A key aim of this organisation is to build capacity of young Rwandan veterinarians and conservationists. Providing them with unique and interesting work experience in wildlife conservation will inspire them to continue and advance the field of wildlife conservation in Rwanda.
Thank you! We couldn’t do it without you
MEET OUR CORE TEAM
DR. OLIVIER NSENGIMANA
Founder & Executive Director
In 2014, Olivier designed a unique conservation project to abolish the illegal trade of the endangered Grey Crowned Cranes in Rwanda and won the Rolex Award for Enterprise which allowed him to start implementing the work. He established Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association in 2015 to build on the work with Grey Crowned Cranes and expand research and conservation efforts to other endangered and threatened species in Rwanda, and the East African region.
Olivier has won numerous awards for his work, he is a Doctor in Veterinary Medicine and has a Master of Veterinary Science, Conservation Medicine from the University of Edinburgh, UK.
DR. DEO RUHAGAZI
Deputy Director
Dr. Deo is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. His first job was in a small animal clinic, but his dream was to work in conservation. After volunteering with RWCA, Dr Deo worked as a Field Veterinarian and is now the Crane Project Manager. He takes the lead on the Grey Crowned Crane monitoring and medical interventions, but also enjoys share his veterinary experience in all of RWCA’s projects. Dr. Deo completed his Bachelor degree in Veterinary Medicine from University of Rwanda and has a Master’s degree in Public Health at Mount Kenya University. When not at work, Deo likes to joke with friends, watch nature documentary films and football. As a proud husband and father, he also enjoys being with his gorgeous daughter Kayla.
MAURICE UWINEZA
Operations Manager
Maurice has a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. He started with RWCA as an intern with an IT focus but had the opportunity to participate in other RWCA activities. During that time, Maurice was fascinated by the field of conservation and worked to connect his skills with RWCA’s activities. He now assists all team members in various activities; ordering and taking stock of office supplies, being a point of contact for staff and external suppliers, processing and directing mail and incoming packages or deliveries. He plays football and supports Arsenal.
CECILE KAYITANIRWA
Senior Habitat Restoration Manager
Cecile is in charge of all activities undertaken by RWCA to restore and protect important wildlife habitats and to mitigate the effect of climate change in Rwanda. She manages the indigenous tree nursery and takes a lead on the tree planting events. Cecile has a Bachelor of Science in Biology, botany and conservation from the University of Rwanda and a Master’s in Plant and Fungal Taxonomy, Diversity and Conservation from Queen Mary University of London. She participated in a field trip to Madagascar and conducted a research project with the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew. She likes adventure and has committed herself to environmental conservation.
JEMMA HOGWOOD
Grants and Donors Manager
Jemma has lived in Rwanda for over ten years and supported RWCA behind the scenes since its inception. As a clinical psychologist by profession, Jemma is interested in the relationship between people and nature and passionate about the importance of involving communities in conservation solutions. She works with RWCA to develop new grant proposals, keep reporting and communications up to date as well as developing some of RWCA’s monitoring and evaluation techniques.
BERNARD NDAYISABA
Field Officer / Crane Project
For a long time, Bernard has been interested in wildlife conservation especially endangered species, and first joined RWCA as a volunteer. He now works with the endangered Grey Crowned Cranes, with a particular focus on monitoring cranes that have been reintroduced to Akagera National Park and working with the communities around the Park. He has a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Aquatic Resources Management and a Masters in Biodiversity Conservation and Natural Resources Management. In his free time, he likes playing basketball, watching nature documentaries and listening to music.
EMMANUEL RUKUNDO
Field Assistant
Emmanuel is passionate about nature. He worked as a Field Assistant with the International Crane Foundation (ICF) from 2016 and was in charge of monitoring and protecting crane habitats at Akanyaru wetlands. He joined RWCA in 2020 and is responsible for crane monitoring at Nyabarongo wetlands and community education and engagement to increase the knowledge of local communities around the need to protect cranes and their habitat. Emmanuel is a great team player, enjoys football and supports Manchester United.
DR. PROVIDENCE UWANYIRIGIRA
Laboratory Officer
Providence is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. She works with the endangered Grey Crowned Cranes with a focus on crane health checks and laboratory exams, and monitoring the disabled cranes at Umusambi Village. She participated in an international seminar on Urban Forestry and Community Engagement hosted by US Forest Services where she gained experience of using different approaches to involve communities in conservation activities. Providence likes cooking and riding her bicycle as well as watching sports, particularly football and volleyball.
DIOGENE TUYIZERE
Assistant Botanist
Diogene has strong enthusiasm for the environment and began work with RWCA in 2020 as a Community Ranger at Rugezi Marsh, protecting the habitat for endangered Grey Crowned Cranes. In 2022, he started work as Assistant Botanist, where he helps oversee the indigenous tree nursery and organises tree planting events. Diogene has a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Botany, and Conservation from the University of Rwanda. He enjoys long walks in nature and the sound of birds.
MEET OUR RANGERS
Our team of 75 Community Rangers based at Rugezi Marsh
MEET OUR CHAMPIONS
Our team of 109 Community Conservation Champions based at key biodiversity hotspots around the country.
MEET OUR YOUTH ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB MENTORS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our organisation governance structure is made by the General Assembly (as provided by the Rwandan law) and the staff members. The General Assembly of Members is the highest body in the governance structure and includes Founding members and other members who have joined the assembly after the organisation was founded.
The General Assembly is equivalent to the Board of Directors and below is the list of our Board members:
DR. JEAN BOSCO NOHERI
President of the Board
Field Veterinarian, Gorilla Doctors
ALBERT KAYITARE
Vice-President of the Board
Biodiversity Planning, Monitoring and Protection Specialist Conservation Department, Rwanda Development Board
DR. SAVIO HAKIRUMURAME
Board member
Professional in Charge of Animal Disease Surveillance, MINAGRI (Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources)
DR. GLORIA MBASINGA
Board member
Veterinary Doctor
DR. ANTOINE MUDAKIKWA
Board member
Previously Veterinary Analyst, Rwanda Development Board
DR. CESAR NSENGIYUMVA
Board member
Managing Director, AGROMEX
DR. GASPARD NZAYISENGA
Board member
Field Veterinarian, Gorilla Doctors
DR. PROVIDENCE UWINEZA
Board member
Veterinary Doctor
DR. JEAN CLAUDE TUMUSHIME
Board member
Veterinary Doctor
Field Veterinarian and Laboratory Technician, PREDICT Rwanda
VINCENT NYAUMA
Board member
Certified Public Accountant
ADVISORY BOARD
RENEE BUMPUS
Board Member
Chief Animal Conservation Officer, Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society, USA
NICHOLAS LAPHAM
Board Member
President & Treasurer, BAND Foundation, USA
LEE EHMKE
Board Member
Chief Executive Officer, Houston Zoo, USA
SUE SNYMAN
Board Member
Research Director, ALU School of Wildlife Conservation, South Africa
CHARLES KARANGWA
Board Member
Global Head of Nature-Based Solutions Hub, IUCN, Switzerland
BEATRICE KARANJA
Board Member
Executive Director, Nature’s Pitch, Kenya
KELLY WILSON
Board Member
Vice President of Conservation Engagement, Wildlife Conservation Network, USA
JAN RAMER
Board Member
Sr. Vice President, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds, USA