Doreen Gift Bugingo, the daughter of the controversial pastor Aloysious Bugingo and estranged spouse Teddy Naluswa, is filled with happiness after receiving a scholarship to pursue her studies in the United States. Currently serving as an ICT Infrastructure Engineer at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance in Kampala, Doreen was awarded this scholarship through the 2025 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders.
This initiative is part of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), which honors exceptional and talented young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa who are making considerable impacts in their communities.
Doreen is set to attend Arizona State University to focus on leadership in Public Management. She aspires to enhance her leadership skills and contribute to Uganda’s digital transformation objectives. The young woman has played an active role in the nation’s Digital Transformation Roadmap, the Parish Development Management Information System, and the National Data Strategy. These initiatives aim to integrate ICT, data, and digital innovations to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established for 2030.
It is worth noting that Doreen holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Telecommunications Engineering from Makerere University and is currently studying for a Master’s degree in the same field at the same institution. At MUK, Doreen acts as the Coordinator of the SDG, where she has been advocating for educational empowerment to tackle socio-economic issues.
Meanwhile, the Mandela Washington Fellowship was established in 2014 as the flagship program of YALI. It is designed to empower young African leaders through various avenues, including leadership training, academic coursework, networking, and professional development opportunities.
It should be highlighted that Pastor Bugingo abandoned his family of five, which includes a wife and four children. As reported by the family, he declined to support their educational pursuits. However, with the aid of benefactors, they managed to continue their education and are now making those who believed in them proud. Doreen is the third engineer among the pastor’s children, joining her sisters, Winnie Treasure Bugingo and Jennifer Blessed Bugingo.
Additionally, Doreen Gift Bugingo is also set to have her wedding soon, sparking public curiosity about whether Pastor Bugingo, the head of Canaan Land Ministries, will be invited to the event.
