Joseph Tibaijuka

Finance & Admin Manager

Joseph, our Finance and Administration Manager, brings over 30 years of financial management expertise. With a Bachelors 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

Finance & Admin Officer

Flavia joined UCF in October 2023 as the Finance and Administration Officer, part of UCF capacity development in the finance and administration department. Flavia joins us from NO5 Boutique Hotel in Entebbe, and; 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 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.

Moses Okello

Monitoring & Evaluation Manager

A Self-Motivated monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL) professional with multisectoral and multi-location experience in design and implementation of Monitoring and Evaluation systems both in the Humanitarian and Development contexts. A statistician by profession with over 7 years of experience in setting up Quality MEAL systems, Data management, Analytics, Report writing, stakeholders’ feedback and response mechanism, capacity building, planning and conducting research, evaluations, and dissemination of findings for learning and decision making over the years with World Vision International and Save the Children International NGOs. After fruitful years supporting projects aimed at providing quality life and education to children and vulnerable communities in different capacities growing from junior to senior roles, In the 2nd Quarter of 2025, my love for nature was rewarded with an opportunity to support NaturAfrica project aimed at conserving nature and wildlife with funding from European Union, as Monitoring & Evaluation Manager.

Raymond Nteesa

Senior Information Management 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

Project 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 QECA

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.

Dr Crispus Singoma

Senior 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.

Innocent Komakech

Project & Development Officer KVCA

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.

Laker Christopher

Project Accountant

Dennis Turyaheebwa

Senior Project 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.

Edvan Mumbere

Conservation Technology Officer

Edvan is a committed conservation biologist whose passion for nature was born in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, a region rich in biodiversity but increasingly threatened by human activity and climate change. Growing up in this environment inspired his career path and his deep desire to understand how people and wildlife interact within delicate ecosystems. He holds a BSc in Wildlife Management and Conservation from Kampala International University. He has worked with the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Africa Gorilla Wild Ltd, the Wildlife Conservation Society, and now, Uganda Conservation Foundation. At UCF, Edvan focuses on integrating technology-driven solutions like EarthRanger into field operations, enhancing real-time data collection, analysis, and ranger coordination. His approach is always collaborative. He believes that strong teamwork is the key to achieving conservation impact. Edvan is deeply motivated by people, planet, and purpose, and is committed to ensuring wildlife and habitat protection across Uganda.

Dr Masia Nancy Mercy

Veterinary Doctor

Elisa Asiimwe

Forestry & Community Dev't 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.

Dr Joseph Lokure

Project Officer

Coming from a community (Lolelia, in Kaabong District), where human-wildlife conflict is practically a daily certainty, Joseph is deeply committed to helping communities find sustainable ways to best coexist with wildlife. His passion stems from witnessing the challenges that arise when local Livelihoods clash with conservation needs since he was a little one. Joseph sees his role not only as a mediator but as a catalyst for peaceful coexistence between people and Wildlife. The community conservancy (CC) model is particularly close to his heart because it balances the protection of biodiversity with improving people’s lives. He has actively participated in numerous Livelihood initiatives that empower Communities. Joseph's work with communities especially in developing income-generating opportunities is both rewarding and impactful. Though he's currently not practicing wildlife medicine, his veterinary background equips him with the skills to do so should the need arise. This dual capacity strengthens his ability to support both the people and the wildlife.

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 Wathum

Construction & 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.

Desire Ambrose

Marketing & Communications Officer

Desire holds a Bachelor's degree in Travel and Tourism from Makerere University Business School and discovered his true calling through a twist of fate. After graduation, he dove into digital marketing for tour companies, where he excelled and developed a deep love for the creative side of marketing and communications. Photography, videography, copywriting, graphic design, and storytelling became his playground – each element allowing him to craft compelling narratives that connect with audiences. Working with tour companies opened his eyes to the beautiful relationship between tourism and conservation – they're like twins of opposite sexes, each supporting the other. This revelation sparked a genuine passion for conservation work. His dedication and skills eventually led him to Uganda Conservation Foundation, where he started as an intern and was fortunate enough to be brought on as a full-time employee. Today, he blends his marketing expertise with conservation advocacy, using storytelling to protect the natural world he's grown to love.

