Co-founder & President

Father Emmanuel Katongole is the visionary behind BLI. Born in rural Uganda, Father Katongole is now a Professor of Theology and Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN. He is the author of several books concerning the intersection of Africa, the environment, and reconciliation. Prior to founding BLI, Father Katongole co-founded Share the Blessings, another nonprofit operating in Uganda, and Duke University's Center for Reconciliation, home to the Africa Great Lakes Initiative which supports thousands of leaders in the Great Lakes Region of east Africa in their work of peace and reconciliation. He splits his time between Uganda and the U.S.

Co-founder (Deceased)

Father Tony Rweza served as the chairman of the Uganda Board of Bethany Land Institute. A priest ordained by the diocese of Jinja, he worked as Managing Director of Interservice, the procurement and logistics agency of The Church in Uganda, for the Bishops Conference. Father Tony held a Masters degree in Business Administration of Non-profits (MSA) from the University of Notre Dame and served on various boards of nonprofits and agencies in Uganda. Fr. Tony passed away on June 15th, 2021. May he rest in peace.

Co-founder

Father Cornelius Ssempala is a Philosophy Professor at Makerere University in Kampala; his farm outside of Kampala is his pride and joy. He is the BLI Site Manager, in charge of overseeing the construction of the campus and ensuring that the campus is built to the correct specifications, and built on-time and on-budget, using as many local resources and merchants as possible. He resides in Uganda full time.

Co-founder & Patron

Appointed by Pope Francis in 2021, Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere heads the Archdiocese of Kampala. As a young man, he was part of the first class of aspiring priests to study at St Mbaaga Seminary at Ggaba. He was officially ordained a priest in Kampala in 1983. He later attended the the Saint Francis de Sales Seminary in Wisconsin (USA) and earned a Master of Divinity degree. The 2019 BLI MOU officially made Archbishop Seemogerere a co-founder and patron for his significant support and advancement of BLI's mission.

Institute & Program Director

Sylvester is an agro ecologist, with over 20 years of leadership experience (former principal and associate director of Mbuye Farm school) working with agricultural-based NGOs in skills training and community outreach. As program director, he oversees the implementation of the BLI curriculum, runs the BLI Caretaker Formation Program, oversees the recruitment, training, outreach, placement, and follow up of BLI caretakers, and serves as chief trainer and mentor to BLI caretakers.

Administrator

Father Joe is the Administrator of BLI, overseeing the campus construction and development. He was ordained as a Catholic priest in the Kampala Archdiocese and currently serves in the diocese of Kasana Luweero, where he is the coordinator of diocesan lands and investments. He previously served as the treasurer for twelve years. Educated in Uganda, he also studied Pastoral Theology at the University of Notre Dame and served at Holy Family Parish in South Bend, Indiana.

Coordinator and Head of Mary's School

Born in Luwero, Simon holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science and Entrepreneurship from Uganda Christian University, a Certificate in Horticulture from Bukalasa Agricultural College, and a Certificate from Songhai Leadership Academy. Prior to joining BLI, he taught Agriculture at Kakungulu High School, was the Chair of Bukolwa Agricultural Development Youth Project, and was the Liaison Officer & Coordinator of the Uganda Green Incubation Center (UGIC) Songhai-Uganda Initiative.

Head of Lazarus' Trees

A forester with an extensive background and passion for ecological conservation, Chris is working with a local team to protect the BLI forest and conduct community outreach relating to ecological education and reforestation. Chris has a master's degree in taxonomy and is a published author who writes about ecotourism centers.

Head of Martha's Market

Jonathan has been with BLI for many years and was recently promoted to Head of Martha's Market. Prior to joining the BLI team, Jonathan earned a postsecondary certificate and diploma in animal husbandry from Bukalasa Agricultural College and spent time working both with the land and animals. He also participated in the Caretaker programming during its first year.

Community Outreach Coordinator

Josephine Nabakooza holds a Bachelor’s degree from Makerere University Kampala-Uganda. She has over ten years of experience collecting, transcribing, and analysing data. She has worked with L’Arche Uganda, Great Lakes Institute-Ggaba, and with scholars from various institutions like Makerere University - Kampala, Boston University School of Theology, and University of Notre Dame. At BLI, Josephine runs the outreach program.

President

Father Katongole, one of the BLI founders (see bio above), splits his time between Uganda and the U.S. He leads BLI efforts in the U.S.

Accounting Director

Maureen serves as the BLI treasurer. She graduated from Notre Dame in 1980 with a BA in History and an accounting degree from Indiana University at South Bend in 1982. For the past 20 years she has worked as the business manager at Saint Pius X Catholic Church in South Bend, Indiana while raising six wonderful children.

Assistant to the President

Macky is serving as assistant to Fr. Emmanuel Katongole, and as recording secretary to the BLI USA Staff. Retired, she comes to BLI with years of experience in office management and bookkeeping. She served for 10 years as the program coordinator for 20 Liters, a water organization in Rwanda that she and her husband Bob were instrumental in founding.

Communications Director

Emma leads BLI communication efforts in the United States. Father Emmanuel introduced her to BLI when she studied at Notre Dame. After graduating from Notre Dame, Emma moved to New York City and currently attends law school there. Emma has spent extensive time living alongside the BLI staff and Caretakers in Uganda.

Development Director

Theresa is the Development Director for BLI USA. She is a CPA (non-active) and holds a Certificate in Non-Profit Fundraising from the University of St. Thomas. Theresa has spent 18 years on non-profit boards. She has consulted with small businesses in finance and business development and volunteered with interfaith organizations assisting at-risk families, educational institutions, and governmental entities.