UMU TAGDev 2.0 Staff Profiles (2025)

UMU TAGDev StaffStaff Profiles
Robinah S. Nakabo, PhD

Program Coordinator
Contacts: +256 776 802981;
rnakabo@umu.ac.ug / nakaborseruga@gmail.com
Dr. Robinah Seruga Nakabo currently heads the Directorate of Graduate Studies, Research and Enterprise (DGSRE) at Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) and coordinates a number of projects including TAGDev 2.0, a program implemented by RUFORUM in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and 12 other RUFORUM member institutions. She completed her doctoral studies in 2022 at Makerere University with a thesis entitled, Followership and Women’s Empowerment for Sustainable Development: A Case Study of Women in the National Association of Women Organizations in Uganda. She holds an M.A in Philosophy Degree from Makerere University (2019); M.A Organizational Leadership from Eastern University (2013); and a B.A in Social Sciences majoring in Gender and Development and Philosophy from Makerere University (2004).She has been a core team member in several research projects especially where postgraduate students are involved, and contributing substantially to the development of project design, planning and implementation guidelines that often ensure quality delivery of project outputs. She recently participated in the establishment of innovation and enterprise unit within DGSRE, and is the coordinator of professional PhD programmes for African countries by Catholic University of Milan at UMU. The programmes include PhD in agri-systems and PhD in professional business management. She brings strong gender perspectives and interpersonal communication skills into the projects, with ability to manage interdisciplinary teams and work processes in ways that positively benefit the overall implementation of projects and programs.
Dr. Murongo Marius Flarian
Program Associate
Contacts: +256 786 797530;
mmurongo@umu.ac.ug/ mamenmarius@gmail.com		Holds a PhD in Dry Land Resource Management from University of Nairobi, (Kenya), a Master of science in Agroecology (DISTINCTION) degree from Uganda martyrs University (Uganga), and a Bachelor of vocational studies in Agriculture with Education from Kyambogo University (Uganda). Murongo Marius Flarian is the TAGDev 2.0 program associate officer facilitating operations and linkage between RUFORUM, Uganda Martyrs University and other partners. He is a self-motivated academic. He has taught agriculture at all levels of the High school, and lectured at Uganda Martyrs University, researched, and published on agroecology aspects. Marius has travelled to different countries to contribute to social, religious, economic transformation and academic development. Principal investigator, ecological organic agriculture initiative pillar for research and knowledge, under the Uganda Consortium of Ecological Organ Culture; Farm Manager, World Bank funded African Centre of Excellence in Agroecology and Livelihood Systems’ farm; President of the Next Generation Leadership Program (NGLP) alumni association and representative of the alumni to the NGLP national board. Secretary and member of the board of trustees of the University of Kisubi. These exposers have enhanced a rich experience in monitoring and evaluation, systems wide Agroecology approach, and education of the youths. Marius has passion to work with small holder farmers, who shoulder production of organic products. He has participated in several concluded and current projects such as the Homegrown Clean Energy solutions. He is motivated to become an adaptive, adaptable, responsible, ethical and committed Ugandan citizen working on constant improvement of professional and technical skills for entrepreneurship and community engagement.
Allan Brian Ssembajjwe
Entrepreneurship and Business Development Officer
Contacts: +256 752933749
assembajjwe@umu.ac.ug		A seasoned innovation and entrepreneurship consultant, a professional accountant with a 15-year proven track record in business operations management and strategic innovation; financial management and compliance; portfolio and change-management; project design and implementation; and technical support for international donors, not-for profits and public-sector organisations resulting in improved operational excellence and strategic direction.
More specifically, I am quite invested in initiatives designed to support Africa’s entrepreneurship eco-system whether in skilling, strategy, capital investment or technological development which is why I pursued a Msc. Innovation Management & Entrepreneurship at Manchester Business School (UK) in 2016 on top of my accountancy qualifications as an FCCA.
As a dynamic professional with 15+ years’ experience and zealous about entrepreneurship, I have conducted screening processes and financial due diligence for SMES, agricultural cooperatives and startups, training farmer groups and entrepreneurs, making post-investment needs assessment as well as building and maintaining financial and valuation models in addition to preparing business plans for businesses seeking equity and debt.
Understanding the African eco-system whose vibrant enterprising youth reputation precedes it, can unlock its potential. My rich experience and skill versatility have given me an unrelenting quest to do exactly that and I have received recognition and service excellence awards for it.
Nakiboneka Cissy
Finance Administrator
Contacts: +256 781470268
cnakiboneka@umu.ac.ug		Finance Administrator of TAGDev 2.0 a MasterCard Foundation Programe under RUFORUM Organization. I hold a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (Finance) and currently a CPA candidate. She is a highly self-motivated and result oriented person with accounting knowledge, aspiring to make a mark in the financial service sector as an accountant. She has worked as a Budget/Accounts Officer on a World Bank Project where she performed a number of tasks including budget preparations, budget performances, financial reports, reconciliations and support in both internal and external audits. In addition, has worked as an Internal audit assistant Trainee, Teaching Assistant in the Faculty of Business Administration and Management, Rotary Community Corps Accountant. All these positions helped her to gain skills in how to perform effectively and efficiently. She is a team player with analytical skills, result oriented, self-motivated, flexible, reliable, a good time manager; good at problem solving, with good oral and written skills in the English language; good communication skills and willing to learn new things.
Najjuma DamaliShe is a dedicated and versatile professional with a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, currently serving as the Gender, Wellness and Career’s Officer at Uganda Martyrs University, where she works in collaboration with other staff members on the TAGDev 2.0 programme, under the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM). Her academic background combined with a diverse professional journey has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of educational environments and their operational, instructional and support functions.
Having served in different roles as a classroom teacher, computer lab attendant and secretary, she has consistently refined her leadership, organizational, and communication skills. Her experience as a teacher