Ven. Dhammakami
Venerable Dhammakami (a.k.a Felista Nampiima) is the first African Theravada Buddhist nun, who was ordained by Bhante Buddharakkhita (the Founder and Abbot of UBC) on October 17, 2008. She is also the mother of Bhante Buddharakkhita. Her pioneering efforts truly set the stage for our achievements today. Venerable Dhammakami has traveled to Buddhist countries including Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Japan to enrich her Buddhist experience and practice.
Venerable Ashin Pandicca
Venerable Ashin Pandicca, born on July 11, 1991, in Nay Pyi Daw, Tatkon Township, Gwe Bin Village, Myanmar, is a respected monk renowned for his dedication to Buddhist study and teaching. His parents, U Win and Daw Pyone, instilled in him a deep reverence for the Dhamma from an early age.
At the age of 13, he was ordained as a novice monk by Sayardaw U Nandiya in Native Town. Recognizing his commitment to the path of Dhamma, he pursued his highest ordination at the age of twenty, receiving ordination from respected monks including Sayadaw U Jatila, Sayadaw U Sīlācāra, and others in Yangon, Thaketa Township, in 2010.
Venerable Pandicca has devoted himself to both traditional monastic education (Pariyatti) and academic studies. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Buddhist Studies in English at the Sitagu Buddhist Academy in Yangon in 2018, followed by a Master’s degree in the same field at Kelaniya University in Sri Lanka in 2020.
With a profound understanding of the Dhamma and its practical application in contemporary life, Venerable Ashin Pandicca served as a Pāli teacher (Pariyatti) at the Su Htu Pan Buddhia Vijjā Monastery in Yangon from 2016 to 2023. During this time, he inspired countless students with his clarity of teachings and compassionate guidance.
Presently, Venerable Ashin Pandicca continues his noble mission of spreading the teachings of the Buddha at the Uganda Buddhist Centre. His presence and teachings offer our community wisdom and support on the path. He is currently engaged in training the novice monks at the temple and engaging in Dhamma study classes, sharing his experience and wisdom with the community.
Venerable Daw Sucinti
Venerable Daw Sucinti was born in 1960 in Rangoon, Yangon. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Rangoon Arts and Science University, Yangon. In 1984, she earned an Associateship of Government Technical Institutes (AGTI) Diploma. Her journey in Buddhist studies took her to Sri Lanka, where she obtained a Master’s degree in Buddhist Studies in 2007. Venerable Sucinti has also been a teacher at the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University since 1998. Her extensive knowledge and experience make her a valuable addition to the Uganda Buddhist Centre.
Venerable Daw Kesavati
Venerable Daw Kesavati was born in 1982 in Mangyiten village, Nyaung U township, in the Mandalay region. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Makeitila University in 2005. In 2010, she embraced monastic life, becoming a Buddhist nun under the guidance of Venerable Ukkamsa, the Abbot of Mahasi Meditation Centre in Nyaung U town. Her dedication to Buddhist studies continued, and in 2020, she earned another Bachelor’s degree in Buddhism from the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University. Currently, she is studying Dhammacariya Buddhist literature and is an ardent practitioner of meditation. Before joining the Uganda Buddhist Centre, she was living in North Okkalapa, Yangon, Myanmar.
