The East African Partners executive team
The EAP Executive team consists of well connected experienced professionals from the United States and East Africa. Meet our team and be confident that we can get the deal done!
Libby Andrews, Managing Principal, East African Partners LLC, exclusive agency for the USA partnerships
She has been a serial entrepreneur with a string of successful ventures. Leveraging her entrepreneurial experience, University of Chicago Booth MBA, and vast network of industry contacts, Libby launched East African Partners.
Libby is a strong believer that making America Great Again is achieved by making other countries great as well. Libby has invented, patented, and branded a variety of consumer products that have been manufactured and distributed in countries around the globe. Her international experience with manufacturing and distribution provides insights for the challenges often facing U.S. based companies when entering new global markets.
Libby has worked with Isaac Kigozi over the last 10 years on a variety of enterprises. When Isaac approached Libby about his East African connections and the needs and opportunity in Uganda, it was apparent their partnership would have significant impact that would better the lives of millions and help American companies expand their opportunities.
She has been a serial entrepreneur with a string of successful ventures. Leveraging her entrepreneurial experience, University of Chicago Booth MBA, and vast network of industry contacts, Libby launched East African Partners.
Libby is a strong believer that making America Great Again is achieved by making other countries great as well. Libby has invented, patented, and branded a variety of consumer products that have been manufactured and distributed in countries around the globe. Her international experience with manufacturing and distribution provides insights for the challenges often facing U.S. based companies when entering new global markets.
Libby has worked with Isaac Kigozi over the last 10 years on a variety of enterprises. When Isaac approached Libby about his East African connections and the needs and opportunity in Uganda, it was apparent their partnership would have significant impact that would better the lives of millions and help American companies expand their opportunities.
Greg Dennerlein ...Partner, USA team
Greg has 30 years of diverse financial markets experience having held positions in portfolio management, OTC and cash derivatives sales and trading, and alternative investments. Currently he is an independent consultant assisting venture stage companies succeed.
Prior to his current role, Greg was Senior Vice President with HSBC and prior to that he worked at several large banks including Citibank, Keycorp, JP Morgan and Northern Trust. In his current role as consultant, he helps venture stage companies with a variety of needs including raising capital, business development, financial modeling, risk management and banking, staffing and go to market strategies.
Greg has 30 years of diverse financial markets experience having held positions in portfolio management, OTC and cash derivatives sales and trading, and alternative investments. Currently he is an independent consultant assisting venture stage companies succeed.
Prior to his current role, Greg was Senior Vice President with HSBC and prior to that he worked at several large banks including Citibank, Keycorp, JP Morgan and Northern Trust. In his current role as consultant, he helps venture stage companies with a variety of needs including raising capital, business development, financial modeling, risk management and banking, staffing and go to market strategies.
Jim Sweeney...Partner, USA team
Jim Sweeney is a successful sales and marketing executive and entrepreneur. As a sales executive rose to VP of sales for a national gift company directly responsible for setting up and maintaining a nationwide sales representative network handling all of US sales. Jim was instrumental in the startup success and development of the company with sales totaling over 100MM.
As an entrepreneur with 20 + years of experience in the import industry, Jim developed merchandise lines selling to large corporations such as Paramount Pictures, Target, KFC, Sprint, Michelin, and many others. Mr. Sweeney has traveled
extensively to Asia and has developed long solid working relationships with many overseas factories producing everything from gift items to chipsets and electronics.
He is known for developing new accounts, building relationships and developing strategic and tactical sales. His competitive, driven, results focused attitude has resulted in an outstanding record of achievement
Mr. Sweeney is a Kauffman Fast Trac graduate and was selected to participate in the Entrepreneurs’ Boardroom, Kauffman’s strategic leadership program.
Jim Sweeney is a successful sales and marketing executive and entrepreneur. As a sales executive rose to VP of sales for a national gift company directly responsible for setting up and maintaining a nationwide sales representative network handling all of US sales. Jim was instrumental in the startup success and development of the company with sales totaling over 100MM.
As an entrepreneur with 20 + years of experience in the import industry, Jim developed merchandise lines selling to large corporations such as Paramount Pictures, Target, KFC, Sprint, Michelin, and many others. Mr. Sweeney has traveled
extensively to Asia and has developed long solid working relationships with many overseas factories producing everything from gift items to chipsets and electronics.
He is known for developing new accounts, building relationships and developing strategic and tactical sales. His competitive, driven, results focused attitude has resulted in an outstanding record of achievement
Mr. Sweeney is a Kauffman Fast Trac graduate and was selected to participate in the Entrepreneurs’ Boardroom, Kauffman’s strategic leadership program.
Isaac Kigozi … Executive Director, East African Partners Africa
With a focus on strategic planning Isaac Kigozi has used his 10 year experience in International business consulting to assist firms position themselves for success.
