Uganda Directors
Below is a team of dedicated Board of Directors and staff in Masaka who makes things happen.
Rev. Fr. John Mary Lugemwa, OSB, President and Volunteer Coordinator
Fr. John Mary holds S.T.B. (Theology) and M.A. (Monastic Studies) degrees from Saint Vincent Seminary, Pennsylvania where he also received the Honorable Judge Bernard Shrerer Award for academic excellence, i
ntegration of knowledge, faith and charity. He also obtained B.A. degrees in Computer Science and Philosophy from St. John’s University, Minnesota. Besides studying Law in Uganda, John Mary has taken classes in Nonprofit management at the University of Richmond’s Institute on Philanthropy. John Mary is a member of the Benedictine Society of Virginia where he serves as Director of Vocations, Director of Formation, and Webmaster, and previously as an assistant in the Business office. He is a Chaplain for Benedictine College Preparatory in Richmond, Virginia where he also teaches a computer class on web design and web technologies, as well as serving on the Board of Trustees.
During his college career, John Mary initiated the Africa Service Learning Program, a program that sends groups of college students to work with AIDS support organizations in East Africa. He also founded two student organizations: the Global AIDS Awareness Organization and the Africa Students Association at the St. Benedict’s College and St. John’s University, MN. John Mary was also active in other student clubs and student government. He sat on the Joint Academic Board and also served on various administration committees as a student representative: the Academic Assessment Committee, and the Curriculum and Academic Policies Committee. John Mary also participated in the Clinton Global Initiative University conference, which brings together students from around the world to commit to effecting social change.
John Mary has received various awards for his work in Africa and the United States. He was the recipient of the International Peace Award in DC in 2007, and the 2006 Excellence in Leadership Award and Inspiring a Shared Vision leadership Award from the College of St. Benedicts/St. John’s University. He was one of the recipients of the Peace and Justice Award from the Vincent L. Hawkinson foundation , MN in 2006. In 2010 John Mary received the Innovative Community Builders Award in Virginia.
John Mary was ordained a Catholic Priest in May 2012 and hopes to go for further academic work in Canon Law. John Mary is passionate about children and his work brings him much joy and peace, knowing that his small deeds can make a difference in other people’s lives.
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Jane Francis Nakiboneka, (Board Member)
Jane Francis (Jjajja) possess life time experience as a farmer. For the past five years she has hosted all URF volunteers who come throughout the year from Europe, Australia, and North America and some African countries.
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Adrian Ssemukasa, (Board Member) General Program Director
Adrian brings to URF diverse experience as a successful entreprenuer and business manager. He has se?t up and managed a number of successful small private businesses. He recieved a Diploma in Agriculture and has attended a series of farming workshops. Adrian is a native of Kyetume village, the central area of service for URF where he is well respected. He is responsible for overseeing the overall ongrounds operation of URF.
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Esther Nyangoma, (Board Member) Legal Advisor
Esther holds an LL.B degree from Makerere University and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from Law Development Center. She currently works with the Uganda Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs as a State Attorney under the Attorney General’s office.
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Harriet Kezaabu, (Board Member) Vice Chair of the Board
Harriet comes to URF with tremendous experience as social work and program manager after working and volunteering with various NGOs. She has previous worked with FXB International, Center for Community Development Programs, and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. Harriet holds a B.A. degree in Social Sciences from Makerere University and a Certificate post graduate training in research methods and writing skills. She is currently pursuing an M.A. degree in Development Studies at Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi. Harriet coordinates the URF Kampala Chapter for young professionals and university students.
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Charles Waliggo, (Board Member) General Secretary
Charles is currently pursuing a degree in Information Technology at Kampala International University due to graduate in 2011. He has previously attended training in project planning and management at Makerere University. Charles assists with technology needs at URF and the URF Kampala Chapter for young professionals and university students.
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Stephanie Namujjuzi, (Board Member and URF Nurse)
Stephanie is a health care professional working a Nurse. She currently operates a privately owned clinic providing general basic care in a rural village in Luwero. Stephany is a native of Kyetume village having lived experience of the conditions in the communties where URF serves.
Non-Board Staff
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Martin Mugerwa, Project Manager
Martin is native of Mbirizi, one of the villages served by URF. He holds a B.A degree in Philosophy and Religious Studies from Alokulum National Major Seminary. Martin coordinates the Peer Counseling program, Community Service for students, Volunteer management and assists various other activities at URF.