IN LOVING MEMORIES
Mr. Dominic Leo Mayanja
Mr. Dominic Mayanja. A former resident of Minnesota, Mr. Mayanja passed away on Saturday, April 12th, in Kansas. He was the loving father to Barbara Mayanja of Lakeville and a cherished uncle to Charles Semakula, Crispin Semakula, John Mutyaba, and Tina Semakula. Dominic Leo Mayanja Semwogerere was one of the “OGs” of the Minnesota Uganda Community.
In the late fifties, Dominic found a clerical job with the Kampala City Council. It was on this job that he took a clerical course with a focus on shorthand, and it was through this training that he was promoted to the role of Office Manager.
Soon, utilizing his clerical and managerial skills, he secured a position with the British High Commission as a Senior Clerk.
After the expulsion of the Europeans and Asians, Dominic secured a job with Transocean, an East African shipping company that has since been defunct.
He immigrated to the US in January 1977 and began a new life by attending classes in Graphic Arts at Mankato Vocational Technical College. Upon graduating, he took a job with a media house in Minneapolis.
Because of the limited job opportunities in Minneapolis at the time, he sought greener pastures in Kansas City, Missouri. He moved to KC in 1982, where he owned a furniture business and a limousine business until his passing in April 2025.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Website: www.ugamnonline.org, www.ugman.org
IN LOVING MEMORIES
Dr. SAMUEL KIPROTICH
Samuel was born in Uganda on June 2nd, 1993. Passionate about education, Samuel earned his Bachelor’s degree in Food Science from Makerere University in 2016 and soon after moved to the United States to pursue further education.
He obtained his MS in Food Science and Technology from Iowa State University in 2019 and his PhD in Pet Food Science from Kansas State University in 2023. After completing his PhD, Sam moved to Minneapolis to work as an R&D Scientist at General Mills.
In every place Sam lived and worked, he made a tremendous positive impact on people. Known for his charisma, uplifting personality, sense of humor, and intelligence, he touched the lives of many. Notably, Sam was not only enthusiastic about research and innovation but also deeply committed to social and philanthropic causes. His unwavering dedication to education, excellence, and making a positive impact on the world will remain an enduring legacy.
Samuel was more than just a brilliant mind—a kind soul whose warmth, humility, and generosity left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. His legacy will live in the countless lives he inspired and the memories we will forever cherish.
All of Sam’s relatives are in Uganda, and we are working closely with them to facilitate the repatriation process, ensuring his family can provide him with a proper goodbye in his home country, surrounded by those who loved him most.
The repatriation process is lengthy and expensive. We, the Uganda Association of Minnesota, are supporting the family in this effort and raising funds to ensure its successful completion.
Regards,
Uganda Association of Minnesota
P.O Box 40420
St Paul, Mn 55104
Website: www.ugamnonline.org