Pious Kamanzi

Transport & Logistics Officer

Pious is a vital part of UCF’s field operations, serving as both Transport and Logistics Officer. With over 25 years of experience navigating Uganda’s diverse terrains, Pious ensures that teams, equipment, and critical supplies reach their destinations safely and efficiently, even in the most remote conservation landscapes. His calm presence, reliability, and deep knowledge of Uganda’s road networks have made him a trusted figure among field teams and partners. Pious plays a key role in managing transport logistics, supporting field deployments, and ensuring that operations run smoothly behind the scenes. Pious takes pride in contributing to wildlife conservation by keeping the gears of fieldwork turning. His dedication, discipline, and teamwork make him an invaluable asset to UCF’s mission to protect Uganda’s wildlife and ecosystems.

Richard Kamara

Project Officer

A lifelong animal enthusiast, Richard's passion for wildlife began in childhood, leading his parents to support his pursuit of conservation studies. He earned a Diploma in Allied Natural Resources Management after completing his secondary education, building the foundation for his conservation career. As a dedicated nature lover, Richard joined the Uganda Wildlife Authority to work closely with wild animals and contribute to their protection. During his tenure with UWA, he distinguished himself as a ranger, advancing to the rank of Corporal through his excellent performance and commitment to wildlife conservation. While serving with UWA, Richard developed a deep admiration for the Uganda Conservation Foundation, impressed by their substantial support to field rangers through equipment donations and infrastructure development, including ranger accommodations. When an opportunity arose to join UCF, he eagerly embraced the chance to be part of what he considers "the winning team." Richard currently serves as a Project Officer with UCF, where he applies his field experience and conservation expertise to planning operations alongside commanders. His unique background as a former ranger brings valuable ground-level perspective to his current role, enabling him to contribute effectively to conservation planning and implementation.

Julius Kakeeto

Driver

Adellah Twinomwebembezi

Lion Conservation Scout

Adellah's story begins where wilderness meets community—in the villages bordering Queen Elizabeth National Park. Raised by a single mother within sight and sound of Uganda's iconic wildlife, she didn't just grow up alongside lions, elephants, and buffalo; she grew up determined to protect them. That childhood fascination with the animals roaming near her home has turned into a career most only dream of. Today, Adellah works as a lion monitoring scout for the Uganda Conservation Foundation, standing on the front lines of one of Africa's most critical conservation battles. Her days are spent tracking collared lions across the savanna, collecting vital data through the Earthranger system that reveals movement patterns and emerging threats. She patrols vast territories, responds to wildlife rescue operations, and handles the difficult work of carcass disposal—unglamorous but essential tasks that keep ecosystems healthy. Beyond fieldwork, Adellah trains fellow rangers on tracking technology and serves as a wildlife informant for the Uganda Wildlife Authority, providing intelligence that can mean the difference between a lion's survival and its demise. Perhaps most importantly, she bridges the gap between conservation and community, leading sensitization programs that teach her neighbors how to coexist peacefully with the predators they share the land with. Adellah isn't just protecting lions—she's proving that local people, especially women, are conservation's powerful champions.

Arnold Ngabirano

Lion Conservation Scout

While most conservationists track lions with binoculars, Anold Ngabirano tracks them with data. As a conservation technologist with the Uganda Conservation Foundation, he operates at the intersection of state of the art technology and on-the-ground wildlife protection in Queen Elizabeth Protected Area. His workspace is the Joint Operations Command Centre, where screens display real-time movements of both wildlife and rangers across the landscape—a digital nerve center that transforms how conservation teams respond to threats and manage protected areas. Anold's expertise in EarthRanger technology and GIS mapping turns raw field data into actionable intelligence, helping rangers visualize patterns, predict conflicts, and deploy resources strategically. But he's no desk-bound technician—he regularly joins field missions for lion monitoring and wildlife rescue operations alongside veterinary teams, ensuring the tools he implements actually work where it matters most: in the bush. Armed with a degree in Conservation Biology from Makerere University and two years of volunteer experience with UWA's Ecological Monitoring and Research Department, Anold joined UCF in May 2025 with a clear mission. He's driven by a powerful belief: that the right technology, properly applied, can make conservation not just more efficient, but genuinely transformative—helping smaller teams protect larger areas with greater precision than ever before possible.

Oywak Gastony

Driver