Kibale Fuel Wood Project Staff:

Margaret Kemigisa, Project Manager, grew up in Kanyawara, Uganda, bordering Kibale National Park, and has worked toward its conservation for more than seven years. She was the first woman to work as a research assistant in the area, and has also been a primary school teacher.  Most recently, she has worked to expand the reach of local environmental clubs and woman’s crafts groups, leading the way in her community to a sustainable and harmonious relationship with the National Park.

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Florence Kengonzi, Community Liaison and Science Center Interpreter, had worked as a cook in Kibale National Park for many years, but had often thought of extending into the conservation or research fields.  She has now been working as an intrepreter at the project’s science center for more than two years, and is doing a wonderful job educating citizens about local wildlife, home-grown trees and fuel-efficient stoves.  Recently she was promoted to act as a community liaison as well, engaging citizens one on one at their homes to encourage tree planting and efficient stoves.

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John Kabuleta, Community Liaison, lives and works in Isunga and Nabweya Parishes.  John is the only member of the staff who also worked for the other two tree planting projects that occurred around Kibale in years passed.  His knowledge and respected position in the community make him an outstanding employee, and he has built more efficient stoves than any other community liaison.

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Ronald Ruhweza, Community Liaison, lives and works in Sebitoli Parish.  Sebitoli has unique challenges, as many residents are transient tea plantation workers, and do not have a connection to the land as the locals do.  But they still border Kibale, and still contribute to its degradation.  Robert has a difficult job, and we sincerely appreciate his resoluteness and steadfast dedication to the project.

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Partrick Mutegeki, Community Liaison, lives and works in Kahangi Parish, at the far northern tip of Kibale National Park.  Conditions at Kahangi are drier than most of our other target areas, which can make growing trees difficult.  But as Patrick’s own yard demonstrates to his neighbors, where there is a will there is a way.

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Sam Murungi, Science Center Interpreter, began working for the project as a student intern in late 2008.  His enthusiasm and dedication to the work prompted a promotion to Interpreter.  Sam works one day each week at the Kaburala Science Center, and fills in as needed at the Sebitoli Science Center.  Without fail, Sam shows each new visitor all that the Centers have to offer, always with a smile and an eagerness to improve the visitor’s understanding of their amazing wild neighbors.

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Exavious, Science Center Interpreter

James Katongole, Community Liaison

James was inspired by many people to work in the field of conservation.  His father worked for the Uganda Wildlife Authority and he also will never forget one teacher who opened his eyes to the natural world.  As a child he was never able to visit Kibale but as an adult found an opportunity to work in the Bigodi wetlands area.  He is a charasmatic and enthusiastic member of the KFWP team.

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Science Center Interns:

Hillary Asiimwe

Charles Asiimwe

Bashil Musabe

Isaac Tuesday

Ronald Mugarura

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New Nature Foundation Board Members:

Rebecca Goldstone and Michael Stern, Founders, have been living and working in Uganda, on and off, for the past nine years.  After visiting Kibale for the first time as undergraduate researchers, they started the Kibale Forest Education Project, which has evolved into the Kibale Fuel Wood Project.

Sarah Thérèse Kenney, Board Member, is an editorial executive at a modern language publisher in Boston.

Bob Berghaier, Board Member, is an Africa travel specialist at Premier Tours. http://www.premiertours.com/

Anne Marie Gage, Board Member, works with non-profit organizations in Colorado for biodiversity conservation and endangered species recovery.

Dr. Kimberly Duffy, Board Member, holds a PhD in Primatology, and conducted her thesis research on chimpanzees living in Kibale.  She currently teaches Biology at the International School of Uganda.

Elana Levites-Agababa, Board Member,  is a medical student in a special program for international health based in Israel.

Mark Vibbert, Board Member, manages Chada Katavi Camp together with his wife Kristen.  http://www.chada-katavi.com/

Steven T. Stern, Board Member, is a practicing attorney in Philadelphia, where he operates his own firm, specializing in litigation of employee rights. http://www.steventstern.com/

Matt Robinson, Advisory Board, loves technology and toys, and hopes to use and combine those loves to help save the planet, or at least make it a fun place to live.

Drs. Colin & Lauren Chapman, Scienctific Advisors, each hold Canada Research Chair at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, and also serve on the Chimp-n-Sea Board of Advisors.  With a combined 36 years of experience as researchers in and advocates for the environment around Kibale National Park, they have been major contributors to the good of the park and surrounding communities.  Their numerous publications and mentorship of Ugandan and international scientists have helped to highlight Kibale’s importance for the global community, and their commitment to the region is evidenced by their strong relationships with numerous local individuals and institutions.