Meet Our Team
The dedicated experts and leaders heading the SUNRISE project across East Africa and Europe
Dr. Francis Mujjuni
Project PI & Lecturer
Makerere University
Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at Makerere University (Room 223 CEDAT Old Building) and Project PI for SUNRISE. Double Commonwealth Scholarship Awardee (2013 and 2019) with comprehensive educational background: BSc Mechanical Engineering (2006-2010) from Makerere University, MSc Renewable Energy Systems Technology (2013-2014) from Loughborough University, and PhD in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (2019-2023) from Loughborough University. Completed postdoctoral training at Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology – Loughborough University. Currently serves as Coordinator of MSc Renewable Energy program. Extensive research portfolio with recent publications including 'Uganda's Hydropower System Resilience to Extreme Climate Variability' (2023), 'Application of Observational Weather Data in Evaluating Resilience of Power Systems' (2023), and 'Evaluation of Power Systems Resilience to Extreme Weather Events' (2023). Research focuses on power systems resilience to extreme weather events, climate variability, and sustainable energy development.
Gemma Bosch Martinez
Project & Business Development Manager
ReadLab Brussels
Project & Business Development Manager at ReadLab Brussels and Project Manager for SUNRISE. Graduate in Management of Business and Technology with an International Relations minor from La Salle URL (2014-2018). Holds an MSc in International Affairs and Diplomacy from UNITAR (2019-2021). Professional Certificate in Instructional Design from Digital Learning Institute (2023) and Certification in Social Innovation and Creativity of Impact from Learning by Helping (2025). Expertise in project coordination, business development, and international affairs with focus on educational innovation and social impact initiatives.
Nanette Huysmans
Architect & Sustainable Construction Advisor
Thomas More
Architect and advisor in sustainable construction at Kamp C, and researcher in sustainable construction at Thomas More. Educational background includes Bachelor of Architecture (1992-1995) from KU Leuven and Master of Architecture (1995-1999) from Sint-Lukas Brussel (Luca school of arts). European Project Partner for SUNRISE with expertise in sustainable building practices and innovation. Winner of the insulation award (Belgian energy award) with own home, demonstrating practical application of sustainable construction principles. Active member of technical committee of architects for Buildwise and Chair of the municipal spatial planning committee (GECORO). Teaching focuses on sustainable construction, building practice introduction, and innovation labs for social footprint and wood reuse projects.
Dr. Al-Mas Sendegeya
Lecturer & Project Partner
Kyambogo University
Lecturer in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Kyambogo University and Project Partner for SUNRISE. Extensive educational background with Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from Makerere University, Master of Science in Renewable Energy from Oldenburg University Germany, Licentiate Degree in Power Systems from KTH Sweden, and PhD in Power Systems from Makerere University. Completed postdoctoral training at Namibia Energy Institute - Namibia University of Science and Technology. Former Head of Departments (Mechanical & Production Engineering in Uganda and Electrical Engineering in Namibia). Extensive research portfolio with recent publications on hybrid mini-grids, solar PV systems, and rural electrification across East Africa. Currently supervising postgraduate students (Masters and PhD) and serving as external examiner.
Dr. Maureen Nalubowa Ssempijja
Lecturer & Project Partner
Kyambogo University
Lecturer in Mechanical and Production Engineering at Kyambogo University and Project Partner for SUNRISE. Comprehensive educational background with Bachelor of Industrial Engineering and Management from Kyambogo University, Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Makerere University, and PhD in Industrial Engineering (Manufacturing Systems) from Moi University. Completed Occupational Safety & Health Training at OSHAcademy. Currently serves as Head of Department, Mechanical & Production Engineering. Extensive research portfolio with recent publications including 'Development and evaluation of a sustainable solar cooker for operations in Uganda' (2025), 'Mathematical Model of the Assembly Robot Performance in Automated Manufacturing' (2025), 'Multi objective lifecycle budget allocation for fusion power plant installation' (2023), and 'Multi-Objective Optimization of Manufacturing Lot Size Under Stochastic Demand' (2022). Research interests span operations research, energy systems development, optimization, model development, and production modelling. Active member of IISE (Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers) and Asian Council of Science Editors.
