A welcome to the Class of 2028
On behalf of the student community, the Student Guild warmly welcomes you to CMU-Africa.
Beginning graduate study is an exciting milestone, and the Student Induction Program is designed to help you transition into university life, understand the CMU-Africa environment, and connect with the people, resources, and opportunities that will support your success.
As the Student Guild, we are here to represent student voices, support student wellbeing, and help foster a welcoming and inclusive community from the very beginning of your journey at CMU-Africa.
We encourage you to take full advantage of the Student Induction Program by:
- asking questions,
- building connections,
- participating actively,
- and engaging fully with the opportunities around you.
As you begin this next chapter, we also encourage you to embrace Carnegie Mellon University’s values of collaboration, excellence, inclusion, and integrity in your academic and community life. We are excited to welcome you to the CMU-Africa community and look forward to meeting you soon.
— CMU-Africa Student Guild 2026
Meet the Student Guild
Mitch Macharia (MS EAI ’27)
President
With a strong background in electrical engineering, sustainable energy, and business development, Mitch Macharia is pursuing his master of science in engineering artificial intelligence. He is currently serving as the president of the Guild.
Macharia gained industry experience at Huawei Technologies as a channel sales manager, working with technology partners delivering enterprise data communication and IT infrastructure solutions to customers across Kenya. As co-founder and chief technology officer of Hydream Solutions LTD, he conducts research on hydrogen energy systems focused on AI-driven optimization for renewable-powered hydrogen production and maritime decarbonization.
As president of the Guild, Macharia is committed to inclusive, transparent, and collaborative leadership that drives meaningful impact.
Yvette Tuyambaze (MSIT ’27)
Vice President
Noting that she stands at the intersection of human-centric design and data-driven intelligence, Yvette Tuyambaze, vice president of the Guild, is pursuing her master of science degree in information technology, with a concentration in machine learning and cybersecurity.
Her focus is on strengthening Guild operations, ensuring constitutional governance, and advancing student representation through efficient, systems-driven leadership.
Kwagalakwe Ethel (MS EAI ’27)
Auditor General
Kwagalakwe Ethel is earning a master of science in engineering artificial intelligence. Ethel’s background includes experience in IT support, finance, and AI research.
Ethel brings a blend of technical skill and servant leadership to her role as general auditor of the Guild. She aspires to ensure financial transparency, uphold accountable governance, and foster an inclusive, connected, and joyful campus community where every student feels heard and valued for the smiles that brighten the community.
Ukachi Agnes Eze-Mbey (MSIT ’27)
Academic Affairs and Research Minister
Ukachi Agnes Eze-Mbey serves as the academic affairs and research minister. Her research applies machine learning to create foundational resources for low-resource languages, exemplified by her leadership in building the first public audio dataset for the Ehugbo Igbo dialect. She is pivoting her focus toward educational technology and fosters an inclusive research culture while translating complex academic work for public engagement.
Waweru Muhura (MSIT ’27)
Communications Minister
Waweru Muhura, serving as communications minister for the Guild, is pursuing his master of science in information technology. He is an AI systems researcher and founder of Matime Ltd, a venture digitizing public transport.
Previously, he served as deputy campus director for the Hult Prize, managing large-scale innovation programs. Leveraging his software engineering background, he leads the "Plaid Nexus" initiative, a centralized platform designed to innovate institutional communication and enhance campus connectivity throughout the CMU-Africa community.
Muhimpundu Mimi (MSIT ’27)
Social Affairs Minister
With an interest in education and science, Muhimpundu Mimi is pursuing a master of science in information technology. Her academic and leadership journey is driven by a commitment to community service and active participation in the Guild, where she strives to support a lively, inclusive, and intellectually engaging campus.
Mwesigye Emmy (MSIT ’27)
Finance Minister
Specializing in cybersecurity, Mwesigye Emmy is pursuing his master of science in information technology. As finance minister of the Guild, he works to ensure a financially resilient organization that serves students with integrity and accountability through transparent budgeting directed by student priorities, and empowering student initiatives.
Deborah Osibamowo (MSIT ’27)
International Affairs Minister
A versatile leader in banking, communications, and nonprofits, Deborah Osibamowo managed cross-functional teams to drive efficiency and social impact through technology. At First Bank of Nigeria, she optimized trade technology, compliance, and digital workflows. She strengthened her skills in stakeholder management, project management, strategic communication, and community development as a leader with the Young African Leaders Initiative and SOIL Africa.
Alia Teto (MSIT ’27)
Sports and Wellness Minister
Alia Teto is pursuing her master of science degree in information technology, specializing in cybersecurity and data science, with a strong background in information systems auditing. She aims to use technology and leadership skills to strengthen security, promote student well-being, and foster an inclusive, collaborative campus through Guild initiatives.