Robert Kasumba, a 3rd-year McDonnell Scholar, is making a meaningful impact as a board member of the Harambee Center, a nonprofit fostering cultural exchange between East Africa and North America. Drawing inspiration from his experience in the McDonnell Academy, Robert is championing a transformative scholarship initiative to support underprivileged but talented students in Uganda with a unique focus on leadership.
The program, launched in 2024, provides tuition assistance, mentorship, and leadership training to nurture young leaders who are empowered to give back to their communities. The inaugural cohort comprises five students at St. Andrew’s Secondary School Matale—Robert’s alma mater. In addition to managing the program, Robert dedicates his spare time to mentoring these students, emphasizing the value of community service.
This year, the scholarship students demonstrated their commitment to making a difference by organizing a community service project. They collected books, pens, shoes, soap, bags, sanitary pads, and clothing from peers and teachers. These items were donated to Primary Five (P5) students at Kasaka Primary School, a nearby primary school. The St. Andrew’s students not only provided essential supplies but also shared guidance and encouragement to help the younger students with their transition from primary to secondary school.
Robert’s efforts reflect the McDonnell Academy’s ethos of cultivating leadership through action. His work ensures that the next generation of leaders in Uganda has the tools, mentorship, and inspiration to thrive.
Robert Kasumba, who joined the McDonnell Academy in 2022, is pursuing a PhD in Computational & Data Sciences in the McKelvey School of Engineering at WashU. Robert is a graduate of McDonnell Academy partner university, Makerere University.
Learn more about the Harambee Center and Robert’s impactful initiative.