Mr. Mugagga Gad Reuben
Assistant Lecturer & Team Member
Kyambogo University
Assistant Lecturer in Mechanical and Production Engineering at Kyambogo University and Team Member for SUNRISE. Educational background includes B. Eng. in Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering (2011-2015) from Kyambogo University and Msc. in Renewable Energy Technology (2018-2023) from Kenyatta University. Completed East African Centre (EAC) Regional Training Course on Standalone Solar PV Systems Design and Installation at Kenyatta University. Recipient of multiple scholarships including DAAD Scholarship for MSc. Research (2020), Uganda Government Scholarship for Diploma in Technical Teacher Education (2017), and Uganda Government Scholarship for Undergraduate Degree (2011). Extensive research portfolio with recent publications on biogas upgrading systems, mini-grids for rural development, waste-to-energy solutions, and sustainable energy policy. Supervisor to more than 20 undergraduate students with research focus on advancing sustainable and inclusive energy systems.
Dr. Churchill Saoke
Director- Strathmore Energy Research Centre
Strathmore University
Dr. Churchill Saoke is the Director of the Strathmore Energy Research Centre at Strathmore University, Nairobi, Kenya. He holds a Ph.D. in Physics from JKUAT, a Master of Arts in Diplomacy from the University of Nairobi, and a Master of Science in Physics from JKUAT. He is a Mandela-Washington Fellow (YALI) and completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Public Management at Syracuse University, USA. His research spans solar energy, wind energy technology, energy policy and planning, and green hydrogen. He currently supervises over 15 postgraduate students and serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Renewable Energy and Environment and the Journal of Agriculture and Technology.
Dr. Lillian Donna Namujju
Lecturer, Electrical & Electronics Engineering
Makerere University
Dr. Lillian Donna Namujju (Ing., PMP, PhD) is a Lecturer in the Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering at Makerere University, Uganda. She holds a BSc in Electrical Engineering from Makerere University, an MSc in Engineering & Policy Analysis from TU Delft (Netherlands), and a PhD in Energy Economics from Paderborn University (Germany). On the SUNRISE project she leads project coordination. Her research focuses on productive use of energy, rural energy development, institutional design, energy policy, AI applications in energy systems, and research commercialisation. She serves as Masters' Research Coordinator for the Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Coordinator for the Research, Innovation & Commercialisation Pipeline at the School of Engineering, and Program Lead for the Career Employability Hub at CEDAT.
Prof. Kosmas Kavadias
Professor, Mechanical Engineering
University of West Attica (UNIWA)
Prof. Kosmas Kavadias is a Professor at the Soft Energy Applications & Environmental Protection Lab (SEALAB), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of West Attica (UNIWA), Greece. He has over 20 years of experience teaching and researching renewable energy sources, hybrid energy systems, building energy improvement, and energy saving. His laboratory covers wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, hydro, environmental protection, and management systems. He is the author of over 25 journal papers and more than 140 conference papers.
Asst. Prof. Christiana Papapostolou
Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering
University of West Attica (UNIWA)
Dr. Christiana Papapostolou is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of West Attica (UNIWA), Greece. She holds a PhD and MSc from Heriot-Watt University (Edinburgh) and a BSc from UNIWA, and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at UNIWA funded by the Greek State Scholarships Foundation (IKY) on techno-economic and environmental evaluation of energy and water supply chains. On SUNRISE she is a researcher and member of the WP1 UNIWA Team, Impact Governance Committee, and Quality Assurance Team. She has supervised over 30 undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations.
Wabwire Andrew
Chief Technician, Mechanical Engineering
Makerere University
Wabwire Andrew is the Chief Technician in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Makerere University, Uganda. He holds an MSc in Renewable Energy from Makerere University, a Bachelor of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering from Kyambogo University, and a Higher Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from Uganda Polytechnic Kyambogo, among other qualifications. He supports renewable energy practicals and engineering materials laboratory sessions.
Ms. Olivia Nakiwanuka
Research Assistant
Makerere University
Olivia Nakiwanuka is a Research Assistant at the School of Engineering, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Makerere University, Uganda. She holds a BSc in Agricultural Engineering from Makerere University and is currently pursuing an MSc in Renewable Energy Technology at the same institution. On SUNRISE she serves as a Research Assistant. Her research interests span renewable energy systems modelling, solar energy optimisation, energy storage, climate-resilient infrastructure, and energy access.
