About Us
the evolution of musana
Musana’s mantra over the years has become okusoma tekukoma, meaning “learning never ends” in Luganda, Uganda’s national language. The road that has led to where Musana is today has been full of challenges and learning curves. Our progress in so many ways has come from trial and error, being fearless of making changes when we have made mistakes. As a result, we have continuously learned the greatest needs of the community and how to work with the people to combat the barriers standing in the way of effective development. One of our first and greatest lessons was that the community did not need another orphanage or children’s home that would become a “drop-off” spot for parents and guardians who believed their children were better off in the hands of institutions linked to foreign aid.
In 2010, recognizing our impending action in creating Musana Children’s Home, we changed our name to Musana Community Development Organization (MCDO), a national NGO in Uganda and a 501(c)3 in the United States. The name change was aligned with our evolving mission and vision to tackle one of Uganda’s greatest challenges, the dependency mentality.
Our Team
staff
Musana is not solely a group of people working to empower the people of Uganda. Our team is made up of 560+ Ugandan employees. These local leaders are igniting economic and social change by championing our core values of local leadership, sustainability, social entrepreneurship, and accountability.
Uganda Team
Haril Kazindra
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Carol Agasha
Technical Manager, Musana Health Center
Dr. Ivan Munigwa
Medical Officer
Dr. Jesse Naaya
Head Clinician/ Medical Officer
Edward Maganda
Social Worker
Esther Agwang
Head Teacher at Kamuli Nursery & Primary
Florence Nabaganzi
Social Worker
Harun Wansadha
Sol View Chef & Guesthouse Manager
Henry Ngobi
Head Teacher at Busei Nursery & Primary
Irene Nakagolo
Head of Nursery Section at Busei Primary Campus
Joash Paul Ndizaawa
Social Worker
John Mary Mungere
Financial Controller
Mike Nalugoda
Technical Manager, Primary Schools
Moses Ntawu
Principal at Kaliro Primary Campus
Jude Asiimwe Tadeo
Sol View General Manager
Phillip Aine
Accounts Officer
Susan Akunu
Administrative Manager
Susan Kibodyo
Hospital Administrative Assistant
Yona Ibanda
Public Relations & Senior Advisor Onesmus Owakabi
Medical Officer
Joseph Opolot
Guest Relations Officer Herbert Kyewuta
Head Teacher at Bukona Nursery & Primary
U.S. Team
Andrea Kazindra
Co-Founder/Executive Director
Erin Moser
Development Director
Cory Wolven
Communications & Marketing Director
Tami Hall
Operations Manager
Nicole Unger
Development Officer
Susie Knight
Community Engagement Coordinator
Monique Garcia-Carson
Merchandise Coordinator
Ellen Conner
Bookkeeper
Amy Kirschke
Community Engagement Coordinator
U.K. Team
Paul Smith
UK Directorboard of directors
Ugandan Local Board
Bringing forth more than 25 years of dedicated experience in the field of education, Loida is a passionate and committed teacher with a focus on creating positive and inclusive learning environments. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Primary Education from Kampala University, Loida has consistently prioritized the development and success of students throughout their career.
Having held positions of significant responsibility, Loida has served as Head Teacher in various schools since 2004, showcasing leadership skills, unwavering dedication, and a commitment to fostering environments conducive to academic growth. The role of Deputy Head Teacher from 1998 to 2003 provided Loida with a comprehensive understanding of educational dynamics. Her career objective remains resolute: to cultivate a positive and engaging learning environment, promoting knowledge transfer and encouraging academic development.
Haril Kazindra was born and raised in Jinja, Uganda. As one of 19 children, he struggled through life, working to pay his own school fees starting at age 13. As he grew up, Haril witnessed the dependency and poverty within his community and developed a strong passion to see change. In 2008 he co-founded Musana, an organization that creates sustainable solutions through starting social enterprises in education, health, and skill development. Haril has a Bachelors in Public Administration. He loves business and learning about different development models that are creating positive change in the world. In his free time, Haril spends time with his wife and children, travels, and mentors youth in his community.
Andrea was born and raised in Colorado. In 2008, after her sophomore year at the University of Colorado, she travelled to Uganda to study Microfinance. While there, she witnessed 160 children living in and abusive orphanage. After seeing the conditions they were living in she decided to stay and co-founded Musana. She has lived and worked in Uganda since and is passionate about seeing locals become change agents in their community. She is a visionary that believes every community in the world has the capacity within themselves to develop sustainability without being dependent on foreign aid. Andrea loves spending time outdoors, traveling the world, and inspiring people to actively engage in creating a better planet.
Elizabeth Baleke was born in Jinja, Uganda, and went to Christian Boarding schools planted by the Church Missionary Society missionaries, then to Makerere University where she graduated with a BA in Education Literature/English. Later she was awarded a Dr. Billy Graham Scholarship to pursue her master’s in Communications at Wheaton College, IL USA in 1990.
Outside of college, she taught English/Literature, was responsible for Christian activities in several schools, and served as Patron of the Scripture Union Clubs.
In 1986, she embarked on her strong affection and affiliation with the book industry by developing and helping to establish a Global Outreach Library, developing Christian media to promote Christian films and literature, and training Sunday School teachers as a Director of Media Global Outreach for 6 years.
In 1992 she joined the Scripture Union of Uganda to serve in distinguished capacities first as a Children’s Worker, then as the first female National Director and African Assistant Children’s Coordinator. Before, the Scripture Union of Uganda was just in high school, however, Beth joined and started Junior Scripture Union, reaching Children in primary schools and planting Bible clubs in primary schools all over Uganda which has been a great success, spreading all over the Nation.
Currently, Beth is a Scripture Union Missionary to Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and South Sudan and her successful journey in the East African nations has been greatly attributed to the complementary role of raising, supporting, and equipping church leaders. She has a passion for disciple people of all ages. Beth also actively volunteers as a group leader in the Bible Study Fellowship. She serves as a Board member of Peter’s Heart Ministry as well as Musana Community Development Organization, ministries that are reaching out to the much less privileged and having a great impact on people of all ages.
Dr. Peter, a highly skilled medical doctor with 31 years of experience, has earned a Certificate of Education from Ntare School, a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from Makerere University, and a Certificate in Health Management from the International Institute for Training and Development in Brussels, Belgium.
A trailblazer in healthcare leadership, Dr. Peter successfully established and grew a medical center, implementing innovative strategies that significantly increased patient volume and revenue. With a focus on healthcare policy analysis, he executes a comprehensive marketing plan, optimizes resource allocation, and improves financial performance. A champion of excellence and teamwork, Dr. Peter fosters a culture that enhances patient satisfaction and establishes strong relationships with key stakeholders.
Driven by the integration of medical knowledge with management skills, Dr. Peter is affiliated with the following programs: Uganda Private Medical Practitioners’ Association (President), Uganda Healthcare Federation (Board member), Uganda Prisoners’ Aid Foundation (Board Member), Uganda Medical Association (Member National Governing Council), Musana Community Development Organization (Board Member).
Edward, a seasoned professional with a background as a trained health inspector, dedicated 26 years of his career to public service and government. Throughout his tenure, he held the crucial role of assistant town clerk, contributing his skills and expertise to the effective functioning of local governance. Edward’s commitment to public service reflects his passion for ensuring the well-being and compliance of health standards within the community.
A devoted individual with a diverse background, Beatrice is on a journey of lifelong learning and service, holding a Diploma in Theology and Bible Studies, and actively pursuing a degree in Theology at Charis Bible School.
Beatrice served as a Home Economics teacher for ten years from 1991 to 2001, and since 2003, has been an ordained pastor, providing spiritual guidance and support to the community.
In the realm of business, Beatrice worked as a tailor (2001-2003), operated a craft shop (2014-2018), and currently pursues subsistence farming. Beyond professional pursuits, she finds fulfillment in supporting others on their life journeys through mentorship, training, and teaching in various fields where needs arise.
As a born-again Christian living a holy life, Beatrice radiates a commitment to spiritual values. She stands with people in difficult situations, shares burdens, and extends a helping hand to the poor and needy, reflecting a life dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of others.
U.S. Funding Board
President:
Leigh was born and raised in Southern California. She’s been happily married for 23 years to Steve and they’ve lived in Colorado for 22 years. Leigh and Steve have three sons and a daughter-in-law. In 2004, they started their demolition company and are heading into their 20th year of business. In 2017, they acquired a surf shop in Dana Point, California, a local favorite within the community. In addition to being Board President for Musana, Leigh also sits on an advisory board for a Colorado based non-profit that provides scholarships to low-income children. She also sits on an advisory council for another Colorado-based non-profit that trains emerging leaders in America’s founding principles.
Vice President:
Tracy Pirnack has served on the Musana board since 2020, and currently serves as the board vice president. In other non-profit experience, Tracy serves as board treasurer for a California nonprofit, and is a mentor for international social enterprises via the Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship. Tracy worked for Apple for 28 years (retiring as Senior Director in the Internet Services area) with experience primarily in finance, operations, and international commerce.
