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Debbie Kaddu-Serwadda

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Specializes in:

  • Nonprofit and Family Business Leadership & Governance
  • Mentoring Young People and Women to Lead
  • Movement Building & Strategic Partnerships

Debbie began her career as a high school English and Literature teacher in Uganda, where she also pioneered school-based career guidance and psychosocial support programs.

Those early years sparked a lifelong commitment to supporting individuals and institutions to lead with clarity, accountability, and grow into their full changemaking purpose.

Her coaching journey spans over two decades and includes:

  • Founding East African Regional Representative for Ashoka, expanding the program across the region.
  • Founding “Coach Debbie”, a coaching platform dedicated to nurturing courageous mindsets and building legacy leadership.
  • Developed the iCON Four-Dimensional Leadership Model (iFDLM) for the iCON Enterprise Foundation (iCON) in Uganda. This is a whole-person coaching approach dedicated to strengthening family leadership for social transformation. She has designed and launched multiple iCON Leadership Academies for women, young people and children that are guided by this coaching model.
  • Designed a pioneering Leadership Champion’s Fellowship (LCF) Program for the Women in Education Leadership Foundation Inc, USA.

Debbie divides her time between the USA and Africa, leading programs and partnerships on both continents. A proud mother and mentor to many, she is deeply committed to intergenerational leadership development. She refills her energy through community engagement, yoga, zumba, and hosting family and friends with her husband and children.

Education & Credentials

  • M.S. Evaluation & Applied Research, Claremont Graduate University, USA
  • M.Ed. Career Guidance & Counselling Psychology, Makerere University, Uganda
  • Postgraduate Diplomas: Education; Management: Makerere University; Uganda Management Institute
  • B.A. English & Literature, Makerere University, Uganda
  • Women Leaders for the World (WLW) Fellow, Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN)/How Women Lead
  • A Goodman Nonprofit Fellow, of the Madison Community Foundation and the Goodman Non Profit Center.
  • Global Women in Management (GWIM) Coach, Center for Development and Population Activities (CEDPA)

Client Testimonials

“Coach Debbie is an exceptional coach whose guidance has been instrumental in strengthening my understanding of movement leadership. She is the kind of coach who motivated me to stay consistent and committed. Her cheerful, friendly demeanor makes her sessions enjoyable, and she is easy to relate to. Coach Debbie’s coaching approach, combined with her effective communication, has been a valuable asset to the ACJM leadership development journey.”

Dineo Molefhi, Chairperson, Capacity Strengthening Committee, Africa Climate Justice Movement (ACJM).

“To me, Coach Debbie is not only a mentor but also a role model, a guide, and a source of inspiration. She goes the extra mile for her team, offering solutions with wisdom and foresight, seeking out diverse perspectives, valuing people deeply, and celebrating their growth. Her leadership has not only shaped my professional journey but has also inspired me to lead with the same commitment, humility, and heart.”

Enid Namayanja Ddamulira, Executive Director, iCON Enterprise Foundation (iCON), Uganda

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