinisa Sylas Ruhweza Atwoki
Owekitinisa Sylas Ruhweza Atwoki, Makerere University
Strategy and Engagement Lead
Owekitinisa Sylas Ruhweza holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Geoscience and Production (Hons.) from Makerere University. During his studies, he was a Scholar under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, where he emerged as one of the most active and engaged Scholar leaders.
He currently serves as the Strategy and Engagement Lead for the Mastercard Foundation Alumni Committee – Uganda Chapter. In this role, he oversees both internal coordination and external partnerships aimed at strengthening the impact and reach of the alumni network through a highly connected Scholar Alumni community.
In recognition of his commitment to service and strategic communication, Sylas was recently appointed Information Minister of Tooro Kingdom, following two years of dedicated service as Deputy Information Minister.
He also serves as President of the Makerere AlumNet Foundation, a community of Mastercard Foundation Scholar Alumni from Makerere University. Through this platform, he champions collaboration, Giveback, peer learning, mentorship and professional growth among Scholar alumni. Additionally, he sits on the steering committee of the Scholars Program at Makerere University, where he plays an oversight role in shaping implementation of the program and representing alumni perspectives.
At the regional level, Sylas chairs the Alumni Steering Group for the BAC-IN Project under Inhive Global. In this capacity, he supports the development of Scholar alumni network chapters across several institutions, including the University of Rwanda, the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) Rwanda, the University of the Western Cape, and USIU-Africa.
His previous experience includes serving on the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Learning, Partnership, and Advisory Group, where he contributed to strategic planning and program learning especially on the Scholars Program Theory of Change.
Earlier, he led the Mastercard Foundation Alumni at BRAC Uganda, managing a vibrant network of over 5,000 secondary school graduates.
Beyond his alumni engagement work, Sylas is a co-founder of Focus Lane Development Uganda Ltd, a social enterprise committed to youth empowerment and entrepreneurship. He has also worked as an E-Learning Support Officer with the College of Natural Sciences at Makerere University and as a Program Associate at Gudie Leisure Farm, where he supported over 100 young people in Tororo District to launch businesses in the white meat value chain under the Young Africa Works Strategy
Uganda - Past Alumni
Mastercard Foundation Alumni Network
The Alumni Network is the culmination of our vision to mobilize the alumni from our programs — which include the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), Ashoka, the Youth Think Tank (YTT), the Scholars Program, the Anzisha Prize, and Youth Forward — to be a force for change.
Meet the Leadership Committee
Frank Kutensa
Frank Kutensa
Frank Kutensa is a highly accomplished professional with a Master’s Degree in Public Health from the American University of Beirut, Lebanon, where he graduated with distinction. His academic excellence and dedication to public health earned him the prestigious Public Health Leadership and Civic Engagement award as an outstanding student in the class of 2022.
Frank also holds a bachelor’s degree in Community Psychology from Makerere University. As an alumnus of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, he received support for his education throughout his A’Level, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees.
Currently, Frank serves as the Strategy and Engagement Lead at Pepal NGO, leveraging his expertise and passion to drive impactful initiatives. With a strong background in public health and community psychology, Frank is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of individuals and communities.
Peace Pimer
Peace Pimer
Peace Pimer is an accomplished leader and social change advocate. She is the founder and Executive Director of Nile Girls Forum, a platform dedicated to empowering girls and women. Her outstanding contributions have earned her recognition, including being named among the 40 under 40 Elite and Inspirational Ugandans for 2019|2020.
With a passion for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), Peace is a certified SRHR Trainer from the University of Erasmus, Rotterdam, and Makerere University School of Public Health. She is also an alumnus of the Digital Opportunity Trust, further expanding her skills and knowledge.
As a USAID/GUIDE Fellow and member of Generation Democracy by the International Republican Institute, Peace actively engages in shaping policies and programs to advance democracy and youth empowerment. She serves as an advisory board member of Green Deal and as the board chairperson of EduChild Foundation, organizations committed to environmental sustainability and education for children. Peace’s dedication to human rights advocacy extends to her role as a youth delegate for the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights consultation on hate speech, peace, and security in the East and Horn of Africa.
Jovia Nazziwa
Jovia Nazziwa
Jovia Nazziwa is a dedicated advocate for equity and inclusion, with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and gender equality. She is an alumna of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at BRAC Uganda (MFABU) and has actively volunteered with MFABU for seven years in various capacities. Currently, she serves as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors.
As a professional midwife and the Co-founder of Cure Medical Services, Jovia is committed to providing quality and affordable healthcare services to the people of Wakiso and School-based Health Services. Her passion for girls’ education and menstrual health management (MHM) has driven her to co-found Building of Africa Well Able (AWA), an organization that has reached approximately two million girls in rural Eastern and Central Uganda, delivering training on making reusable menstrual products (RUMPs).
Jovia’s ultimate goal is to create a world where women and girls have equal opportunities in all sectors of life. She empowers them to stay in school and equips them with leadership and financial literacy skills. Her unwavering dedication to promoting equity and inclusion is evident in her work and contributions to society.
Bruno Namisi
Bruno Namisi
Bruno Namisi is a seasoned Business Management practitioner with a remarkable 12 years of experience in the field. Throughout his career, he has made significant contributions to reputable organizations in both the private and public sectors. In his role as the Partnerships and Resource Mobilization Chairman at YALI RLC Uganda chapter from 2021 to 2023, Bruno has demonstrated his strong advocacy for youth-related issues. He actively works towards creating opportunities and addressing challenges faced by the youth.
With a deep understanding of finance and a strategic mindset, Bruno brings valuable expertise to his role as Finance Lead. He is dedicated to ensuring sound financial management and maximizing resources for the benefit of the organization.
Bruno’s passion for supporting youth and driving positive change is evident in his professional endeavors. He remains committed to leveraging his skills and experience to contribute to the advancement of youth-related initiatives and the overall development of the community.
Doreen Mbabazize
Doreen Mbabazize
Doreen Mbabazize is a dedicated professional in the field of agriculture with a focus on soil science. She holds an MSc. in Soil Science from Egerton University, Kenya, sponsored by the Mastercard Foundation through RUFORUM. She also obtained a BSc. in Agricultural Land Use & Management from Makerere University.
Currently, Doreen is volunteering at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Uganda, contributing to the Aflasafe project. Her work involves addressing challenges related to aflatoxin contamination in crops.
As a representative for Soil Science at RUFORUM from 2019 to 2021, Doreen has actively contributed to the advancement of her field. She has gained valuable experience and knowledge through her involvement with RUFORUM.
With a passion for agriculture and a strong background in soil science, Doreen is committed to effective communication and knowledge dissemination. In her role as Communications Lead, she aims to amplify the impact of the organization and engage stakeholders through clear and strategic communication.
Jacob Okidi
Jacob Okidi
Jacob Okidi is a highly skilled professional with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and over four years of experience in the field of ICT. Currently, he serves as the regional IT Field Support at BRAC Uganda, where he leverages his expertise to ensure smooth IT operations.
Coming from the FAWE Uganda chapter, Jacob has a strong background in technology and is passionate about using data to drive decision-making and monitor project performance. As the M&E Lead, he is dedicated to implementing effective monitoring and evaluation strategies to track progress and optimize outcomes.
With his proficiency in computer science and his practical experience in IT support, Jacob brings valuable insights and technical expertise to his role. He strives to harness the power of data and technology to enhance organizational effectiveness and drive positive change.
Meet the Leadership Committee
Angella Nantambi
Angella Nantambi
Angella Nantambi is an alum of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Ashesi University and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. She is the first Alumni in Residence Fellow of the Baobab Platform and a Crossroads Emerging Leadership Fellow with the Harvard Business School Club of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Angella is a passionate advocate for communication of issues facing young people in communities. She is the co-founder of Inogen, an organization that seeks to inspire young girls to pursue their dreams in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) field.
She volunteered with the Young Achievers Foundation to support high school graduates to gain full scholarships to study in top universities and colleges all over the world.
Derrick Tumuhairwe
Derrick Tumuhairwe
Derrick Tumuhairwe is a youth advocate, nurse and a medical entrepreneur who is passionate about preventive medicine and the financial liberation of young people. He is the co-founder of Cure Medical Centre, a social enterprise that provides quality affordable health care to marginalized communities in the Wakiso District of Uganda.
