UCF employs a small but important team to manage the operational requirements of our work. Our staff are industry professionals with many years of direct experience in Uganda and elsewhere.

Their experience is deeply rooted in conservation work, community livelihoods, project management, monitoring and evaluation, environment and natural resource management, as well as finance, admin, fundraising and communications. We are efficient, proactive and ensure execution of projects, reporting and donor comms exceed expectations.

Michael Keigwin MBE – Acting CEO:  Michael is the Founding Trustee of UCF and has worked in Uganda since 1997. Michael’s love for Uganda stems from his uncle being a warden in Murchison Falls National Park in the 1960s. Prior to UCF, Michael developed and ran the Elephants, Crops and People project in southern Queen Elizabeth National Park. In 2006 Michael returned to the UK to carry out an MBA at Durham University obtaining a Distinction grade, and then joined Deloitte’s strategy group in London. In 2012 Michael returned to Uganda to support the Uganda Wildlife Authority recovery Murchison Falls from poaching and support the development of the region. Michael owns and runs various businesses in Uganda and continues to support his passion for sport through Kyadondo Rugby Club where he is Vice Chair. In 2016 Michael was awarded an MBE for services to conservation.

Joseph Tibaijuka, ACCA, MBA – Finance & Administration Manager: Joseph, our Finance and Administration Manager, brings over 30 years of financial management expertise. With a Batchelor Degree in Finance, an MBA from Heriot Watt University, Diploma in Income Tax and Revenue Administration (DITRA) in 2017, Joseph is well-equipped to drive UCF’s financial and strategic objectives. His extensive background in audit, accounting, and administration, honed through roles as the Director of Finance at the Uganda Wildlife Authority, as well as in the private sector with Coopers & Lybrand, and Goldrock & Partners. Joseph knows UWA and the parks well, and understands the challenges faced by the teams on a daily basis. Joseph joined UCF in February, 2024.

Flavia Nassiwa, ACCA – Finance & Administration Officer: Flavia joined UCF in October 2023 as the Finance & Administration Officer, part of UCF capacity development in the finance and administration department. Flavia joins us from NO5 Boutique Hotel in Entebbe, & Wild Frontiers where she was an accountant between 2017 to 2023. Flavia has also been a Bursar at St. John’s School, Entebbe, overseeing a 25% income increase due to her financial system improvements. Flavia holds ACCA affiliation, CPA (U) Level 3, and a Bachelors in Business Computing from Makerere University.

Joshua Twinamasiko G – Marketing, Communications & Technology Manager: Joshua manages our marketing and communications, and supports conservation technology in our projects in the national parks. He is passionate about the power that technology has to transform the way organizations operate and to change people’s lives, and the opportunities that the internet unlocks. He has over 10 years experience working in technology, marketing and communications, and has worked on campaigns for some of the biggest players in various sectors including beverages, telecoms, insurance and FMCGs. His lifelong passion for technology and work journey have opened doors for him to share knowledge and experiences at conferences, seminars, and mentorship programs for the youth.
He holds a Bachelor of Information Systems and Technology degree and certifications in Digital Marketing and Data Analytics and is pursuing a MSc Cyber Security and Digital Forensics degree.

Derek Lubangakene – Project & Procurement Manager: Derek is a diligent and results-driven project management professional with five years’ experience in protected area management and programme management. Prior to joining UCF, he worked in humanitarian aid, procurement and corporate brand management. He now manages park management and community livelihood projects across Kidepo Valley, Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks. He has a great love for conservation, and is inspired to create a sustainable and lasting legacy for wildlife conservation in Uganda.

Raymond Nteesa – Project & Finance Officer: Raymond joined UCF in 2020 as an Intern, and in 2021 was offered a full time role. As Project & Administration Officer, Raymond splits his time between the main office supporting financial management, data collection, information management and reporting across Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls Protected Areas. Raymond is also a core member of the training team supporting the roll out of operational management systems, processes and technology across the parks. Prior to UCF Raymond worked for Kelea Consulting carrying out data collection, management and analytics, due diligence and administration. Raymond holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts in Economics from Makerere University.

Sandra Ayiorwoth – GIS and Information Management Officer: Sandra is an Environmental Scientist who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science Technology and Management from Kyambogo University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management. Sandra joined UCF in early 2023 as a GIS Volunteer and has been supporting the EarthRanger software program in preparation and production of maps using GIS software packages as well as compiling geographic data from a variety of GIS datasets and different sources such as field reports and mobile data collection tools in Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth and Kidepo Valley National Park.

Jimmy Kisembo – Project Manager: Jimmy manages the Carnivore & Scavenger programme field work across Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley Protected Areas, and is based in Queen Elizabeth NP. Prior to joining UCF, Jimmy was an accomplished Law Enforcement Ranger with UWA in Queen Elizabeth NP, at the rank of Sergeant. Jimmy grew up around QEPA, and has spent his life involved in wildlife conservation, determined to save the voiceless creatures within and outside the major protected areas of Uganda. His passion for conservation is driven by the dwindling number of carnivore population and their prey amidst the very increasing human population. Jimmy is a skilled off road driver, ranger training instructor and manages the Lion Protection and Response Unit in QEPA.

Innocent Komakech – Project & Development Officer: Innocent Komakech is a wildlife biologist who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Health & Management from Makerere University. He has experience in wildlife management and community conservation from working in Kidepo Valley, Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth Conservation Areas. In KVNP, Innocent participated in deployments of rangers, logistical support to ranger outposts, monitoring animals and habitat health, data collection and analysis and was involved in community sensitization and mobilization. Innocent established strong social network with staffs of the park and the community.

