President
Nanette Magezi
Nanette was born and raised in Uganda before relocating to the United States in 2006. She went on to attend Purdue University where she attained a degree in Industrial Engineering and later received an MBA from Indiana University with a concentration in Supply Chain. She currently works in Supply Chain Transformation ensuring companies remain competitive in an ever-changing landscape.
Nanette enjoys traveling, crafting, and giving back. She serves as both an official and unofficial mentor to several and is excited to give back through USD.
Vice President
Joseph Chrispin Yawe
Joe was born and raised in Uganda, but “grew up” in Massachusetts where he moved to pursue higher education. A proud product of the UMASS system, he completed his Bachelor's in Biochemistry at UMASS Amherst and subsequently obtained his PhD in Biomedical Science from UMASS Medical School in Worcester. He currently supports life science research, working with a dynamic team of specialists to provide high quality tools and resources to bench scientists.
Joe has a passion for science and education, and through USD he hopes to empower and inspire more children in Uganda to pursue STEM opportunities. For fun Joe enjoys audiobooks, travel, cooking and learning about new ways to invest in a sustainable future.
Secretary
Ivan Sekyonda
Like a lot of Ugandans in the diaspora, Ivan came to “outside” countries to pursue higher education. It was a big surprise when he found out that New York is a state bigger than New York City and that his school was actually not in NYC but rather in the middle of nowhere upstate NY. This eye-opening experience created a passion in him to help other immigrants coming to the U.S - specifically students- to adjust and learn more about the world. USD is a way for Ivan to further this mission and support those who have not had as much fortune as he has to pursue a better life for themselves through improvements in education and the community as a whole. Ivan spends his free time on the couch.
Treasurer
Ronnie Mugimu
Ronnie Mugimu was born in Uganda and lived there until 2006 when he moved to the United States of America. He holds a degree in finance and accounting and an MBA. Ronnie is passionate about making progressive change in the Ugandan economy. Through serving as the treasurer for U.S.D, he feels that he is serving this objective and contributing positively to the community. In his spare time, Ronnie spends time watching and learning a lot of DIY skills in home improvement as his passion for self-sustainability grows.
Content Coordinator
Joshua Ssemwanga
Joshua was born in Uganda, grew up in Kenya and moved to the United States for higher education. Joshua has a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and while in college learned the importance of ‘lifting as you climb’ through his association with the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA). He looks to embody this spirit with U.S.D.
Joshua is also a huge sports fan, enjoys a good trip and is a good dancer when he wants to be.
Membership Liaison
Alex Makumbi
Alex Makumbi is a highly trusted Cyber Security leader known for collaborative and engaging leadership to influence and drive strategic initiatives in Fortune 100 financial and global corporations. He thrives in spaces that navigate the forefront of technology and currently has 2 pending patents at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. As a first-generation Ugandan-American, the Ugandan Support from the Diaspora is an avenue he is using to network with fellow Ugandans and those in support of Uganda working to collectively give back in a unique way to support Ugandan organizations touching the lives of everyday Ugandans.
He enjoys the outdoors, traveling, and seeking out new restaurants.