Treasurer:
After serving as a financial advisor with several leading firms, including U.S. Bancorp, Key Investments, Wells Fargo and Raymond James, Seth began his own wealth management firm with LPL Financial in 2014. Driven by a desire to help people pursue long-held aspirations, he utilizes strategies that seek to help minimize his clients’ exposure to risk while setting the stage for working towards their goals. As an independent advisor, Seth relishes the opportunity to keep honesty and integrity at the forefront of every relationship.
A graduate of Denver’s Regis University, he holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting with a minor in finance. Originally from Iowa, Seth now resides in Broomfield, Colorado, with his wife, Breeze, and their three sons, Dane, Jace and Gage. The family keeps busy with camping, hunting and fishing, and Seth currently volunteers as a coach for the boys’ youth sports teams.
Justin Mihalcin graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder where he studied Business finance. In 2018 he co-founded a successful construction site services company in Denver, which he still runs today. Born and raised in Colorado, he’s now the visionary behind Versus Social, a tech startup in the sports wagering market. With a loving family – wife Bethany and sons Warner and Cade – Justin values work-life balance. Beyond entrepreneurship, his passions include skiing, golfing, and exploring new destinations. Justin’s life is characterized by a commitment to innovation, both in the physical and digital realms, making him a true builder at heart.
Kay Morrison is a professional artist and pastor at large. Kay has been pastoring people and speaking about life with Jesus for almost four decades. Kay paints abstract expressionist and figurative acrylic paintings. She loves to read and sew, watches too much football or any sport really and drinks a lot of coffee. Kay’s been married to David, the best guy in the universe (might be biased) for 37 years. They have 4 kids plus 2 bonus ones (their spouses) and 2 of the cutest grandbabies ever.
Sara Swearingen is a graduate of Ohio State University and has over ten years of experience in digital sales. Sara has expertise in developing client relationships, directing a resource team, and mentoring dozens of growing sales executives. Sara was raised in a family serving the poor as Urban Missionaries, living in a community of need, and focused on holistic community development. She has traveled all over the world and enjoys hiking, camping, skiing, scuba diving, fly-fishing and most outdoor activities.
Jason has served as a Director since January 2024. He has over two decades of experience working in the investment management industry, most recently with Janus Henderson Investors, where he works on their investment team as a research analyst covering energy, metals & mining, chemicals, and transportation sectors. Prior to joining Janus in 2004, Jason worked for ING Investments. He received a B.A. in Economics from University of Arizona and a Masters in International Business with an emphasis on Latin American Studies from Thunderbird School of Global Management.
David Morrison
Pat Pauline
Stew Pirnack
Bob Rensink
Don Dolifka
Bob Moser
U.K. Funding Board
Jenny is a dentist and business owner running a busy UK dental practice. She has always had an interest in overseas development and healthcare, working in community projects in Mexico, Ukraine and Sierra Leone, as well as with the homeless in the UK. Before starting her own business, she spent several years working as Dental Executive for Dentaid, a UK based oral health NGO at the time supporting projects in more than 40 countries. Jenny is a passionate advocate of preventive and sustainable approaches to healthcare both in the UK and overseas.
Jim is a successful serial entrepreneur with a track record in multiple industries; Most notably PrimerDesign Ltd (Founder and Managing Director) and YouSeq Ltd (Founder and CEO). He has other angel investment interests in a number of sectors and has been contributing to charitable work in Uganda for many years.
Don Dolifka has spent over three decades pursuing social and environmental solutions, as an entrepreneur, investor, director and philanthropist. Don is co-founder of Watermill Express, bringing safe and affordable drinking water to communities in need. He is currently co-president of The Daily Service Foundation.
Haril Kazindra was born and raised in Jinja, Uganda. As one of 19 children, he struggled through life, working to pay his own school fees starting at age 13. As he grew up, Haril witnessed the dependency and poverty within his community and developed a strong passion to see change. In 2008 he co-founded Musana, an organization that creates sustainable solutions through starting social enterprises in education, health, and skill development. Haril has a Bachelors in Public Administration. He loves business and learning about different development models that are creating positive change in the world. In his free time, Haril spends time with his wife and children, travels, and mentors youth in his community.
Andrea was born and raised in Colorado. In 2008, after her sophomore year at the University of Colorado, she travelled to Uganda to study Microfinance. While there, she witnessed 160 children living in and abusive orphanage. After seeing the conditions they were living in she decided to stay and co-founded Musana. She has lived and worked in Uganda since and is passionate about seeing locals become change agents in their community. She is a visionary that believes every community in the world has the capacity within themselves to develop sustainability without being dependent on foreign aid. Andrea loves spending time outdoors, traveling the world, and inspiring people to actively engage in creating a better planet.
Our Worldwide Partners