Dennis Turyaheebwa – Project and Community Officer: Denis joined UCF in 2021 as a Project Officer and has been a core member of the UWA / UCF Lion Protection & Community Development team in Queen Elizabeth NP. The son of a Ranger in Queen Elizabeth NP, Denis and has spent his life in conservation, community development, problem animal control and tourism. Denis trained in Tourism and Hotel Management before enlisting in Uganda Wildlife Authority as a Law Enforcement & Community Conservation Ranger. Denis is also an Alumnus of the International Law Enforcement Academy in Gaborone Botswana where he trained in crime scene management and wildlife trafficking investigations.

Gilbert Drileyo – Conservation Technology Officer: Gilbert joined UCF in April 2024, and is a skilled conservation scientist with a passion for leveraging the benefits and impact of technology in conservation. Gilbert has a BSc. in Wildlife Health and Management, a Diploma in Wildlife and Natural Resource Management, and various technical certifications, he has spent over a decade collaborating with prestigious organizations like UWA, UWRTI, WCS, ACUS, and numerous independent researchers globally. A decade of fieldwork in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls has focused on statistical and geospatial data science, carnivore research, conservation technology, and veterinary epidemiology, Gilbert's expertise is diverse and impactful. His passion for geospatial analytics and technology in conservation has led him to join ESRI-Young Professional Network, and he is actively involved in networks such as IUCN.

Dr Crispus Singoma – Veterinary Doctor: Crispus is a graduate of Veterinary Medicine from Makerere University and registered and licensed by Uganda Veterinary Board. Born and raised in Kasese, he witnessed a lot of human-wildlife conflict and saw how the voiceless wild animals had no one to defend them. These experiences definitely influenced his career choice and path as he studied. He is passionate about conservation with special interest in Wildlife Veterinary medicine practice and epidemiology.
He has spent some time working in Queen Elizabeth National Park supervised by the UWA Veterinary Warden, Dr Enyel and has also volunteered at Kasese District Local Government, and aspires to contribute to the wildlife vet practice in Uganda and beyond.

Dr Rebecca Nakato: – Veterinary Intern: Dr. Rebecca, has a degree in Veterinary Medicine from Makerere University and joined UCF as an intern. During her studies, she interned at Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre, driven by her keen interest in wildlife medicine and conservation, under the guidance of Dr. Musiime Victor and Dr. Watuwa James. Following graduation, she volunteered as a trainee at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary for 7 months, collaborating with renowned experts like Dr. Titus Mukungu and Dr. Joshua Rukundo in chimpanzee care. Passionate about wildlife medicine, Rebecca aims to enhance her skills to train future wildlife veterinarians and support UWA's endeavors. Since joining UCF Dr Rebecca has been in Murchison Falls for four months as a core part of the UWA Vet Response Unit team, removing poaching snares from Rothschild giraffe, elephants and herbivores, and ensuring they have the best chance possible for a full recovery.

Elisa Asiimwe – Forestry & Community Development Officer: Elisa has worked with UCF since 2019 as Forestry and Community Development Officer. He is an experienced and hands on conservationist and holds a Bachelor of Science in Conservation Forestry and Product Technology from Makerere University. He has spent most of his work life with organisations that aim at landscape restoration and sustainable agriculture. He has been part of projects that have grown, planted and managed over one hundred thousand indigenous trees in different communities. Elisa aims to plant over one million trees in Uganda by 2025, and to complete his Master’s degree in Forestry.

Charles Ochanda – Community Development Officer: Charles joined UCF in April 2022, working to implement the PACE education in the communities around Murchison Falls National Park. Before UCF he worked with Soft Power Education as a community mobilizer, organizing the community members for various projects including poultry keeping and tree planting. Charles also worked as a field officer with for Dr Joanna Hill monitoring elephants and crop raiding incidents in the north of Murchison Falls, supporting UWA with management-orientated research to help mitigate human wildlife conflict.

Nickson Watham – Construction and Youth Skill Development Officer: Nickson has worked in the construction industry for 30 years, including for leading companies such as Mutoni Construction. Over the past four years, Nickson has designed and led, in partnership with Pacer Community College, a large variety of vocational college courses, including bricklaying, metal fabrication, industrial painting, guttering and water tank installation, building renovation and construction. Nickson has also hosted over 50 apprenticeship positions for UCF across very many Mutoni and UCF projects. Projects completed by Nickson have included the Law Enforcement & Operations Centre, seven ranger posts, and all radio towers in Murchison Falls National Park. Nickson is also an incredibly valuable mentor to UCF’s youth development scheme.

Prof Colin Chapman – Technical Advisor: Colin Chapman has worked informally with UCF for several years but joined us formally as a Scientific Advisor in 2022. Colin received his joint Ph.D. in the Dept. of Anthropology and Zoology at the University of Alberta, served as a faculty member in Biology at the University of Florida for 11 years, then moved to McGill University where he held a Canada Research Chair. He is a Killam Research Fellow, a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, a fellow at Humboldt Foundation, holds an Office of an Academician, Northwest University, Xi’an, China, and holds honourary faculty positions at University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa and Makerere University, Uganda. In 2022 he moved to Vancouver Island University in Canada, where he is ranked the top Ecology and Evolution Scientist in the country having published over 550 scientific papers. For the last 33+ years, Colin has worked in Kibale National Park. During this time, he has not just been an academic, but has devoted great effort to help the rural communities, establishing schools, clinics, a mobile clinic, and ecotourism projects. His work on the union of health and conservation led to a Humanitarian Award from the Velan Foundation.