By A new chapter is taking shape for Ugandans in the U.S. Pacific Northwest, following the election of Kriss Namakola as president of the Pacific Northwest Ugandans Association (PNUAA).
Namakola succeeds Janet Kasule, who served a two-year term, after emerging victorious in the 2026 presidential contest against Sam Sebuwufu.
Running under the banner “Revive. Unite. Develop.”, Namakola enters office with an agenda centred on turning PNUAA into a more structured, accessible and institutionally grounded association for Ugandans across the region.
Among his first priorities is securing a permanent public office for the association.
For years, PNUAA’s administrative affairs have largely been handled from private residences. Namakola wants that to change, envisioning a dedicated space where members can access services, hold meetings, run cultural programmes and coordinate community support.
“PNUAA needs its own home,” Namakola said, describing the office as an important step towards giving the association a more professional and visible presence.
His administration also plans to review PNUAA’s constitution, which was developed during the association’s formative years. A Constitutional Review Committee will be established to examine the document and propose changes reflecting the growth and changing needs of the Ugandan community in Washington, Oregon and the wider Pacific Northwest.
The proposed review will address areas including electoral procedures, transparency and member participation.
Beyond the constitution, Namakola wants to build systems that can outlast individual administrations. His plans include a more defined committee structure and an active Board of Trustees, with dedicated bodies overseeing finance, welfare and community projects.
“Building strong institutional frameworks means we don’t rely on individuals; we rely on systems,” he said.
Namakola brings considerable experience in Ugandan community leadership. He previously served as vice chair of the UNAA electoral commission during the 2021 elections and later led the North America Masaba Cultural Association (NAMCA), where he helped mobilise international relief for families affected by the 2022 landslides in Bugisu.
Away from community leadership, he is an entrepreneur in the greater Seattle area, with businesses spanning commercial painting, custom sheds, accessory dwelling units and cabinetry. His company, Near East Sheds, also carries a social mission of creating employment opportunities for people facing barriers to work.
He is also an author. In 2026, he published The Myth of Stability and The Anatomy of a Revolutionary Insurgency, alongside a weekly series of essays exploring Uganda’s history, governance and development.
His election marks a return to the PNUAA presidential race after he contested the position in 2024.
This time, his message was centred not only on renewal, but on bringing the community together.
With the campaign now over, Namakola has extended an invitation to members across the association, including those who supported the opposing campaign and those who have been less active in recent years, to take part in the work ahead.
“The election is behind us, and the work of building a stronger community has begun,” he said.
For PNUAA, that work now begins with a new president, a reform agenda and an ambition to build an association that can serve the Pacific Northwest’s Ugandan community well beyond a single term.
