Photo: Bridget Begin Nkojo, Presidential candidate, ICOB.
Date: Monday, May 29, 2023
To: Members of the International Community of Banyakigezi (ICOB)
From: Muniini K. Mulera, President, ICOB
Subject: ICOB LEADERSHIP CANDIDATES for 2023-2026
I certify that the Board of Directors of the International Community of Banyakigezi, having exercised due diligence in compliance with the provisions of Article V of the Bylaws of the Organization, has approved the nominations of the following candidates for elections to be held at the Annual General Meeting of ICOB that will be held in Boston, Massachusetts, USA on Saturday July 8, 2023. Please note that all candidates are unopposed.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President of ICOB
Bridget Begin Nkojo muhara wa Mugisha mwijukuru wa Kikira, a resident of White Rock, British Columbia, Canada, is a Musyaba wa Baamugara. Omuziro ni oburunga. Her mother was Kereni muhara wa Nyongozi Omwinika omuzira’mashereka g’ebihurugutu wa Bukinda bwa Nyengire ya Kinyaata.
Born in Jinja Hospital, she grew up in Kampala and Bukinda, Kabale. A graduate of Makerere University, Kampala, Bridget relocated to Canada in 2003. She currently works in Post Graduate Medical Education as a Program Coordinator at the University of British Columbia, Canada. Bridget was the Chairperson of the Organising Committee of the ICOB 2018 Vancouver Convention. She is the current Vice- President of ICOB (Apex.)
Vice President of ICOB
Turyamuhaki Emmanuel wa Tatwangire wa Kabunga ka Bitembero bya Muhima wa Kazoora ka Kaheesi ka Mutambuka, a resident of Kent, United Kingdom, is Omuheesi omukwata nyundo wa Baakinyagiro ba Bukoora bwa Kazooba ka Mbone ya Kwezi. Omuziro ni ente ngoobe eyi bateezaariize omu ruganda rwabo. His mother is Bainomugisha muhara wa Kahangura ka Kakara Omusigi w’Abanyankwizi ba Noozi abazira’nte ngoobe eyi bateezaariize omu ruganda rwabo.
A Munyakigyezi by birth, Turyamuhaki, an entrepreneur and social philanthropist, is an economist by training. He is passionate about promoting the well-being of Kigyezi and Uganda and sees promoting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at the grass-root levels as a key to unlocking Africa's prosperity. He is a professional Information Technology Engineer practicing in the United Kingdom. He previously worked in Uganda’s financial sector. He is a founder member of Kutokea Africa Initiative (KAI) and Director of the Kigezi Sports Club, two organisations that were formed to promote and enhance the wellbeing of the youth and communities in Rukiga, Kigyezi and surrounding areas. KAI is a community-based organization that aims at creating a self-sustaining and economically empowered environment. Turyamuhaki is current Chairperson of the Community of Banyakigezi-UK Chapter (COB-UK) and a current member of the Board of Directors of ICOB (Apex.)
Secretary of ICOB
Kyomugisha Sarah Sendegeya muhara wa Mbwijana, a resident of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is Omushongora w’Ankore. Omuziro ni enjojo. Her mother is Nyesigire muhara wa Keisho ka Mikaro ya Bugasho Omusigi w’Omuzooba Omunyamparo wa Kanywero na Kihanga kya Rushuuma ishe Nyamagambo, omuzir’ante ngoobe eyi bateezaariize omu ruganda rwabo.
She previously worked as a news reporter and Radio presenter for Voice of Kigezi, then an Assistant Hospital Administrator at Rugarama Hospital, Diocese of Kigezi. She then worked as Project Coordinator (on a KinderNotHilfe German project) for African Evangelistic Enterprise (AEE). She also established a project where she worked with different communities in Kigyezi to advance health and health care through citizen engagement, community empowerment and advocacy. Through this work, Sarah learnt people relationships, and innovative creation of solutions to community challenges through advocacy and stakeholder partnerships. Kyomugisha relocated to Canada in 2019, where she is working and studying. She holds a Master of Social Work degree and is currently pursuing another advanced degree in mental health at the University of Toronto. She is the current treasurer of the Community of Banyakigezi-Canada Chapter (COB-Canada).
Treasurer of ICOB
Carol Kemigisha muhara wa Ndyashangaki, a resident of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada, is a Mushambo w’Omuteizi wa Katojo ka Buyanja bwa Rujumbura. Omuziro ni engabi. Her mother is Tumusiime muhara wa Kigwebe Omugahe w’Omusingo omuzira’nte y’omurara.
Carol works as a Senior Financial Reporting Advisor in the Finance Department of the Government of the Northwest Territories, Canada. A Graduate of Makerere University, Carol is a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (UK), and Certified Public Accountants (CPA, CGA), Canada. She worked at KPMG (Uganda), and the Bank of Uganda, before working with the United Nations Office for Project Services in Copenhagen, Denmark. She relocated to Canada in 2013. She is the current Secretary of ICOB (Apex).
Assistant Treasurer of ICOB
Nossie Mukantwari Bucyana umwuzukuru wa Ruzingo, a resident of Waltham, Massachusetts, USA, is Umucyabakazi from Rutare, Nyarusiza, Bufumbira. Umuziro n’impyisi.
She is a mother, a strong Christian, and a people person focused on progressive improvement of the ICOB Boston/Ugandan Community. She works as a freelance professional in the Medical Billing and Coding field in Boston, Massachusetts. Prior to relocating to the USA 18 years ago, Nossie owned a Tour and Travel Agency in Kampala, Uganda. She holds a professional Diploma in Ticketing and Reservations from Kenya Utalii College, Nairobi. Nossie has vast knowledge in business and social events management, fundraising and funds management. She is an active member and treasurer of ICOB-Boston.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Member, Board of Directors of ICOB
Betty Mwebaze muhara wa Besigye ba Biteete, a resident of Wellesley, Massachusetts, USA is Omungura Omutarya Ntaama w’Abaamuhutu ba Irima. Omuziro n’amashereka g’ebihurugutu. Her mother is Turyashemererwa Omuyundo w’Abaakinyagiro abazira’nte ngoobe eyi bateezaariize omu ruganda rwabo.
Like her grandfather Benjamin Biteete ow’omurwere rwa Nyengire, Betty is strongly rooted in Christ. She serves as an Apostle with Victory Family Church International. Her best moment is to stand with individuals in prayer. Betty works as an Administrator with MB Management Co, in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. She worked with World Vision International before relocating to the United States in 2005. An active member of ICOB since 2007, Betty is the Chairperson of the ICOB 2023 Boston Convention Organizing Committee.
Member, Board of Directors of ICOB
Diana Ndiho Gabulaya Onyango mwijukuru wa Kikooko kya Bwanungu bwa Kabeba ka Rukara, a resident of London, England, is a Musigi wa Mparo. Omuziro ni ente ngoobe eyibateezaariize omu ruganda rwabo. Her mother is Ngasha muhara wa Tabaaro wa Kakorwa Omwitira wa Kashaari omuzira’mashereka.
A graduate of Makerere University, Kampala, Diana, worked at the Uganda Red Cross Society and the Uganda Community-based Health Care Association. She relocated to the United Kingdom in 1998, where is employed as a social worker in London. Diana has been a committed member of ICOB since 2005. She is the current Assistant Treasurer of ICOB (UK).
Member, Board of Directors of ICOB
Kalungi Kagimu muhara wa Rwanika, a resident of Lexington, Massachusetts, USA, is Omwinika w’Abaamuhutu ba Kahondo. Omuziro ni amashereka g’ebihurugutu. Her mother is Niryo umukobwa wa Ruzindana Umunyiginya uzira impyisi.
A graduate of Barakatullah University, Bhopal, India (Accounting), and Cambridge College, Boston, Massachusetts (Bachelor of Natural and Applied Sciences), Kalungi is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, USA. She was a business owner in Kampala before relocating to the USA in 2009. She works as a Hospitalist Critical Care Technologist in the Cardiac-Surgical Intensive Care Unit in Boston, Massachusetts, as she continues to pursue her graduate education in the health sciences. She is the Executive Secretary of ICOB-Boston.
Member, Board of Directors of ICOB
Lilian Kamusiime ka Ziryenyima za Kabwana ka Kabango ka Rushuuma rwa Byampamu, a resident of Kabale, Kigyezi, is Omurihira w’Abaakarobwa ba Kicumbi kya Kaaruhogo ka Rucuju rwa Byaga bya Kihiigwa. Omuziro ni ente ngoobe yoona. Her mother is Nshemereirwe muhara wa Ikuratiire Omukimbiri wa Mugiri omuzir’enkanda.
A secondary school teacher with a Diploma in Education from the National Teachers College, Kabale, Lilian taught at Bishop Ruhindi Kebisoni High school. Lilian is the founding director of Kigezi Biota Tours Ltd, and a cofounder of Omutima Project - Uganda. She has worked with Compassion International. She is the Vice chairperson of Uganda Safari Guides Association, a committee member of Uganda Women Birders, a Guest Tourism Lecturer at Makerere University Business School, a Rotarian with Rotary Club of Kabale, a tourist guides assessor and trainer. Lilian was a member of ICOB-Uganda Chapter. She was a member of the team that reviewed ICOB-funded projects in 2023. She is a member of the Kigezi Education Fund Review Committee.
Member, Board of Directors of ICOB
Lilliane Kemigisha muhara wa Rumanyika rwa Rushokye rwa Kacwanganyi ka Rukaanyangira rwa Mworo, a resident of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, is a Musigi wa Kagarama ka Rumiishuka rwa Ngondo ishe wa Birito. Omuziro ni ente ngoobe eyibateezaariize omu ruganda rwabo. Her mother is muhara w’Abatimbo ba Rushambya.
Lilliane, a Finance Director of a large financial organization, has more than 20 years of leadership experience. She also has a long track record of serving our communities. She previously served as Secretary of ICOB (Apex) for two terms. She also served as a member of the Board of another Charity organization supporting children and grandmothers in Western Uganda. She is a member of the Rotary Club of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
Member, Board of Directors of ICOB
Muhaabwa wa Kagemera ka Buro, a resident of Greenville, South Carolina, USA, is a Musigi wa Kashaki, Kagarama. Omuziro ni ente ngoobe eyi bateezaariize omu ruganda rwabo. His mother was Kitambikwa muhara w’Abainika abazira’mashereka g’ebihurugutu.
Muhaabwa retired in Dec 2019 after working as a counselor for over 23 years in a correctional institution in South Carolina. He holds a master’s degree in communications from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA. He is one of the founders of ICOB, and attended the first convention in Toronto, Canada, in 2003, where he presented a paper. He has attended about 90 percent of the annual conventions of ICOB. He also attended the founding convention of ICOB-Uganda Chapter that was held in Kabale in 2009. Muhaabwa was the chief host of the ICOB convention in Greenville, South Carolina in 2012. He served as Assistant Treasurer of ICOB (Apex) for two terms.
Member, Board of Directors of ICOB
Evelyne Ninsiima muhara wa Kikafunda, a resident of Kabale, is Omugabira wa Mungwe Teitwa from Bushure bwa Mpungu y’Ahamurwa gwa Buruma bwa Biryabarema bya Rusheegu rwa Nyamujunga. Omuziro ni engabi. Her mother is Tumuhairwe muhara w’Abakimbiri abazir’enkanda.
She is the Founder and President of Green Environment Promotion (GEP), an organization operating in Southwestern Uganda. She has worked for GEP for the last 15 years and has championed rural and community development. She is currently General Secretary of Southwestern Regional Development Forum (SWRDF), a team that is developing the strategic development and investment plans for Southwestern region.
Evelyne holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Management, Makerere University, and a Master of Science degree in Sustainability (Environment and Development) from the University of Leeds, United Kingdom. She is an alumnus of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), USA (2020). She also participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) Alumni Engagement Initiative on Effective Volunteer Engagement during uncertain times, in the USA (2021). She has won several awards, including the international Rural Women Award (2022), Unsung Heroine, Environment Category (2013), awarded by the UN Uganda Chapter, and the Best Tree Planter in Southwestern Uganda (2013) awarded by the Norwegian Government, European Union, and the Government of Uganda.
Evelyne, a positive change agent who is passionate about enhancing people’s capabilities, is the CEO of Live to Inspire Uganda Chapter, a program that champions motivational and inspirational talks amongst teenagers and youth. She is a Uganda Representative of the ICOB 2023 Boston Convention Organizing Committee.
Member, Board of Directors of ICOB
Sarah W. Nyiraneza umukobwa wa Sebikari wa Kabeba ka Sentarure wa Seburo, a respected member of The Ugandan Community in the New York tri-state area, where she has resided for over 20 years, is a Mugesera from Nyakabande, Bufumbira. Umuziro n’Inyamanza. Her mother is Ntakirutimana umukobwa wa Manjari uzira Umusambi.
With 20 years of experience in healthcare coding and reimbursement, she currently serves as a Risk Adjustment Strategic Manager at Elevance Health (formerly Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield) in Iselin, New Jersey, USA. Sarah holds a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Seton Hall University and is a member of the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). She occasionally writes for the prestigious Healthcare Business Monthly Magazine, inspiring budding coders and enlightening care providers and physicians on the intricacies of the complex reimbursement landscape.
Passionate about supporting others, Sarah volunteers at her local church, Evangel Church in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. Sarah was the chairperson of the ICOB 2019 Convention Organizing Committee in New Jersey and has been a committed board member of ICOB (Apex) since 2019. In her leisure time, Sarah enjoys spending quality moments with her family, travelling, reading, hosting, cooking, and crocheting. She also aspires to explore the art of baking through professional classes. Sarah is married to Michael Ronald Rukunda from Nyakakoni, Mbarara.
Yours sincerely,
Muniini K. Mulera
President, ICOB