At the 2025 General Conference Session in St. Louis, Missouri, delegates from around the world confirmed a team of experienced and mission-focused leaders to guide the East-Central Africa Division (ECD) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church for the next five years.
Leading a diverse and rapidly growing church of more than 5.7 million members across 12 countries, these officers bring deep spiritual commitment, extensive leadership experience, and a shared vision for advancing the mission of the church. Meet the leaders called to serve this vibrant division.
Blasious M. Ruguri — President
Elected to serve another five-year term, Blasious M. Ruguri continues his leadership as president of the East-Central Africa Division, a role he has held since 2010. Prior to this, he served as secretary in the then-named East Africa Division, which gave rise to the East-Central Africa Division and the Southern Africa Indian Ocean Division in 2003. Ruguri served as secretary for ECD from the time the division was created until he was called to serve as president in 2010.
Born and raised in Kenya, Ruguri began pastoral ministry in 1982 and was ordained in 1986. He served as division youth director, stewardship director, and secretary before being elected president.
Ruguri is widely respected for his bold leadership, spiritual focus, and commitment to mission. Under his guidance, the ECD has experienced significant growth in membership and institutional strength. He has now been elected by the world church body as president of the division four times—in 2010, 2015, 2022, and 2025—and continues to lead with clarity and conviction.
A scholar as well as a leader, Ruguri holds a bachelor’s degree in theology from Bugema University, a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry from Andrews University, an honorary Doctor of Church Leadership degree, and a Doctor of Ministry degree in Global Mission Leadership from Andrews. He also served as chancellor of the Adventist University of Africa from 2010 to 2023.
Together with his wife, Elizabeth, Ruguri is the proud parent of three adult children. He remains deeply passionate about the spiritual growth of the church and the mission of making disciples throughout the ECD and beyond.
Moses Maka Ndimukika — Secretary
Moses Maka Ndimukika steps into the role of secretary of the East-Central Africa Division after more than 30 years of service as a pastor, educator, administrator, and union conference leader. Born in Uganda, Ndimukika is married to Janet Kanyana Maka, and they have four children: Blasious, Precious, Princeton, and Blessing.
His ministry began in 1994 as a district pastor in Jinja and Iganga. He later served at Bugema University for more than 16 years as lecturer, campus director, and professor of Old Testament theology. His leadership extended to the national church level, where he served as secretary and then president of the Uganda Union Mission (2021–2025), while also chairing the boards of Bugema University, ADRA Uganda, and other major institutions.
Ndimukika holds a PhD in Old Testament theology from Sahmyook University (South Korea), an MA in Religion from Newbold College (UK), and a bachelor’s degree in theology (BTh) from Spicer Memorial College (India). He has published extensively in the areas of biblical justice, theology, and poverty, and has spoken at major events across Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America.
Known for his integrity, spiritual depth, and commitment to mentorship, Ndimukika sees his new role as a sacred trust. He is committed to ensuring policy integrity, transparent documentation, and a spirit of unity in the service of mission.
Yohannes Olana — Treasurer
Yohannes Olana, a seasoned financial administrator and ordained minister from Ethiopia, now serves as treasurer of the East-Central Africa Division. He brings more than 25 years of experience in treasury operations, having served at every level of church administration — from local mission to union and division.
Olana currently serves as chief financial officer of ECD and has previously held roles as treasurer of the Ethiopia Union Mission, as well as associate and undertreasurer at the division level. He is known for his passion for the mission of the church, and his deep commitment to financial transparency, accountability, and integrity in support of the church’s mission.
He holds an MBA in finance and business management from the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (Philippines), a Bachelor of Business Administration from Ethiopia Adventist College, and is a PhD candidate in busines administration (finance emphasis) at the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton.
Olana is passionate about evangelism, stewardship education, and servant leadership. His work ensures that mission resources are carefully managed, allowing the church in East-Central Africa to grow with strength, sustainability, and faithfulness.
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