Muhamed Walugembe was born in Uganda to Christian refugee parents from Rwanda in 1966 amid a period of war and extreme struggle. The persecution of Rwandese in Uganda that occurred between 1981 to 1982, led a loving Islamic Ugandan family to shelter and protect Muhamed. Apart from ensuring his well-being and educational development, the humanity exuded by this family inspired Muhamed to convert to Islam. Later in 1995, young Muhamed met a good-hearted Canadian who was visiting Uganda as a member of the United Church of Canada. Impressed by the good nature and ambition of Muhamed, this good Samaritan provided him with the opportunity to obtain an educational sponsorship to Canada.
Arriving in Canada, Muhamed soon began his studies obtaining a Business Application certificate from Diamond Management Institute. He then continued his studies in Business Management and Administration at Ryerson University working at two part-time jobs to sustain himself financially while sending money to assist his family back home. Muhamed completed the degree program but due to financial difficulties could not make the last payment to obtain the degree. Upon leaving Ryerson University, Muhamed joined the workforce on a full time basis as a Machine Operator at Bowin Screw Products.
In 2005, Muhamed started his own company The Lion’s Den International Inc. As CEO, Muhamed led the company to provide timely and reliable delivery service to customers across Canada and the USA. As the company grew, Muhamed applied his Business Management education and experience to establish policies and procedures allowing him to take a more hands-off approach to operations management. Then in 2011, Muhamed undertook a Hotel Manager role with Sugar Land Corporation, owner and operator of hotels worldwide, where he trains and motivates hotel staff, from management-level to housekeeping, in managing and maintaining hotels to the high standards established by Wyndham and Choice Hotels. In 2019, Muhamed started another company, the African Coffee & Tea Hunters Inc., with the aim of bringing quality and socially responsibly farmed coffee and tea together with other products from Africa to the rest of the world.
Eager to pay forward the many kindnesses he experienced through the goodness of others and contribute to the betterment of society, Muhamed co-founded the registered charitable organization, Canadian United Community of Ugandan Muslims (CUCUM) in 2016. Under his leadership CUCUM grew from an initial group of four dedicated members to a team 150. CUCUM is a community-based organization focused on encouraging the giving by individuals and organizations globally towards elevating the lives of societal members in Canada and abroad. In a non-discriminate manner, CUCUM serves the general population through outreach activities and service to the poor and underprivileged of all religions, races and ethno-cultural backgrounds. When asked about his philanthropic activities, Muhamed said, “I find deep gratitude, satisfaction and a sense of duty in doing my part as a Canadian and global citizen to contribute to the well-being of others, our communities, and the world at large. For me, this makes life more meaningful.”
Property Management
99.8%
Business Administration
99.9%
Transportation and Shipping
99%