WHO WE ARE

This organization was born out of a need to provide a uniting forum for the many sons and daughters of Tooro (and friends and well-wishers of Tooro and Uganda in general) scattered in North America – to act as a catalyst for development and promotion of the greater Tooro region; and, build and maintain a spirit of community and togetherness through knowing and helping each other. TAA is a charitable organization, duly registered in the State of Maryland as Tooro American Association Inc. The organization also applied for a Federal Tax Exempt (501c (3) status last August, and that application is pending IRS approval

 MISSION AND VISION

The mission of the Tooro American Association (TAA) is to galvanize an expansive Tooro Diaspora (and Friends of Tooro) of North America to strengthen our community ties through networking, empowerment, and supporting each other; support the development and charitable programs in the Tooro sub region; and to foster a cultural understanding and restoration of Tooro values and traditions – through education and support of Tooro’s cultural institutions and programs.

Our vision is to build and manage a transparent community-centered not-for-profit organization that serves as platform/conduit to empower our members with information and tools to improve their lives; embrace and celebrate Tooro culture and heritage; support development and education projects both here and back home in Tooro (and Uganda in general); and, form new and nurture old bonds amongst ourselves and with neighbors and friends.


TAA BOARD MEMBERS 

 

Dr. Michael M. Kisembo, DBA, MBA, MTS, EA.
Chairperson and CEO, Tooro American Association Inc.

 Is the Founder, President and CEO of Multi-Professional Consultants, LLC. He has taught Finance and Accounting at Suffolk University in Boston and now an adjunct professor in the Management and Leadership Program at Hellenic College in Brookline, Massachusetts where he has served as interim director of the program several times. He offered his services to UNAA and Member of Electoral Commission and later as member of Board Trustee who leading the first External Audit in 30 years.  And most recently served as Chairperson of Banyakitara Inc, American Assistance Center Inc, Executive Secretary, then Director of African Grassland Investment Inc., Vice Chairperson, Acting Chairperson and now Chairperson and CEO of Tooro American Association Inc.

 

While in Uganda, served as Financial Comptroller, Chief Internal Auditor, and National Program Director to many of Religious, National, and International Developmental and Funding Projects. He also served as the first Tooro Kingdom Minister (Igatwa) of Planning and Resource Mobilization.

 

Michael is a graduate of Hellenic College (BA '83) and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology (MTS '86), Dr. Kisembo also holds an MBA (Finance) from Suffolk University ('85), and a Doctorate of Business Administration from California Coast University ('02).

 

He is the author of several articles on the role of finances in developing economies and has extensive financial work experience with Orthodox, Christian, and non-profit organizations in Uganda and the United States. He is married with seven children, all college educated. He brings a wealth of community service, leadership experience and a financial background to the board and TAA in general.

Isaac Tungakwo
Vice Chairperson, Tooro American Association Inc.

Education:LLB- MUK, DIP-Law- LDC, DIP- Business and Health- Trios College in Toronto, Ontario - Canada.

 

Work: Olwedo Law- Toronto, Ontario in Canada Specializing in - Immigration and Family Law. Enjoys golf and soccer.

Grace Jaasi
Executive Secretary, Tooro American Association Inc.

Was elected in August 2021. I am a member in good standing, having joined the Association in 2015. I am a mutooro from the Babiito clan. My late dad Emmanuel Kaliba Jaasi Atenyi and mom Daisy Mutazindwa Kaliba Amooti are from Burahya county, Kabarole District. I am a trained journalist and a graduate of International Relations and Diplomacy. I currently work in the health field. I have two adult children; Rachael Abwooli and Kevin Amooti as well as three grandchildren. I am honored to be part of TAA.  I pledge my utmost support to the TAA's goals and objectives.

Joviah Komuhendo
Deputy Secretary, Tooro American Association Inc.

I am a humble mature friendly, and honest person. Very hard working and a good team player.

Lyla Komukyeya Madrigal Akiiki
Treasurer, Tooro American Association Inc.

Hails from Kagote Fort-portal. A long time Operations Manager for a financial institution. Her extensive client base has included prominent community leaders from the medical and legal professions where she has advised them in the areas of investment and wealth management. She is also is a founding member of African Venture Consultants (AVC) focusing on large-scaled business ventures in Health Care sector, coupled with Education, Telecommunications, Infrastructure and High Tech projects on the international stage highlighting the African and Mid-East continents.

George Tom Balinda
Deputy Treasurer, Tooro American Association Inc.

Deputy Treasurer, Tooro American Association Inc.

 

George received his education at the State University of New York Empire State College with a Master of Business Administration (MBA). He also holds a Bachelor of Science Mechanical Engineering from Southern Polytechnic State University in Marietta Georgia. He works for NYS Office Of General Services in Albany NY as a Building Construction Program Manager.

 

George volunteers in various nonprofit humanitarian organizations that help needy children in the USA and Africa in terms of education. He is the former President of the East African Community Organization; a nonprofit organization based in Albany NY.  George is also an avid auto mechanic repair person. In his free time, he loves to fix cars as a hobby.

Nyakaana Blair Andrew
Non-Executive Board Member, Tooro American Association Inc.

Client-focused transformation agent and program leader with more than 20 years of experience enabling business performance excellence and impact at the World Bank Group, aerospace/defense contractors, government clients, and service companies.

 

Adjunct Professor at the University of Maryland Global Campus facilitating learning of the policy, processes, and procedures involved in assuring that projects satisfy the objectives for which they were undertaken in project quality management courses.

Joe Amooti Kazinduka
Board member, Tooro American Association Inc.

Is Chief Financial Officer at New Destiny Housing Corporation,  a New York City based nonprofit organization. Amooti is serving a second term as a TAA board member.

Julius Mutekanga Amooti
Youth coordinator, Tooro American Association Inc.

He has a Bachelor’s in Social Work from Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus New York. Has represented Uganda at 2012 London Olympics, 2012 World Outdoor Championship in Daegu, South Korea, 2012 world Indoor Championship in Istanbul,Turkey, 2012 African Senior

Championship in Benin, 2014 World Relays in Bahamas. He is the President and Founder of Empower Youth Corp a non for profit which helps the youth in Uganda through sports and Education.

 

Currently he works as a Track & Field -Cross Country coach at St.Bernards School in Manhattan New York. He also coaches Individuals to reach their fitness goals.


PIONEER MEMBERS

Mr. John Kagoro
Dr. Andrew Nyakaana Blair
Mr. Albert F. Bakasara Kazooba
Ms. Felly Kaboyo
Mrs. Alice Nyakabwa Katenta
Mr. Edison Bagonza
Mr. Patrick Mpanju
Ms. Annet Kaswarra
Mrs. Hope Kaijuka Ndege
Mr. John Kagezi
Mr. Aloysius Bingi
Mr. John Agaba
Ms. Margret Kazini
Mr. Patrick Guma Muganda
Ms. Tatyana Owampuro

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