Derrick is the founder of Africa Well Able (AWA), a community-based organisation that offers comprehensive education on young girl’s sexual reproductive health rights and equip youth with entrepreneurial skills. So far, Africa Well Able (AWA) has reached over 2 million girls with information on sexual reproductive health rights, menstrual hygiene management, prevention of teenage pregnancy and early marriage.
He volunteers for Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU) as a Community-Based Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (CBRHR) educator and Uganda Red Cross Society as Youth Volunteer Recruiter and Certified First Aid Trainer.
Eilen Anecho
Eilen Anecho
Eilen Anecho holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Gulu University in Northern Uganda. She currently works as a Market Development Officer with GOAL Relief and Development Organization with extensive experience in market system-oriented approaches, proposal development, budget development, negotiation, partnerships management and working with young people.
Eileen believes in the power of young people and in empowering them to become transformational leaders by dismantling systems of social oppression. As a member of the Mastercard Foundation Alumni Network Committee she hopes to help leaders to bring about social and economic change in their communities and across the continent.
Faith Mairah Clara
Faith Mairah Clara
Faith Mairah Clara is an alum of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), a signature effort to invest in the next generation of African leaders as they foster economic growth, enhance democratic governance, and strengthen civil society structures that will help the continent sustainably grow and prosper. She is a feminist and as the Youth Country Coordinator at Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) Alliance Uganda, she advocates for sexual reproductive health and rights and bodily autonomy for young people. She is a member of AIESEC, SheDecides Global movement, the UN Women Uganda Youth Representative for the Generation Equality Forum and a nominee for The Office of the Vice Chairperson (Policy and Advocacy) – Commonwealth Youth Council.
Frances Aanyu
Frances Aanyu
Frances Aanyu is an alum of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Development Economics.
As the Head of Youth Engagement at Reach a Hand Uganda, she supports and mentors a network of Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) advocates who enhance access to information and services for young people in Uganda.
Frances is also a Resolution Fellow and the co-founder of Dash 4 Girls Uganda, a social venture that is using logical framework analysis to create community solutions to different issues. She was also Skoll World Forum 2018 Emerging Leader for her contribution to women empowerment in Uganda.
Frances is passionate about creating an enabling environment for young people to meaningfully participate in co-creating solutions for their communities. Throughout her various roles, she has inspired young people to take up space in different initiatives and create better communities.
Francis Xavier Inyangat
Francis Xavier Inyangat
Francis Xavier Inyangat graduated from Busitema University with a degree in computer engineering.
He is passionate about leveraging technology to harness the potential of young people and creating sustainable solutions to poverty in Africa.
Xavier is a member of Generation Connect Africa (GC-AFR) and a youth envoy at the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and Africa Telecommunications Union (ATU).
Xavier participated in the Youth Street Team Fellowship at Digital Opportunity Trust) and the Youth Work Readiness Program) at Makerere University’s Innovation and Incubation Center (MIIC).
Currently, he works as an AI Researcher with Busitema University Artificial Intelligence and Interdisciplinary Research Group, innovating solutions on the nexus between Business and Technology.
He is also the founder of Blueprint Digital Services, a social initiative that provides digital skills and entrepreneurship training and mentorship to youth in the border districts of Busia, Tororo and Malaba in Uganda.
Ronald Mukunde
Ronald Mukunde
Ronald Mukunde is an alum of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the American University of Beirut and holds a master’s degree in civil engineering. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering from the University of Belkaid Tlemcen – Algeria and a Certificate in Project Management.
As a Mastercard Foundation Scholar, Ronald actively took part in community outreach projects, specifically offering services to Syrian and Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. He is also the co-founder of Farmiket Uganda Ltd, an agri-tech company that provides local subsistence farmers with market support in Uganda.
Having served in different leadership positions through his career, Ronald is passionate about sustainable education reforms that include vocational skilling and entrepreneurship. He believes this the key to eliminating unemployment and poverty. He enjoys reading novels, adventure and playing basketball.