Meet Our Team
“Meet the talented people who drive our collective vision and advance our mission here. Every team member contributes their distinct area of knowledge, enthusiasm, and commitment, which makes us a formidable force in accomplishing our goals. Learn about the people that drive the creativity, teamwork, and achievements that characterize our organization.”
Jonathan L. Kwiyega , Executive Director
With a Master of Science degree in Management of Natural Resources for Sustainable Agriculture, from Sokoine University of Agriculture (Tanzania), and has broad natural resource management experience. He has been the WASIMA project manager since 2015. He is a wildlife conservator, storyteller, researcher, trainer, educator, and activist. He is also a teacher, gifted speaker, and author of How to Glow Your Genius and Develop Your Talent.
Gilya Lino, Programs Manager
Lino joined WASIMA in 2019 and worked as an Assistant Project Manager under the WASIMA Campaign. Gilya holds an MSc. in Ecosystem Science and Management from Sokoine University of Agriculture. He is currently leading the Tabora team working around the Ugalla-Kigosi ecosystem but is based at Ipole Village. Lino has a deep passion for wildlife photography and research.
Belinda J. Mligo, Human-Lion Conflict Mitigation Program Coordinator
Belinda holds an M.Sc. in Public Health and Food Safety and a B.Sc. in Wildlife Management from Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA). She first joined WASIMA as an intern in May 2021 until July 2022 when she took over the leading of the Human Lion Coexistence Program (WASIMA campaign) operations in the Katavi and Rukwa ecosystem.
Happiness Jackson, Environmental Education and Outreach Program Coordinator
Happiness first interned with WASIMA in 2020, where she worked closely with Emmanuel to run the VIMA youth project. She started leading youth and children engagements in conservation in 2021. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Management and conservation and enjoys working with youth groups.
Errio Tom, Finance and Accountant Manager
He regularly undertakes financial accounts work including preparing and submitting tax returns, preparing the financial statement, and maintaining receivables and payables accounts.
Over the years, he has developed the ability to work with other firms, he has helped businesses with collecting, tracking, and correcting the company financials and also offered financial advice when required.
Errio obtained his bachelor degree in Economics and Finance from the Institute of Accountancy Arusha. He began working as an assistant accountant at the Baobab Community Foundation for more than two years. He is currently enrolled in a certified public Account.
Bahati Hillary Kayanda, Camp Mechanics and Driver
Bahati joined WASIMA in 2016 as a village assistant for our youth and Environment program. In 2020, he was supported to join Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) to advance his lifelong passion for vehicle driving and maintenance. He is currently managing services and maintenance of our field vehicles and motorbikes.
Kelvin Evod Lupamba, Camp Mechanics and Driver
Kelvin Evod Lupamba is a skilled logistics, mechanics, and driving professional who joined WASIMA in 2025. He holds a secondary education certificate and has completed professional driving training at VETA Mpanda Training College.
Beyond his expertise in driving and mechanics, Kelvin has a keen interest in home and environmental decoration, along with experience in short video production. He is also a talented Master of Ceremony, bringing creativity and energy to various events.
Christopher Msirombo, Field Assistant
Msirombo previously served as a Lion Conservation Ambassador. He was also a Village Game Scout for Ipole Wildlife Management Area. He has a vast experience of the area and conservation challenges in the area and has been committed to working to secure the future of communities and wildlife around the Ugalla ecosystem.
John Kakusa, Field Operations Assistant
John Godwell Kakusa joined WASIMA in 2020 and has been pivotal in managing our tree Nurseries. He has been progressively learning new skills and sometimes assisting Bahati in fixing vehicles.
Paschalia William Boniface, Household and Logistics Officer
Pascalia joined WASIMA in 2022. She takes care of our main office in Mpimbwe.
Editha Abdallah Kwiyanga, Office Cleaner
Editha plays an important role in ensuring our compound and offices are always clean.
Mashaka Kija , HLC Field Officer – Ugalla - Kigosi Ecosystem
Mashaka Kija has a Bachelor of Science in Education with Computer Science (2018) from Ruaha Catholic University (RUCU). He is currently an intern at WASIMA and working as a Community Conservation Education and Outreach Officer. Previously, he worked as an education officer at Nyumba Ali Onlus (organization) in Iringa, and he also served as a tutor and ICT officer at Mwanza Medical and Vocational Academy (college). Kija originates from the Sukuma pastoral communities and enjoys working with agro and pastoral groups to foster their coexistence with lions and the environment at large.
Benson A. Mremi,HLC Field Officer – Ugalla - Kigosi Ecosystem
Benson A. Mremi has a bachelor’s degree in wildlife management from the College of African Wildlife Management, MWEKA. He has wide exposure to wildlife management acquired from different protected areas in Tanzania including Serengeti, Tarangire, Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and wildlife Management Areas. Benson has a deep passion for bird watching, research, wildlife inventory, and monitoring and hopes to utilize his passion and skills toward the fulfillment of the WASIMA strategic goals.
Abiud Mpasa, Communication Officer
Abiud Mpasa has a degree in Accounting and Finance degree from Moshi Cooperative University. He joined the WASIMA as a Communication Officer. Abiud has skills in photography, videography, website designing, profile designing, and content creation. He is also passionate about working with youth and developing youth engagement activities. We are really privileged and excited to have him as part of our team.
Paul Yohana, Conservation and Outreach Field Officer
Paulo joined WASIMA in 2024 as a Conservation and Outreach Field Officer. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Geography and Environmental Studies from the University of Dodoma. With a deep passion for conservation and advocacy for climate action justice, Paulo is excited to contribute to Youth Engagement and Environmental Programs at WASIMA.
Elinuru Isaya, Livelihood Officer
Elinuru Isaya is an Environmental Scientist and Policy Advocate with experience in natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, community engagement, and environmental advocacy. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Sciences and Management from Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA). He is currently working as a Livelihood Officer at WASIMA, where he empowers communities especially youth and women to protect nature and build sustainable livelihoods.
Asha Masud Mohamed, Livelihood Officer
Asha Masud Mohamed is a passionate livelihoods and natural resource conservation professional committed to sustainable development. She holds a bachelor's degree in Environmental Disaster Management from the University of Dodoma (UDOM). As a Livelihood Officer at WASIMA, she empowers communities to build resilient, conservation-aligned economies. With experience in humanitarian response and economic recovery at the Danish Refugee Council, Asha is dedicated to fostering inclusive, nature-positive solutions that uplift vulnerable groups, especially women and youth.
Elizabeth Aliponda, Monitoring and Evaluation oficer
Elizabeth Aliponda joined WASIMA in September 2024 as a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning intern. She is passionate about the conservation of the environment while ensuring that all conservation-related activities bring a constructive impact to the community. She holds a BSc. Environmental Science and Management from Ardhi University- Dar es Salaam.
Samwel John Mvungi, Governance Officer
Samwel John Mvungi holds a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management from Sokoine University of Agriculture and is a passionate leader in environmental governance and conservation. He joined WASIMA in 2025 as a Governance Officer, he drives inclusive decision-making and sustainable resource management, ensuring communities and nature thrive together. With expertise in ecological monitoring, policy implementation, and stakeholder engagement, Samwel is committed to bridging conservation science with local development for lasting impact.
Lutufyo Mbotwa, Human Resource Officer
Lutufyo Mbotwa is a Human Resources Officer at WASIMA with more than seven years of experience in HR administration. She has previously served at Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA), Mbeya District Council, and Lodhia Industries Limited, gaining expertise in recruitment, employee relations, records management, and workplace culture. A graduate of Mzumbe University with a bachelor’s in human resources management, Lutufyo is admired for her efficiency, adaptability, and empathetic approach to people. She is passionate about creating inclusive workplaces where employees feel valued. Outside of her professional life, Lutufyo enjoys singing, learning, and participating in community activities, bringing harmony to both career and life.
Lion Conservation Ambassadors
Abubakari Juma
Abubakari Juma represents WASIMA in Lumbe village. He graduated from primary school education in 2006, and later joined Village Game Scout Training at Likuyu Sekamaganga College in 2021. He started working as an assistant for the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) in managing problem animals in Lumbe village. He loves lions as they represent a symbol of strength.
Christina Meja
Christina represents WASIMA in three villages (Lyazumbi and some parts of Ipanda, Mkole, and Paramawe) of Nkasi in the Rukwa region.
Gonda Tungu Ngwengwe
Gonda represents WASIMA at Mwamulu village and also manages the operation of the human-wildlife conflict Loudspeaker and Early Warning System (LEWS) in his village.
Tumaini Lauliano Kilenga
Tumaini Lauliano Kilenga represent WASIMA in Ipwaga village. He graduated from primary school education in 1997 joined National Service Training in 2014 and later enrolled in Village Game Scout training at Likuyu Sekamaganga College in 2021. He started working as an environmental and conservation assistant in 2022 and was involved in patrol activities at Ipwaga village assisting the Inyonga Game Reserve team.
Majaliwa Jumanne Kissaye
Represents WASIMA at Ugalla village in Nsimbo District Council. Majaliwa graduated from primary school education in 1996 and later trained as Mgambo in 2009. He served as a patrol officer representing Ugalla village under the support of Robin Hurt Safaris. He passionately aspires to reduce poaching incidences in his village. Majaliwa loves lions as they symbolize strength and courage in African culture.
Lucas Maganga
Lucas Maganga represents WASIMA in Utende village. He graduated from primary school education in 2011 and later enrolled in Village Game Scout Training at Likuyu Sekamaganga College. He started working as a VGS for Utende village under the ADAP project. Lucas loves buffaloes as they symbolize strength and resilience.
Michael Binige Musa
Michael Binige Musa represents WASIMA in Busongola village. He graduated from primary school education in 1996 and later joined Village Game Scout Training at Pasiansi under the support of Frankfurt Zoological. He has been working as a research assistant in Busongola village assisting in Chimpanzee and other wildlife monitoring. He loves Chimps because they share most behavioral traits with humans.
John Kwilasa
Joined the WASIMA campaign in 2011 and has been a supportive link between WASIMA and the community. He represents WASIMA in Mpimbwe District Council. He has a strong ability to influence community members and village leaders and he has been an instrumental link between WASIMA and the greater community of Mpimbwe. He actively represents the WASIMA team and assists in coordinating our village field activities and emergencies.
James Abiud Kibingo
Represents WASIMA in Utimule village but also manages the Loud Speaker and Early Warning System (LEWS) in the village. He is also a village game scout and passionate about wildlife conservation.
Hamis Msimami Saidi
Represent WASIMA in Ukumbisiganga. Saidi resides next to Ugalla River National Park and Luganzo Tongwe Game Reserve. Growing up beside wildlife and experiencing coexistence challenges ignited his interest and commitment to participate in conservation. He loves lions because they symbolize strength.
Stephano Alfred Chata
Stephano has a deep passion of work with communities, especially in areas of education and self-awareness. He represents WASIMA at Idekamiso Village bordering Ipole WMA.
Vitalis Malilo
Vitalis represents WASIMA in Kibaoni village and has been a committed environmental ambassador in Kibaoni through WASIMA, he mobilized the formation of a beekeeping group and led tree-planting initiatives in his village. The area he represents borders Katavi National Park and Mpimbwe WMA and is faced with human-wildlife conflict and his commitment is to educate people on how to mitigate the conflict.
Lezile Anthony Mtunga
Lezile Anthony Mtunga represents WASIMA in Sitalike and Igongwe village. He completed his Secondary School Education in 2011 and 2015, he started working as a research assistant helping in camera trapping under the Ruaha Carnivore (now Lion Landscapes). Lezile loves giraffes as they symbolize calmness.
Ibrahim Salumu Mrisho
Ibrahim Salum Mrisho represents WASIMA in Idekamiso village. He completed his primary school education in 2005 and later trained as a mgambo. He later served as a VGS in his village assisting different conservation agencies in the village and nearby protected areas. He has been involved in major patrol for instance restoration efforts of Isawima WMA. He is attracted by the majestic look of lions.
Mathew Michael
Represents WASIMA in Izimbili village. He graduated from Secondary School Education in 2009 and later trained as a mgambo. He has been assisting in patrolling Uyumbu WMA through the support of Africare. He’s motivated to join conservation by the fact that he loves seeing diverse species of wildlife thriving in Uyumbu WMA. He loves a lion due to the fact that it's among the big five but also a major tourist attraction.
WASIMA's Board
Mr. Doyi Mazenzele
Mr. Doyi Mazenzele has expertise in natural resource management, climate adaptation, and mitigation. His skills include Natural Resources Management, Strategic Management and Governance, Leadership and Rights, Resource Mobilization, Fundraising, and Partnerships. He is currently a member of several national and international boards and committees. Mr. Mazenzele leads The Restoration Initiative: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)/Vice President’s Office as the Programme Manager. He is also the Country Portfolio Manager for the Global Environmental Facility (GEF)/Green Climate Fund (GCF) at IUCN in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Dayi’s skills include strong leadership, effective communication, teamwork, time management, resilience, and multitasking.
Dr. James Danoff-Burg
Dr. James Danoff-Burg is an educator, conservation strategist, social science researcher, and biodiversity scientist focused on the human dimensions of conservation. For the past 25 years, he has helped document and then reduce the negative effects of human activities on biodiversity in 36 countries through community-based conservation interventions. Danoff-Burg is the Vice President of Conservation at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert. He received his B.A. from the University of Michigan, and M.A. and Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Kansas, and is a two-time Fulbright Specialist Honoree, advising the Applied Environmental Research Foundation in India and with the Southern African Wildlife College in South Africa.
Ms. Lilian Kabagire
Ms. Kabagire is the Principal Partner at Blackrose Attorneys, with deep expertise in commercial litigation, banking, corporate and investment law, regulatory matters, and real estate. She’s also contributed to conservation efforts by advising on legal contracts that support sustainable development. Known for her clarity, professionalism, and grounded approach, Ms. Kabagire blends legal precision with a strong sense of purpose
Dr. Christian Kiffner
Christian Kiffner is a conservation biologist based in Los Angeles. He first worked in western Tanzania for his Master’s research, estimating the abundance of lions and spotted hyenas in Katavi National Park, and has remained engaged in wildlife research projects in the region ever since. From 2011 to 2020, he led a long-term socio-ecological research program in northern Tanzania. Christian’s work focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of conservation efforts and developing approaches to improve coexistence between people and wildlife.
Dr. Baruani Mshale, Chairman
Dr. Mshale serves as the director of learning and strategy at Twaweza East Africa, leading research, learning, monitoring, and evaluation work. He holds a PhD in Natural Resources Policy and Planning from the University of Michigan and a master's in environmental science from Yale University. Baruani is a staunch human rights and democracy activist with a passion for contributing to balancing rural development and environmental conservation goals in the tropics. Baru is an active mountaineer (10 ascents of Mt. Kilimanjaro), self-taught chef, social runner, recreational table tennis player, and avid dancer.