Our Team
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Alex Ngabirano, a dedicated Wildlife Conservationist and Public Health expert, is the Founder and CEO of MBC. His work extends from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to other regions, focusing on mitigating human-wildlife conflict and combating poaching. Passionate and tireless, he is committed to protecting mountain gorillas and supporting front-line communities. His guiding principle is: "Let's move and do something about it!"
​Recognizing the devastating impact of poaching, Alex founded MBC to address the crisis through education and sustainable alternatives. He pioneered Bwindi’s "Reformed Poacher" model, successfully transforming poachers into Wildlife Guardians. Beginning with just 10 individuals, his initiative has now rehabilitated 305 former poachers, helping to safeguard endangered wildlife. Internationally recognized for his contributions to conservation, Alex has received multiple awards for his impactful work. As a researcher, published author, and active board member in various organizations, he envisions a future where wildlife and communities thrive in harmony.
Sadayo Mugyenyi is the Chairman of the Reformed Poachers in the Bwindi region, offering anti-poaching experiences to tourists at the MBC Centre. He was among the first 10 poachers to reform during MBC’s inaugural community wildlife conservation meeting in 2016. Benefiting from the livestock project, he now plays a key leadership role, organizing reformed poachers and helping others transition. Alongside his team, he has transformed into a Wildlife Guardian, actively protecting Bwindi’s biodiversity and promoting sustainable conservation efforts.
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Peninah Tumushabe Ngabirano is the Co-founder of Mubare Biodiversity Conservation (MBC) and a dedicated conservationist working to protect wildlife in the Bwindi region. She actively promotes coffee growing as a sustainable alternative to illegal wildlife trade and poaching, empowering local communities with economic opportunities. Through MBC, Peninah supports reformed poachers by encouraging environmentally friendly livelihoods, reducing pressure on Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Her work bridges conservation and community development, ensuring both wildlife protection and economic resilience. With her leadership, MBC continues to create lasting change, fostering a harmonious relationship between people and nature.
​Daniel Tumwesigye is the Reformed Poachers Coordinator for the Mubare Biodiversity Conservation (MBC) Organization in the Bwindi region. He joined MBC in 2016, drawn by its unique and dedicated approach to conserving gorillas and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Beyond his conservation work, Daniel guides tourists through the Float Line Villages near Bwindi Forest and is a skilled birding guide. He also plays a key role in monitoring and evaluating MBC’s livestock projects and Village Savings and Credit Association (VSCA) initiatives, which support reformed poachers in building sustainable livelihoods. His work is vital in bridging conservation and community development.
Denis Agaba is the Sponsorship Coordinator for the Reformed Poachers' Children at Mubare Biodiversity Conservation (MBC). Since joining in 2016, he has been dedicated to encouraging reformed poachers' families to prioritize education and abandon poaching. He regularly visits these families, fostering compliance with conservation efforts. Denis also oversees the monthly Harvest Food Forest Project at Rubona Public School, a vital initiative supported by Urban Rewild. His work strengthens the connection between conservation and community welfare, ensuring that former poachers' children have better opportunities while promoting sustainable living around the Bwindi Forest.
Jordan is a board of trustee member from the UK and is the founder of One Planet Conservation Awareness. His speciality is marine biology and he has many years experience in managing sea turtle conservation projects in both Malaysia and Costa Rica.
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Through OPCA Jordan supports small scale NGO's through project development and management advice, media and small scale fundraising. He has been supporting MBC since 2020 and has been an important advisor and fundraiser for our project since that time.
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Jordan helped to set up the board of trustees in order to help guide and build the work of MBC.
Gracious Atuheire is a dedicated security guard, cleaner, and staff cook at Mubare Biodiversity Conservation (MBC). He plays a crucial role in maintaining a safe and clean environment while preparing meals for the team. His commitment ensures smooth daily operations, supporting MBC’s conservation efforts in the Bwindi region
Sharlene, a Board of Trustee member from Australia, is the founder of Urban Rewild and a dedicated conservationist and environmental educator. With a strong background in business, she leads by example, inspiring others to take action and believe in their ability to create change.
For the past four years, Sharlene has been an active fundraiser and supporter of Mubare Biodiversity Conservation (MBC), contributing her business expertise, community engagement skills, and deep commitment to the environment. She is a forward-thinking, entrepreneurial leader who works alongside the MBC team to drive meaningful progress.
Dr. Sarah Hamer, a trustee member, is a veterinary ecologist and professor at Texas A&M University in the USA, where she directs an academic research laboratory focused on diseases that emerge at the human-animal interface. Sarah met Alex in 2008, when she was helping to lead a wildlife-focused study abroad course to students of Michigan State University focused on avian and primate biodiversity. In Uganda, Sarah led a team to capture and sample wild birds with mist nets, tracked Mountain Gorillas and quantified primate behavior while discussing human-animal pathogen transmission, and engaged with local university officials.