The THEN Team is a dedicated group of healthcare
professionals, community advocates, and volunteers inspired by Josephine
Tebajjukira’s legacy.
Dr. Brenda Namisango Shattuck (Nsambu) was born and raised in Nkuke, a rural village in southern Uganda. Unlike many young girls in her community, she was fortunate to pursue an education with the support of her family, friends, and scholarships. Brenda’s academic journey is a testament to her intellectual prowess. She was the first Ugandan exchange student at Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in Bellevue, WA. Brenda earned a Bachelor of Arts from Green Mountain College, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Norwich University, followed by a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) from MGH-Institute of Health Professions.
Brenda, the Director of Nursing Services for the Vermont Department of Corrections, and an Associate Professor at Vermont State University, is a devoted wife and mother of two. Her life’s journey, marked by the transformative power of mentorship and support, has instilled in her a deep commitment to giving back. This commitment is evident in her tireless efforts to mentor and support others, particularly in her home village of Nkuke in the Masaka district of Uganda. Over the past three years, she has dedicated her research to finding ways to improve health and empower underserved populations, a mission that led to the establishment of Tebajjukira Health and Empowerment Network (THEN), a nonprofit organization dedicated to these causes.
Mulondo Ssenkaali is a seasoned development and humanitarian professional with over 30 years of African experience. He began his education at Bukalasa Seminary before advancing to Katigondo Seminary, where he earned a BA in Philosophy from the Pontifical Urbaniana College Rome and a diploma in Philosophical & Religious Studies and Theology from Makerere University. After leaving the seminary, he pursued further studies. He obtained a Graduate Diploma in Development Studies from the Development Studies Centre in Dublin, an MSc in Development Management from the Milton Keynes Open University, and an MA in Humanitarian Assistance from Tufts University. His career includes nine years as Executive Secretary of Caritas Masaka in Uganda, work with the Irish Foundation for Cooperative Development and Action Aid International, and nearly two decades of expatriate humanitarian assistance in Sierra Leone, Sudan, Kenya, Ethiopia, Liberia, Nigeria, and South Sudan. His leadership experience contribute to critical humanitarian interventions across the region.
Mary Nandawula is a passionate educator and healthcare professional dedicated to empowering communities through education and health experiences. With a diploma in primary education from TTC Gaba in Uganda and an LPN certification from Caso-mona in California, she seamlessly integrates her expertise in both fields to uplift those around her. Her role as a key contributor to the Tebajjukira Health and Empowerment Network is significant, as she is vital in promoting health awareness and access to essential medical services, particularly for underserved populations. Her unwavering commitment to education and healthcare reflects her deep-seated belief in holistic community development, making her an invaluable asset in fostering learning and well-being.
Gonzaga Mwebe is the director and founder of Press Furniture Uganda, a company dedicated to promoting the talents of young people through technical training in interior design. His leadership at Press Furniture Uganda has been instrumental in equipping youth with valuable skills, fostering creativity, and enhancing employment opportunities in the interior design sector. Gonzaga’s extensive experience in youth empowerment and skills development positions him as a key contributor to Tebajjukira health and empowerment initiatives. Through his work, he champions opportunities that improve both individual lives and collective well-being. As he often says, “Empowering the youth is the foundation for a healthier and more prosperous community.”
Josephine Nansikombi is a dedicated person whose journey began in catering and tailoring at Gulama Social Center in Masaka, Uganda, where she earned her certificate in these essential skills. Her commitment to improving herself and others through practical training makes her a key figure for Tebajjukira Health and Empowerment Network. Josephine has empowered local women by sharing her expertise and offering guidance on self-sufficiency.
