Fredrick Kiwuwa Lugya holds a PhD (Illinois), Masters (Illinois) and Bachelor (Mak) degrees in Library and Information Science. He has certification in Quality Assurance Practice, E-Learning Pedagogy, Library Automation and Digitization, Administrative Law, Project Monitoring and Evaluation, and Library Marketing and Advocacy. With over eighteen years of experience as a librarian, Fredrick has delivered top-notch information services, including heading Busitema University Library. Fredrick is grounded in Human Information Behavior research and his research intersects the concepts and principles relating to people, information, and systems, with a strong emphasis on context. He is currently leading several research projects at Busitema University. Before joining Busitema University as the University Librarian, Fredrick led the digitisation agenda of Makerere University Library and has implemented several library technology projects in government departments and corporate companies.
Okello Gilbert is a Library and Information Science scholar pursuing a Ph.D. at Makerere University’s East African School of Library and Information Science. His research focuses on culturally rooted and indigenized information services, emphasizing Africa’s unique knowledge systems. He holds a Master of Information Science from Mount Kenya University and has over 15 years of expertise in information systems development, library science, and knowledge management.
A published author and educator, Okello has taught library science and ICT, supervised research, and contributed to graduate studies. He spent nearly a decade as a faculty member at Mount Kenya University Rwanda and has led multiple research projects on indigenizing information services, securing grants for their development.
Nabukenya Judith is an Assistant Librarian at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) in Uganda since 2016 to date. She has worked in various places including Kiruhura District Local Government as a records officer ,UMI Mbarara branch as Library assistant, college librarian to mention but a few.
She holds a master’s degree in Information Science from Kabale University, a bachelor’s degree in library and information science Kabale University, and a diploma in Library and Information Science from Makerere University (EASLIS). Judith has taken several short courses in relation to library and Records work and data management. These includes electronic resource management, Data Analysis, Dspace and KOHA system management.
Judith has worked in both public and private sectors in the areas of libraries, records, and Information Technology. At the professional level, she has been a member of the Uganda Library and Information Association since 2021 to 2024 and she’s at the same time serving as the General Secretary for ULIA from 2024-2027.
Dennis Kakande is an innovative librarian with a Bachelor of Library & Information Science Degree (UCU) with certification from ALCTS, a division of ALA, among others. Dennis has over 10 years of experience in librarianship, and throughout his career, he has held various library positions. Previously, he served at Kampala International University Dar esalaam College & Main Campus, Kampala Libraries, as a Head Cataloguing Librarian, Law Librarian, & Systems Librarian, where he headed the digitisation project, which saw over 6,000 hard copy theses digitised, uploaded in the institutional repository, and issued with PIDs. Currently, he serves at Bishop Stuart University as a systems librarian. Dennis served on the executive from 2021 up to October 2024, and currently, he is on the executive of the Consortium of Uganda University Libraries as a Western Region representative.
With over 14 years of experience in the library and information science field, Drake have served at esteemed institutions such as Kampala International University (KIU), Uganda Christian University (UCU), and currently, Aga Khan University.
Throughout my career, I have been actively involved in various professional organizations. I served as the Chairperson of the eResources Focus Committee at the Consortium of Uganda University Libraries (CUUL) from 2020 to 2022 and currently hold the position of Treasurer for both CUUL and the Uganda Library and Information Association (ULIA).
I am passionate about fostering a vibrant and connected LIS community. I co-founded the LIS Forum WhatsApp group, a platform that brings together over 1000 LIS professionals for daily discussions and updates. I also manage other social media channels, such as the LIS Forum Telegram group and channel, to facilitate knowledge sharing and networking.
I am committed to serving the LIS profession and ensuring that our professional bodies effectively meet the needs of their members. I am eager to contribute my skills and experience to ULIA and work towards a brighter future for the field.
Rachael Nafuna is a student pursuing a Masters degree in Information Science at Makerere University. She holds a Bachelors degree in Library and Information Science (Mak). She has other qualifications like a Diploma in Law from LDC-Kampala. She has also attended and completed trainings in Electronic records Management, KOHA Integrated Library Management Systems, D-Space Repository Software, Turnitin and Emerging Trends in Information Management. She has one year of experience working with Academic libraries having started her career as a Library Assistant at Uganda Christian University Arua Campus. (2023-2024). Rachael is currently serving as the Assistant National Treasurer of the Uganda Library and Information Science Association (ULIA). As an active association member, she seeks to expand her professional network, stay updated on industry developments, and contribute to the growth of the library and information science community.
Emmanuel Twinamasiko holds a Bachelor of Library and Information Science from Uganda Christian University. He is also a Master’s candidate in Information Science at Kabale University. A dedicated librarian, Emmanuel has over 10 years of experience in the field of librarianship and currently works at Kabale University. He is based in the School of Medicine, where he has served as the medical librarian for the past five years. In this role, he supports students, faculty, and researchers by providing access to relevant academic resources, facilitating research, and promoting effective information-seeking practices.
With a strong passion for medical librarianship, Emmanuel plays a key role in curating and organizing specialized collections tailored to the needs of health sciences students and practitioners. His work ensures that users have seamless access to both physical and electronic resources, which significantly contributes to the academic success of the School of Medicine.
Emmanuel is also committed to fostering an engaging library environment that encourages learning and innovation. In addition, he is passionate about community engagement and currently serves as the Publicity/Editorial Secretary for the Uganda Library and Information Association.
Kenneth, Abong (Central Representative) has a bachelor’s degree in library and information science from Uganda Christian and a Master of Science in Records and Archives Management at Makerere University, Uganda. Before joining Aga Khan University, he worked in the library profession for six years in different institutions, including Lira University, Uganda Christian University and most recently at Word of Life Uganda.
Obunaka Sam is a skilled librarian with a strong academic and professional background in library and information science. He holds a Diploma (DLIS) and a Bachelor’s degree (BLIS) in Library and Information Science from Kampala International University (KIU) and is currently a candidate for a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) at Uganda Christian University.
With extensive experience in academic and institutional libraries, Sam has served as Assistant Librarian at Kampala International University, and an Assistant Librarian at the Ministry of Education and Sports and currently a Library Assistant at Mountains of the Moon University, In addition to his professional roles, he is the Western Representative for the Uganda Library and Information Association (ULIA), actively contributing to the development and advocacy of library services in the region.
A Dedicated Information Professional Rebecca Awayo is a seasoned information professional with over 12 years of experience in the Library and Information Science (LIS) field. She holds a Master’s of Science in Information Science from Makerere University and a Bachelor’s degree in Library and Information Science from Uganda Christian University.
Currently serving as the Senior Records Officer at Lira City Council, she is responsible for overseeing and managing the organization’s records. Prior to her current role, Rebecca spent nearly a decade as a librarian at Lira Public Library. During her tenure, she was instrumental in empowering women through technology, introducing a vibrant children’s library, and establishing an innovative ICT service.
Rebecca’s passion for knowledge and her commitment to providing accessible information services have made her a valuable asset to the communities she has served. She is also a dedicated educator, currently lecturing the BLIS course at Lira University, sharing her expertise with the next generation of information professionals.