As a global consultant/broker, he assisted global business entities, to break into the often challenging and confusing African markets by providing assistance with securing government contracts, understanding the requirements, obtaining legal assistance, and eliminating any red-tape. Isaac has close personal relationships with the heads of state, heads of ministries and various departmental managers which has enabled him to learn of governmental and municipality needs at an early stage and help position appropriate solution partners. The connections and processes he has developed over the years enables a smooth entrance for foreign partners to enter the East African markets efficiently and profitably.
Isaac has a proven high aptitude for cross cultural relations. He has successfully worked with business entities from the United States of America, United Kingdom, all of East Africa, South Africa, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. He also has a working knowledge of 3 foreign languages.
On a personal note, Isaac is an avid chess player; his favourite book is The Art of War for Business and his favourite pass-time is watching Fox News.
With a focus on strategic planning Isaac Kigozi has used his 10 year experience in International business consulting to assist firms position themselves for success.
As a global consultant/broker, he assisted global business entities, to break into the often challenging and confusing African markets by providing assistance with securing government contracts, understanding the requirements, obtaining legal assistance, and eliminating any red-tape. Isaac has close personal relationships with the heads of state, heads of ministries and various departmental managers which has enabled him to learn of governmental and municipality needs at an early stage and help position appropriate solution partners. The connections and processes he has developed over the years enables a smooth entrance for foreign partners to enter the East African markets efficiently and profitably.
Isaac has a proven high aptitude for cross cultural relations. He has successfully worked with business entities from the United States of America, United Kingdom, all of East Africa, South Africa, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. He also has a working knowledge of 3 foreign languages.
On a personal note, Isaac is an avid chess player; his favourite book is The Art of War for Business and his favourite pass-time is watching Fox News.
Hamida Kibirige (COO) … Chief Operating Officer
Hamida is a Computer and Electronic Engineer, from the University of London (With Honors). Commenced career as an Engineer, working in the UK and then Bank of Uganda (The Central Bank) eventually transitioning into an International Business Consultant.
As an International Business Consultant, Hamida has developed mutually beneficial partnerships with both foreign and domestic business & government leaders. This has been possible using her strategic vision and ability to attract, motivate and retain high performing teams for successful implementation of projects.
Hamida is a Computer and Electronic Engineer, from the University of London (With Honors). Commenced career as an Engineer, working in the UK and then Bank of Uganda (The Central Bank) eventually transitioning into an International Business Consultant.
As an International Business Consultant, Hamida has developed mutually beneficial partnerships with both foreign and domestic business & government leaders. This has been possible using her strategic vision and ability to attract, motivate and retain high performing teams for successful implementation of projects.
Ronald Kalema (CTO) … Chief Tax Officer
He holds a Master of Laws Degree in International Taxation from the New York University. He is immensely skilled in the areas of legal methodology, corporate tax principles and planning, international transfer pricing, international taxation, tax treaties, taxation of international business transactions, and mergers and acquisitions.
Ronald completed his Bar Course in 2008 as the second overall student. At High School in 2002, he was the best overall student in Uganda. Between September 2008– August 2011, Ronald worked as Tax and Legal Associate at KPMG Uganda. While there, he worked a variety of complex matters of first impression in Ugandan tax law, including the tax treatment of customs royalty payments, and the application of stamp duty on microfinance enterprises.
He also provided corporate tax compliance services, performed tax due diligences and tax health checks, advised clients on tax planning matters, assisted clients with conduct and preparation for tax audits, prepared presentations on annual proposed changes to Ugandan tax law, trained and supervised new staff members, conducted both in-house and general tax trainings for clients, offered corporate secretarial services to clients.
He subsequently had a 5 year stint at Ernst & Young where he developed his tax practice and managerial capabilities. He is therefore, firmly grounded in local and international tax advisory. He is a leading advisor on international transfer pricing. Ronald is a Chartered Certified Accountant, a member of the Uganda Law Society and the East Africa Law Society.
He holds a Master of Laws Degree in International Taxation from the New York University. He is immensely skilled in the areas of legal methodology, corporate tax principles and planning, international transfer pricing, international taxation, tax treaties, taxation of international business transactions, and mergers and acquisitions.
Ronald completed his Bar Course in 2008 as the second overall student. At High School in 2002, he was the best overall student in Uganda. Between September 2008– August 2011, Ronald worked as Tax and Legal Associate at KPMG Uganda. While there, he worked a variety of complex matters of first impression in Ugandan tax law, including the tax treatment of customs royalty payments, and the application of stamp duty on microfinance enterprises.
He also provided corporate tax compliance services, performed tax due diligences and tax health checks, advised clients on tax planning matters, assisted clients with conduct and preparation for tax audits, prepared presentations on annual proposed changes to Ugandan tax law, trained and supervised new staff members, conducted both in-house and general tax trainings for clients, offered corporate secretarial services to clients.
He subsequently had a 5 year stint at Ernst & Young where he developed his tax practice and managerial capabilities. He is therefore, firmly grounded in local and international tax advisory. He is a leading advisor on international transfer pricing. Ronald is a Chartered Certified Accountant, a member of the Uganda Law Society and the East Africa Law Society.
