In an exclusive interview with renowned community leader and one of the founding architects of Twegaite International, D.W. Dhikusoka opens up about the challenges that have crippled the once-thriving organization and the upcoming efforts to restore its lost glory through Twegaite Global. As preparations are underway for the Twegaite Global Convention in Los Angeles from May 22–26, 2025, Dhikusoka shares his insights on the organization’s history, the leadership crisis, and his vision for the future.
Q: Mr. Dhikusoka, as one of the founders of Twegaite International, can you give us a brief history of the organization and its original mission?
Dhikusoka: Twegaite International was born out of a desire to create a platform for Basoga in the Diaspora to unite and contribute meaningfully to the development of Busoga. We wanted an organization that could go beyond social gatherings and actively engage in projects that addressed real challenges back home. From its revival in 2007 in Houston, Texas, Twegaite adopted a unique model—hosting a convention one year and dedicating the next to hands-on work in our communities.
This model led to remarkable successes, including the establishment of a cancer treatment center at Jinja Hospital, renovation of healthcare centers in Mayuge and Bugembe, support for rural women farmers, microfinance programs, and collaborations with international institutions. At its peak, Twegaite was a certified nonprofit in both the USA and Uganda, with a solid reputation and impact.
Q: Many are asking, what went wrong? How did such a promising organization lose its way?
Dhikusoka: Unfortunately, the downfall of Twegaite began with a hostile hijack by a group of individuals who prioritized personal gain over the organization’s mission. Around 2015, Mr. Tony Isubikalu, Mr. Victor Lukandwa, Ms. Juliet Aliyinza, and a one Situka from Texas took over the organization, overturned its constitution, and refused to hold elections for over a decade. They misappropriated funds, diverted community resources to private ventures, and abandoned all our programs.
Funds that had been raised for the Jinja Cancer Treatment Center were hijacked and used for personal business, including purchasing vehicles for Mr. Situka’s private hospice company. Within three months of their takeover, all Twegaite projects were abandoned, and the organization was reduced to an empty shell.
Q: What impact did this leadership crisis have on Twegaite’s operations?
Dhikusoka: The impact was devastating. All community programs collapsed. We lost our nonprofit status in the USA and our NGO status in Uganda. The partnerships we had built over the years with international institutions also fell apart. Even worse, the subsequent conventions—whether in New York, Washington DC, New Jersey, or Dallas—became mere social events, devoid of purpose and filled with embarrassment.
The final nail in the coffin came in 2019 when Mr. Peter Mukunya, a truck driver with no understanding of running a charity, took over the organization. Under his watch, Twegaite became completely dormant, and the little that was left of the organization faded away.
Q: Despite this grim picture, you’re attending the Twegaite Global Convention in Los Angeles. Why now, and what is the goal?
Dhikusoka: I am attending because this convention is a turning point—an opportunity to restore what we lost. Twegaite Global, a new initiative led by former founders and concerned members, is focused on rebuilding Twegaite’s programs and affiliations that were destroyed over the last decade. This convention is not just about talking—it’s about action. We want to bring back the projects that once benefited our people and establish new initiatives to address the current challenges in Busoga.
Q: What do you hope to achieve through Twegaite Global?
Dhikusoka: Our primary objective is to revive the true mission of Twegaite International. We want to:
- Restore lost programs and affiliations: From healthcare to microfinance, we aim to restart the impactful initiatives that were abandoned.
- Hold rogue leaders accountable: The current leadership has crippled the organization for over a decade. It’s time they step aside and allow for democratic processes to resume.
- Reunite the organization: Our ultimate goal is to bring everyone back together under one umbrella once accountability is restored.
We believe that Twegaite Global can provide the platform needed to achieve these objectives.
Q: The Minnesota convention is also celebrating 25 years of Twegaite. Why not support that event?
Dhikusoka: Honestly, what is there to celebrate? How do you celebrate 25 years when the last decade has been marked by stagnation, mismanagement, and failure? Supporting the Minnesota convention would mean endorsing the decay that has crippled Twegaite. It’s like celebrating a broken system.
We, the architects of Twegaite International, cannot celebrate the loss of all our programs, disunity, and the shameful downfall of an organization we built with so much dedication. Los Angeles is where we will revive Twegaite—not Minnesota.
Q: What is your message to the Basoga community and your supporters?
Dhikusoka: I urge my family, friends, network, and all people of goodwill to join us in Los Angeles from May 22–26, 2025, for the Twegaite Global Convention. This is our chance to rebuild our organization and restore its dignity. Let us ignore the misinformation being spread by those trying to tarnish the efforts of Twegaite Global. This is not a time for division—this is a time for unity and action.
Together, we can reclaim the vision that guided Twegaite International and ensure that it once again becomes a beacon of hope for Busoga. See you in Los Angeles!
Q: Any final words?
Dhikusoka: Yes. The future of Twegaite is in our hands. Let’s not let a decade of mismanagement define the destiny of an organization that was built to uplift our people. Join us as we take this bold step toward revival. Together, we can make a difference.
2 comments
Dear Editor,
The divisions among the Basoga Diasporas in the US are not good for Busoga. We need to start a dialogue to bring warring factions together before the May LA convention.
I have no prior engagement with either faction. I would be happy to play the role of mediator.
Kindly share my contacts with Mr Dhikusooka.
This is well so honorable of you.