Staff Directory
University Council
Meet the council members guiding Restore University's governance, academic purpose, and long-term mission.
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University Council
Rev. Canon Dr. John M.M. Senyonyi
Chairperson, University Council
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University Council
Prof. Elizabeth Auma Opiyo
Vice Chairperson, University Council
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University Council
Dr. David Fugoyo Baime
Member, University Council
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University Council
Prof. Elizabeth Kukunda Bacwayo
Member, University Council
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University Council
Prof. Jack Pen-Mogi Nyeko
Member, University Council
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University Council
Ms. Lavendah Namyalo
Member, University Council
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University Council
Eng. Isaac J. M. Kasana
Member, University Council
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University Council
Prof. Obwoya Kinyera Sam
Member, University Council
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University Council
Counsel Joel Basoga
Member, University Council
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University Council
Mrs. Mary Ethel Katarikawe
Member, University Council
View profileGovernance & Mission
Leadership for love, justice, and academic excellence.
Restore University is committed to restoring love and justice through higher education. The University Council supports the institution's development as a quality, community-centred university serving northern Uganda and beyond.
Rev. Canon Dr. John M.M. Senyonyi accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour on June 18, 1976. He is an academic, a higher education administrator, a priest in the (Anglican) Church of Uganda, a Canon of All Saints Cathedral, Kampala, an evangelist and a teacher of God’s Word. He holds a PhD in Mathematical Statistics from the University of Melbourne, Australia; a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Nairobi; and a Master of Arts degree in Evangelism/Theology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, USA. He served as a lecturer in the Department of Mathematics, Makerere University, before his call into itinerant evangelism with African Evangelistic Enterprise from 1988. From January 2001, he served in three administrative portfolios at Uganda Christian University (UCU), before his final position was as the Vice Chancellor of UCU (2010-2020). He retired in 2020.
Currently, he is the Managing Director of Bethel Counselling and Consultancy Centre. He chairs and sits on several Christian NGO Boards, and on university governance organs. He is often consulted on higher education by various universities on governance and management streamlining. Currently, he also serves as Chairman of the National Research and Innovation Programme Committee, Ministry of Science and Technology.
Dr. Senyonyi is married to Canon Dr. Ruth Senyonyi. They have four adult children: Sarah (married to Arthur), John-Paul (married to Eleanor), Benjamin (married to Anita) and Matthew, and together they have seven grandchildren.
Prof Elizabeth Auma Opiyo is an academic and a researcher. She holds a PhD in Zoology from University of Nairobi, Kenya; a Master of Science in Medical Parasitology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London University, UK; a Bachelor of Science in Botany and Zoology from University of Nairobi, Kenya.
Prof Elizabeth previously worked as a researcher at the East African Trypanosomiasis Research Organization, Tororo, Uganda. At the collapse of the East African Community, she moved to the Kenya Trypanosomiasis Research Institute at Kikuyu in Kenya now Biotechnology Institute of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO). She then worked as a Research Entomologist and Head of the Tsetse group at the FAO /IAEA Agriculture and Biotechnology Laboratory, Seibersdorf, Austria. She has been involved in collaborative research projects funded by NIH/NAID, Bioscience Innovation Network for Eastern Africa Development (Bioinnovate), Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), Geneva Switzerland; World Bank/MSI; DANIDA and UNDP among others.
She has served on UNDP/WORLD BANK/WHO, as temporary advisor on the Steering Committee on Epidemiology, Vector Biology and Control of African Trypanosomiasis, Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, Geneva, Switzerland; Member of the Technical Advisory Group for the Advocacy for African Trypanosomiasis of the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), Geneva Switzerland and Pan African Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Campaign (PATTEC) of the African Union; Member of the Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) Board of Directors; Council member of Gulu and Lira University and standing Committees of the respective universities, and now a member and Deputy Chairperson of the Restore University Council, Amuru, northern Uganda
Currently, she is involved in research and teaching as well as supervising and mentoring junior faculties and students especially in the area of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and vector-borne diseases at Gulu University.
Dr. David Fugoyo Baime is a dedicated academic. He holds a PhD in Theological Studies (Biblical Studies – OT) from Africa International University (AIU), Nairobi, Kenya; a Master of Divinity in Biblical Studies from Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology (NEGST), Nairobi, Kenya; a Master of Business Administration in Institutional Leadership and Management from Uganda Technology and Management University (UTAMU), Kampala, Uganda; a Bachelor of Arts in Theological Studies from Nile Theological College, Khartoum, Sudan.
Previously, David served as Head of Department, Deputy Vice Chancellor, and Vice Chancellor of Africa Renewal University in Uganda from 2014 to 2022. He also lectured in different higher education institutions in South Sudan, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Uganda.
Currently, he serves as the Vice Chancellor of Restore University. He leads The Foundation Ministries, which trains local church ministers in South Sudan and beyond. He sits on different councils and university boards, including the Africa International University Governing Council and The Gospel Coalition Africa Council. David is passionate about academia, research and innovation, and he considers academia as a calling through which he serves and helps transform humanity.
David is married to Joice and they have three children.
Kukunda Elizabeth Bacwayo is an Associate Professor of Governance and Development who currently serves as the Director of the Directorate of Post-graduate Studies at Uganda Christian University (UCU), Uganda. An experienced academic and administrator, she has held several senior leadership positions at UCU, including Dean of the School of Research and Post Graduate Studies (2015–2021), Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences (2010–2014), and Founding Head of the Department of Development Studies.
She holds a Ph.D. from the School of People, Environment and Planning at Massey University, New Zealand (2003), where her dissertation focused on the role of Human Resource Management in public sector reforms in Uganda. She also holds a Master’s degree in International Development from The Australian National University (1995) where her research focused on HIV/AIDS policy and Gender. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and Social Administration from Makerere University (1991) and her research investigated the problem of teenage pregnancy among high school students.
Bacwayo has considerable international experience, having served as a Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence at Trinity Christian College, USA (2014–2015), a Visiting Professor at Mzumbe University, Tanzania (2019), and a Post-Doctoral Researcher with the Nile Basin Research Programme at Bergen University, Norway (2008) and an intern with International Student Ministries in Palmerston North, New Zealand (2003). Her research interests span public policy, higher education, gender, development management, and social issues affecting vulnerable populations. She has managed research projects funded by organizations such as Africhild, the Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships (QES-AS), UCU Research Fund and the Makerere Research and Innovations Fund. Notable projects include studies on conspiracy beliefs and COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy, workplace breastfeeding facilities, higher education and research, sustainable development and peer victimization in high schools.
Beyond her teaching and research, Prof. Bacwayo is deeply involved in professional service. She sits on the councils of Ankole Western University and Restore University Project and has served as a council member of Uganda Christian University and its subcommittees, a board member for the Network of Education and Multidisciplinary Research Africa (NEMRA). She is also an active member of the Partnership for African Social and Governance Research (PASGR) network and has served as an external examiner for several universities, including Makerere University and Kyambogo University.
Prof. Jack H. Pen-Mogi NYEKO graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine of Makerere University in 1975 and was admitted for a Masters Degree in Entomology at the University of Nairobi in 1978. In 1983, he was admitted for a PhD of Makerere University under the African Regional Postgraduate Programme in Insect Science (ARPPIS) at the International of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Nairobi and he obtained a PhD of Makerere University in 1988. In 1989 he joined the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Nairobi as a Senior Research Fellow. He was appointed a Senior Lecturer in Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in 1993. In 1994, he was nominated a member of the Constituent Assembly by the President. He was elected a Member of Parliament for Kilak County in 1996. In 2001, he was appointed Chairman of a Task Force to plan for the establishment of Gulu University and he became the first and founder Vice Chancellor of Gulu University (2001-2017). Currently, Prof. Nyeko is the Chairperson of Uganda Land Commission. He is also the Chancellor of Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Ms. Lavendah Namyalo.