Erwin Van de Put
Lecturer
Thomas More Kempen
Erwin Van de Put is a Lecturer in the Unit Tech&More, Department of Electromechanics at Thomas More Kempen, Belgium. He brings expertise in problem-based learning, material sciences, AI implementation, and biodiversity. On the SUNRISE project, Erwin contributes to Work Package 6, drawing on his extensive experience teaching applied mathematics, thermodynamics, and material sciences, as well as coordinating international projects including CBHE and BIP programmes.
Caroline Owomugisha Karungi
Project Coordinator
Makerere University
Caroline O Karungi serves as Project Coordinator for the SUNRISE project with the College of Engineering, Design, Arts and Technology (CEDAT), Makerere University, Uganda. She brings extensive experience in the end-to-end coordination of regional and international projects, having worked with and alongside organisations like Horizont3000 (Uganda), GIZ Uganda, African Writers' Trust, and Integrated Family Development Initiatives.
Miss Gloria Katunge Maithya
Member
University of Nairobi
She is a PhD Scholar at the University of Nairobi with a focus on Physics. Her research interests include material modelling for PV applications, machine learning, and Density Functional theory. She is an active member of the Physics Society of Kenya and has been awarded a scholarship for an internship at Brookhaven National Lab in the USA. Within the SUNRISE project, she contributes her expertise to solar energy trainings and AI for material applications.
Dr. Ing. Sarah Paul Ayeng’o
Senior Lecturer
University of Dar es Salaam
She is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam with extensive experience in electromechanical and renewable energy engineering. She holds a Doctor of Engineering Science from RWTH Aachen University, Germany, and serves as a Certified Energy Auditor and Trainer. Her career includes significant roles in international projects such as GeoAfrica and DAMOC. She is a registered Professional Engineer and currently chairs the Turkish Maarif Secondary School Board in Dar es Salaam.
Dr. Aviti Thadei Mushi
Senior Lecturer
University of Dar es Salaam
He is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam and serves as a co-PI for the SUNRISE project. He earned his Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Yokohama National University, Japan. His research focuses on rural electrification, renewable energies, and smart grid technologies. He is a member of several professional organizations, including IEEE, and serves on the editorial board of the Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology.
Prisca Paul Chambela
Assistant Lecturer
University of Dar es Salaam
She serves as an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the University of Dar es Salaam and is a member of the SUNRISE project team. She earned her M.Sc. in Power Systems and High Voltages in 2025. Her research specialises in renewable energies, power electronics, and high voltage technologies. A Certified Energy Manager and ILICETO Foundation Scholarship awardee, she actively mentors undergraduate students in their final year projects.
Mavyline K. Motari
PhD Student
University of Nairobi
She is a PhD student at the University of Nairobi specializing in Physics. Her academic background includes a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Education in Science from Kenyatta University. Her research interests lie in computational material science and machine learning techniques for improving the efficiency and maintenance of solar PV systems. She was awarded a TWAS Fellowship for Research and Advanced Training at COMSATS University Islamabad in 2025.
Mr. Juma Nuhu Msuya
Assistant Lecturer
University of Dar es Salaam
He is an Assistant Lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam and a dedicated member of the SUNRISE project. He holds an M.Sc. in Energy Engineering and a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering. His expertise focuses on thermal energy storage, energy system modelling, and sustainable low-carbon energy solutions. He has been recognised with several academic honours, including the Best Graduating Student in Mechanical Engineering and a NORHED II Energy Technology Network Scholarship.
Prof. Sebastian Waita
Professor
University of Nairobi
He is a Professor of Physics at the University of Nairobi and serves as the Principal Investigator (PI) for the SUNRISE project. He holds a PhD from Uppsala University and the University of Nairobi. His extensive research portfolio includes thin film deposition, solar cells, and renewable energy simulation. He is a member of several international professional bodies, such as the International Solar Energy Society, and has received numerous awards for his contributions to science and mentorship.
Sister Dr. Mary Taabu Simiyu
Parttime Lecturer
University of Nairobi
She is a Part-time Lecturer at the University of Nairobi and a member of the SUNRISE project team. She holds a PhD in Physics with a specialisation in water purification using nanomaterials. Her research interests include condensed matter physics, green energy, and solar energy. In addition to her academic work, she has held significant leadership roles, including serving as the Research Coordinator at CERRA-Africa and Regional Superior of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus.