The visionary minds and dedicated organisers behind AIFEST, working together to shape the future of AI in Uganda and across Africa.
Leadership Board
Ronnie Atuhaire
Lead Organizer
Ronnie is a Ugandan tech enthusiast, social entrepreneur, and community builder passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems. He is the co-founder of MpaMpe, a crowdfunding startup focused on breaking financial barriers to education and empowering students to access opportunities. Through MpaMpe, Ronnie and his team have gained recognition in several prestigious competitions, including the Google programs, the MTN MoMo Hackathon, and FITSPA initiatives, highlighting their innovation and impact in the tech ecosystem. His journey through hackathons sparked a deeper passion for building and collaboration. Inspired by this experience, he founded AI Fest Uganda to encourage students and young developers to actively build projects, participate in hackathons, and transform ideas into impactful startups. As Lead Organizer, Rinnioe is dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation, hands-on learning, and community-driven growth across Uganda’s tech space.
Professor Engineer Bainomugisha
Faculty Mentor
Engineer Bainomugisha is a Professor and Chair of Computer Science at Makerere University, and a leading voice in Africa’s AI and software engineering ecosystem. He is a researcher and innovator focused on leveraging technology for social impact, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, climate tech, and data-driven systems. He is the founder and co-founder of several impactful initiatives, including AirQo, Sunbird AI, and Crane Cloud projects that are advancing air quality monitoring, applied AI research, and cloud infrastructure across Africa. His work has contributed to building scalable, locally relevant solutions that address real-world challenges like climate change and urban sustainability. Beyond research, Engineer Bainomugisha plays a key role in shaping the future of technology in Africa through mentorship, policy engagement, and global collaboration. He also serves as a council member at the World Economic Forum, contributing to conversations on emerging technologies and their societal impact. As a Faculty Mentor for AI Fest Uganda, he brings deep expertise, visionary leadership, and a strong commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.
Gilbert Junior Buregyeya
Co-Organizer
Gilbert is an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem development Fanatic! He is Business Development & Organizational strategist & Consultant, Trainer, Public Speaker, Educationist, and an Entrepreneur. I have great passion for local #Innovation, Digitization and #Entrepreneurship leading to problem solving of a common person, common communities! My dream is to see Millions of sustainable "big" companies built in Uganda and Africa, employing millions of people and sustaining our economies. I dream to see Africa as a hub of Innovation and Creativity! Had an opportunity to work in both the public sector and private sector. I do understand the #Startup Ecosystem in detail having worked in Entrepreneurship development and support for quite some time. My Specialties: Strategic Planning, Project design, Resource Mobilization & Fundraising, partnership development, Capacity Building, Partnership strategy, Digital Transformation, Program development, Project/Program management, Monitoring and Evaluation, Policy & Advocacy, Ecosystem Building.
Arthur
Lead Hackers Co-Ordinator
Arthur is a Tech enthusiast. Hungry for change. He wants to create an impact on the world through tech.
Shakiran Nannyombi
Lead Partnerships Co-Ordinator
Shakiran Nannyombi is a software engineer and developer building at the intersection of AI, data, and user experience. She works with JavaScript and Python to create applications that are not only functional, but intuitive and impactful. Her tech journey has been driven by a hands-on mindset—focused on building, learning, and figuring things out along the way. This approach has led her to explore machine learning, frontend engineering, and UI/UX design in a practical and evolving way. She is currently focused on growing into an AI engineer while contributing to solutions that solve real-world problems. She is particularly interested in projects that combine data, design, and intelligence to improve how people interact with technology. As Partnerships Coordinator for AI Fest Uganda, she is passionate about building meaningful collaborations, connecting communities, and creating opportunities that empower others to learn and innovate.
Nantume Iman Makumbi
Campus Ambassador
AI and Machine Learning Year 1 student at ISBAT University. Minister of Education and Current Affairs in Guild Cabinet, passionate about making AI accessible to everyone.
Abaho Abel Kambona
Campus Ambassador
Bachelor's of Information Technology and Computing student at Kyambogo University. Part of GDG on Campus Makerere University, passionate about AI innovation and leadership development.
Imalingat Brenda
UTAMU
Computer Science Year 3 student at UTAMU. Part of GDG UTAMU with experience organizing tech events including Zindi Data Fest.
Byaruhanga Daniel
Kampala Internation University
Year 2 student at KIU. Passionate about impacting community and contributing to the next generation of tech leaders.
Butera Marcel
UTAMU
Software Engineering Year 2 student at UTAMU. GDG Co-Lead UTAMU and UTAMU Innovation Club member. Experienced campus ambassador for IEEE TechX, Aerobuddies AVIATHON, and IBM Datathon 2025.
Asiimwe Tracy Treza
ISBAT
AI and Machine Learning Year 1 student at ISBAT University. Tech-focused content creator passionate about making AI accessible and building strong AI communities.
Musiimenta Tendo Divine
Organizer
Student at Makerere University, pursuing a bachelor's degree in Software Engineering.
Benjamin Wakida
Organizer
Business Computing student at Makerere University Business School, community builder and Web3 developer passionate about blockchain and AI-driven products. Actively involved in growing Web3 communities on campus.
Mugoya Hillarious
Organizer
IT and cybersecurity enthusiast with a strong focus on AI security, governance, and community-driven technology initiatives. Contributing member of the Cloud Security Alliance AI Safety Working Group, passionate about building safer, more inclusive digital ecosystems.
Mugisha Trevour Jeanclaude
Organizer
Geomatics student with a strong interest in applying AI, GIS, and spatial data to solve real-world challenges. Passionate about geospatial innovation, smart mapping, and using technology to drive sustainable development.
Nasasira Seezi
Organizer
Network Configuration & Security Management, IT Infrastructure & Server Administration, and Virtualization & Cloud Systems (VMware, Cisco).
Asasira Arthur
Organizer
Environmentalist and tech community diehard.
Keith Tugume
Organizer
Software engineering student junior year. Tennis addict.
Jjemba Emmanuel
Community Engagement Lead
Community Engagement Lead.
Nuwe Bryant Nyero
Organizer
Software engineering student focused on data science by trade and a strategist at heart. Firm believer in the power of a well-executed plan. Off the clock, likely chasing a basketball or looking for the next challenge.
Asiimire Daphne
Organizer
Tech enthusiast passionate about AI, Machine Learning, and full-stack development. Enjoys building innovative solutions, contributing to developer communities, and volunteering at tech events. Driven by impact, creativity, and the vision of shaping Africa's digital future.
Bashir Kasujja
Organizer
Software Engineering enthusiast passionate about technology and tackling big challenges. Finds joy in the dynamic world of coding, always eager to learn and build meaningful projects. Thrives in problem-solving, combining creativity with innovative solutions.
Birungi Angella Miriam
Organizer
Third-year Software Engineering student at Mbarara University. Passionate about growing young women in tech. Frontend developer and UI/UX designer.
Bahati Brenda Kizito
Organizer
Software engineering student and problem-solver passionate about building impactful, scalable tech solutions. Focused on AI, data-driven systems, and real-world applications that solve local and global challenges.
Asiimwe Tracy
Organizer
Less talk, more building. AI for real impact.
Luutu Gregory Valentino
Organizer
Computer science student joining AI hackathon for the first time as both hacker and organizer. Excited about helping things run smoothly and supporting people during the event. Interested in AI and software, looking forward to learning and growing through organizing and building.
Winena Joann Jo
Organizer
Innovator, leader, researcher, Cybersecurity enthusiast, and STEM advocate. Currently serving as a coach at the mentorship class and the founder of Aedos.
Tendo Sarah
ISBAT University
Wanyana Esthersandra
UICT
Computer Science Year 2 student at UICT. Female in Tech lead with experience collaborating across innovation platforms.
Cleopatra Kanyunyuzi
Founder Club Tangaza | Co-Founder and Director PinkCode Uganda
Cleopatra Kanyunyuzi is a visionary tech leader and social entrepreneur committed to building inclusive digital futures. She is the Founder and CEO of Club Tangaza, a pioneering platform equipping kids, teens, and beginners with coding, robotics and digital literacy skills; Founder and CEO of The Tangaza Charity Initiative, driving education and opportunity for underprivileged communities; and Co-Founder & Director of PinkCode Uganda, a digital transformation initiative empowering women and girls in technology. With over a decade of experience in computer science, software engineering, and social innovation, Cleopatra is recognized globally as a Tech and Impact Strategist, Speaker, and Advocate for Digital Inclusion. She is passionate about leveraging emerging technologies AI, data, and digital transformation to bridge the gap between academia and industry, unlock economic growth, and ensure that women, youth, and underserved communities are not left behind in the digital revolution. Through her ventures and thought leadership, she is shaping the next generation of engineers, innovators, and changemakers while partnering with global organizations to scale solutions that combine profit with purpose. Cleopatra is available for global collaborations, strategic partnerships, speaking engagements, and initiatives that align technology with social impact and inclusion.
Makmot Johnson
Full Stack Developer & Founder Renegade
Founder at Renegade. Full stack developer specializing in Web3 development.
Wes Kambale
ML Engineer & Google Developer Expert in AI
Machine learning engineer and Google Developer Expert in AI, adept at crafting production-ready ML systems that provide impactful solutions in the African market.
Nasasira Daniel
Software Engineer
Background in software development and data analysis, currently working at the intersection of data, blockchain infrastructure, and emerging technologies.
Gilbert Yiga
Software Engineer at Sunbird AI
Machine Learning Engineer and Software developer from Kampala, Uganda, specializing in multilingual AI, natural language processing, and speech technologies for low-resource African languages. Experience building production-ready AI systems for translation, speech recognition, and data-driven applications.
Ahimbisibwe Brian
Community Manager Chainlink East Africa
Chainlink EA Community Lead, passionate about emerging technologies AI and Blockchain.
Mwanje Ronnie
Web Developer & Cursor Ambassador
Web3 and AI Enthusiast, Cursor Ambassador.
Pius Kevin Mafabi
Mentor
Google Developer Expert