Isaac J. M. Kasana is an Electrical Engineer with experience spanning more than 40 years. He graduated from Makerere University in 1979 with a BSc. Engineering (Electrical) degree and later with a Master of Engineering (Electrical) degree from the same University. He is registered by the Uganda Engineers’ Registration Board (ERB) as a Professional Engineer, is a fellow of Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (FUIPE) and a Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers of USA (MIEEE).
Currently, he is serving at Ndejje University, where he was contracted to establish and develop the directorate for ICT Support. He also serves on various boards, including the governing Board of Mengo Hospital and the Provincial Board of Education of Church of Uganda (Anglican).
Previously, he served as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU), Director of University ICT Services at Uganda Christian University (UCU), General Manager of AFSAT Communications (U) Ltd, General Manager of AGMAN-ERA Ltd (the first distributor of DELL Computers in Uganda) and as Technical Manager of Business Computer Systems Ltd (the first IBM Dealer in Uganda). He also previously served on the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST), on UIPE Council for 2 years, the Engineers Committee for Accreditation (ECA) as assigned by UIPE for 6 years, the HR Board of UCU for 6 years, the Council of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) for 2 years and on the Board of UbuntuNet Alliance (based in Lilongwe - Malawi) for 2 years.
Isaac J. M. Kasana accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour on April 3rd 1983 during an Easter Service, at Walthamstow Baptist Church in London and subsequently fellowshipped in various Baptist Churches, including Nairobi Baptist Church, Kampala Baptist Church (where he served as an Elder for more than 25 years) and Rome Baptist Church. He attended Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) from its inception in Uganda and also served BSF in various leadership roles for more than 25 years.
Isaac married Damallie in December 1981 at All Saints Church Kampala and they have several adult children as well as several grandchildren.
Prof. Obwoya Kinyera Sam is a distinguished Ugandan physicist, academic, and public sector leader with extensive experience in science, policy, and institutional governance. He currently serves as the Chairperson of the Atomic Energy Council (AEC) of Uganda, where he provides strategic leadership and oversight for the safe, secure, and peaceful use of atomic energy in accordance with national laws and international standards.
Prof. Obwoya previously served as an Associate Professor of Physics at Kyambogo University, where he contributed significantly to teaching, research, and mentorship in the physical sciences. His academic work includes publications in advanced materials science, notably in nanotechnology and green synthesis, reflecting a strong research orientation. Beyond academia, he has held key national leadership positions, including Caretaker Principal of the Uganda Petroleum Institute Kigumba (UPIK) and Deputy Executive Chairperson of the National Planning Authority (NPA), where he played a pivotal role in shaping Uganda’s development policy and strategic planning frameworks.
With a career spanning academia, technical leadership, and high-level governance, Prof. Obwoya is widely recognized for his commitment to scientific excellence, regulatory integrity, and national development. His work continues to influence Uganda’s advancement in nuclear science, energy policy, and sustainable development
Counsel Joel Basoga
Mrs. Mary Ethel Kwikiriza Katarikawe is an economist/statistician and retired senior executive who dedicated over 37 years of service to the Bank of Uganda.
Her technical expertise is rooted in a strong academic background, holding Master’s degrees in Applied Economics and in Demography, a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics and Applied Economics, and numerous refresher courses. For nearly three decades, she worked in the Research Department, where she formulated and implemented critical monetary policies and engaged in the compilation and interpretation of Uganda’s monetary and balance of payments data.
Beyond her professional career, she has served as a board member with the Uganda Investment Authority and Child Evangelism Fellowship (Uganda). She is also deeply committed to community service, serving as a Sunday school teacher at St. Luke’s Church Ntinda, and a children’s leader in Bible Study Fellowship. Currently a pensioner, she remains active in agribusiness, specifically focusing on the cultivation of hass avocados and eucalyptus trees.