BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Meet Our committed board of directors who diligently oversee the mission of METGE, ensuring we consistently deliver our best efforts.
Dr.Mary Manana
Board Chairperson
Dr. Mary Nyanjuki Manana brings a wealth of experience and expertise in strategic management, livelihoods, and institutional development, spanning over 25 years in senior leadership roles. With a distinguished academic background including a Ph.D. in Applied Science from the University of South Wales, Mary has honed her skills in leading complex organizational transformations and fostering sustainable practices. Mary’s expertise extends across diverse domains including human resource management, financial stewardship, project management, and environmental impact assessment. She is recognized for her mentorship of women in business, leadership in local resource mobilization committees for NGOs, and facilitation of savings and credit organizations for university staff. As a researcher and consultant, Mary has authored numerous publications and conference papers, focusing on human resource development, sustainable development, entrepreneurship, and environmental management. Her contributions to academia and practice underscore her commitment to advancing knowledge and driving impactful change. Beyond her professional endeavors, Mary is deeply engaged in community service and volunteerism, serving on multiple boards dedicated to environmental conservation, rehabilitation of vulnerable groups, and support for disadvantaged communities.
Robert (Bob) Arnold
Chair of committee on Technical Operations
Bob has been deeply involved in community development across Africa for over fifty years, having lived and worked in Kenya, Sudan, and Uganda. Driven by a passion for empower-ing people, he focuses on equipping communities with skills that enable them to meet their daily needs. A principle he holds dear and strives to embody is: "Helping People to Help Themselves." Before retiring, Bob spent ten years as the director of Bungokho Rural Development Cen-tre in Mbale, an organization that later became a partner in what is now Mount Elgon Tree Growing Enterprise (METGE). During his final years in Uganda, a workshop in Mbale host-ed by the Welsh Government led to funding for planting and distributing one million trees. This initiative sparked a partnership among four like-minded organizations, laying the foundation for what METGE has become today. As a board member of METGE, Bob remains actively involved, contributing to the organi-zation’s structure and operations. His enduring commitment ensures the mission of sus-tainable development and environmental restoration continues to thrive.
Angelina Achieng Olowo Barungi
Chair of standing committee on human resource
A seasoned Customs and Trade Expert with over 20 years of extensive experience in customs operations, trade facilitation, and trade policy formulation and implementation at national, regional, and international levels, including Uganda, the East African Community (EAC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the World Customs Organization (WCO), and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Currently serving as the National Trade Facilitation Consultant for the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), supporting Uganda's National Trade Facilitation Committee under the Secretariat of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives. Previously held the role of Customs Advisor for the Domestic Revenue Mobilisation Uganda (DRUM) Project, implemented by Oxford Policy Management and funded by DFID. Also contributed as Project Coordinator for the Non-Tariff Barriers (NTB) Elimination Project under the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, funded by Trademark East Africa. Accumulated 18 years of diverse experience within the Uganda Revenue Authority’s Customs Department, including eight years as Supervisor of the International Affairs Desk. Possessing a deep understanding of customs operations, international trade policies, and trade facilitation frameworks, with a strong track record of driving initiatives that enhance trade efficiency and compliance.
Luchivya Faith
DIRECTOR
Luchivya Faith is an advocate of the High Court of Uganda with all other subordinate courts thereto with a practicing experience of over 10 years as an Advocate. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Law (LLB) from Kampala International University, diploma in legal practice from the Law Development Centre and an ongoing Masters Degree in Law (LLM) from Makerere University. Faith is rich in knowledge of legal practice and has practice experience in several areas of the law including Land transactions, Civil practice, Commercial law, Family and Domestic law, Revenue law, Criminal law among others. She also deals in conveyancing and general legal consultations. Faith also sits on several boards of various organizations and companies and also provides legal retainer services for other organizations. She is also a lawyer for a number of Government institutions and local governments
Parimal B. Patel
Director
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Commerce, complemented by a Diploma in Sales and Marketing. Since relocating to Uganda, he has established himself as a successful entrepreneur, owning and managing businesses across diverse sectors. In addition to his business endeavors, he has played a significant role in the management of Indian community organizations and the stewardship of Indian community and private properties. Having resided in Mbale for over 40 years, he has witnessed firsthand the extensive degradation of natural vegetation and forests on government land throughout Uganda. This deforestation, with its severe impacts on weather patterns and the environment, has deepened his resolve to champion initiatives focused on environmental restoration and sustainable development.
akudo patrick
Director
Patrick Akudo holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Makerere University and has undertaken advanced training at the Egypt International Center for Agriculture, specializing in Rice Agronomy, Project Management, Sustainable Land Management, and Irrigation. He also holds a certification in Project Management from the Uganda Management Institute. With over 37 years of extensive experience in agriculture and agroforestry, Patrick has worked with renowned research institutions in Uganda and Egypt. He is a dedicated expert in Climate Change Adaptation, Climate-Smart Agriculture, Agroforestry, and Sustainable Development. Patrick is passionate about empowering farmers and growers to optimize their agricultural production through innovative and sustainable practices. Notably, Patrick served as the Focal Person for a FAO-funded Global Climate Change Adaptation Project in Kiboga District. Patrick has expertise in crop and plant health, providing comprehensive support in the prevention, identification, and control of diseases to ensure optimal crop productivity and longevity. His knowledge extends to post-harvest handling, helping communities improve food security and reduce losses. A proven leader and resourceful problem-solver, Patrick is committed to promoting resilience and sustainability within agricultural systems while addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
Mabonga Eric, P.H.D
Chair of Committee on Finance
Professor Mabonga is a seasoned Senior Manager and strategic consultant with 18+ years’ experience in operational excellence, organizational transformation, and performance optimization across diverse sectors. Holding a Ph.D. in Business Management, he combines academic rigor with hands-on industry expertise to solve complex business challenges and deliver sustainable results. He has led high-impact initiatives in quality assurance, process improvement, and change management, advising executive leadership on scalable strategies that align with long-term goals while ensuring operational integrity and compliance. Recognized for a consultative leadership style, data-driven decision-making, and translating vision into actionable strategies, he currently oversees cross-functional teams, stakeholder engagement, and goal achievement. A published researcher and industry conference speaker, Prof. Mabonga is committed to continuous learning and mentoring future leaders in finance, management, strategy, and organizational development.