Ahmed Mukasa Kalule (CLO) … Chief Legal Officer
Ahmed is a skilled lawyer and businessman who has closed a the largest contract to date worth over $1 billion. He has immense experience in advising large corporations and institutions in many areas of the law including corporate finance law, international trade, land transactions, real estate, estates planning and trusts, sale of goods, and general contract law, among others.
He has previously advised the World Bank Group, Sukari Loma Group, a company listed on both the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange, International Investment House (Abu Dhabi), Emirates Africa Link for Strategic Alliance (Abu Dhabi), Emfuleni Golf Course (South Africa), Salinni Construttori (Uganda), Petro Uganda Limited, Jassim Transport and Stevedoring Company W.L.L, a company managed under the general superintendence of the Emir of Kuwait, Primedia Pty Limited (Uganda), Equity Bank Uganda, National Social Security Fund (Uganda), Kampala University, among others.
Ahmed has also litigated many high profile cases including the criminal trials of the former Health Ministers of the Government of Uganda accused of embezzling GAVI Funds and the former technocrats in the office of the Prime Minister accused of embezzling more than 30million USD. Ahmed successfully represented Equity Bank, Uganda in a novel case involving finance leases and the ruling NRM Party in cases challenging the amendments to its Constitution.
In 2013, Ahmed successfully handled a novel adoption case in which, the High Court considered whether it had jurisdiction in an adoption petition involving two foreign nationals.
In 2014, Ahmed successfully challenged a decision of the National Council for Higher Education of Uganda recalling a Kampala University Degree awarded to H.E the Governor of Mombasa, Kenya.
In 2016, Ahmed was part of the team that successfully represented His Excellency the President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in Presidential Election Petition No. 1 of 2016.
Ahmed is a skilled lawyer and businessman who has closed a the largest contract to date worth over $1 billion. He has immense experience in advising large corporations and institutions in many areas of the law including corporate finance law, international trade, land transactions, real estate, estates planning and trusts, sale of goods, and general contract law, among others.
He has previously advised the World Bank Group, Sukari Loma Group, a company listed on both the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange, International Investment House (Abu Dhabi), Emirates Africa Link for Strategic Alliance (Abu Dhabi), Emfuleni Golf Course (South Africa), Salinni Construttori (Uganda), Petro Uganda Limited, Jassim Transport and Stevedoring Company W.L.L, a company managed under the general superintendence of the Emir of Kuwait, Primedia Pty Limited (Uganda), Equity Bank Uganda, National Social Security Fund (Uganda), Kampala University, among others.
Ahmed has also litigated many high profile cases including the criminal trials of the former Health Ministers of the Government of Uganda accused of embezzling GAVI Funds and the former technocrats in the office of the Prime Minister accused of embezzling more than 30million USD. Ahmed successfully represented Equity Bank, Uganda in a novel case involving finance leases and the ruling NRM Party in cases challenging the amendments to its Constitution.
In 2013, Ahmed successfully handled a novel adoption case in which, the High Court considered whether it had jurisdiction in an adoption petition involving two foreign nationals.
In 2014, Ahmed successfully challenged a decision of the National Council for Higher Education of Uganda recalling a Kampala University Degree awarded to H.E the Governor of Mombasa, Kenya.
In 2016, Ahmed was part of the team that successfully represented His Excellency the President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in Presidential Election Petition No. 1 of 2016.
Joan Katirima (CCO) … Chief Compliance Officer
Joan’s experience spans a period of over 7 years. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from Makerere University She also holds a Certificate of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators [ICSA-UK].
She has over the years built experience in advising large clients on various issues, preparation and drafting of an array of legal documents and correspondences, formation of companies and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Alternative Dispute Resolution, registration and renewal of Trademarks, drafting and registration of mortgages, obtaining money lender certificates and renewals of the same; and offering legal opinions and preparation of legal briefs.
In 2017, Joan was involved in representing two of our clients in multi – million US Dollar arbitration proceedings before the Centre for Arbitration and Dispute Resolution, Kampala. She has also variously successfully represented our clients in labor disputes before the Industrial Court.
Joan is a member of the East Africa Law Society and the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators.
Joan’s experience spans a period of over 7 years. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from Makerere University She also holds a Certificate of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators [ICSA-UK].
She has over the years built experience in advising large clients on various issues, preparation and drafting of an array of legal documents and correspondences, formation of companies and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Alternative Dispute Resolution, registration and renewal of Trademarks, drafting and registration of mortgages, obtaining money lender certificates and renewals of the same; and offering legal opinions and preparation of legal briefs.
In 2017, Joan was involved in representing two of our clients in multi – million US Dollar arbitration proceedings before the Centre for Arbitration and Dispute Resolution, Kampala. She has also variously successfully represented our clients in labor disputes before the Industrial Court.
Joan is a member of the East Africa Law Society and the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators.