Our Team.
Meet Our Team
Eugene Sangano MBA, MSc
Executive Director
Eugene Sangano MBA, MSc
Executive Director
Eugene Sangano, MBA, MSc, is the Founder and Executive Director of Alliance for Healthy Communities. A global health leader with over 20 years of experience in Sub-Saharan Africa, Eugene has held numerous managerial roles in program management, program implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and NGO leadership. He has spent more than 10 years leading the DHAPP/RDF HIV Prevention country program in Rwanda. Under his leadership, the program has been successful in raising HIV awareness among the military, their family members, and communities around military installations and health facilities in Rwanda. The program has also played a key role in health system strengthening by positioning RMH as a key pillar of comprehensive HIV services in Rwanda.
Before joining AHC in October 2017, Eugene worked with Drew Cares International in Rwanda since 2007, where he served as the Country Director from 2013 to 2017, and as Program Development and Strategic Information Director from 2007 to 2013. Prior to that, he worked at Population Service International (PSI) as an Information Services Manager from 2004 to 2007. Mr. Eugene holds a master’s degree in business administration from the Maastricht University- Maastricht School of Management, Netherlands (2012), an MSc in Global Health Delivery from the University of Global Health Equity, Rwanda (2017), and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Rwanda (formerly known as the Kigali Institute of Science and Technology) (2004).
Eugene Rugira,MD,MPH
Clinical Services Director
Eugene Rugira,MD,MPH
Clinical Services Director
Eugene Rugira,MD, MPH is a Clinical Services Director with 12 years of extensive experience as an HIV specialist. He has spent 8 years overseeing HIV Prevention Services for the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), which is an implementation partner for the Rwanda Ministry of Health. Dr. Rugira is well-regarded for his clinical mentorship work and has served as a national trainer for VMMC. He has also played a key role in the development of national health policies and procedures.
Dr. Rugira was responsible for rolling out the first Prepex training in Rwanda and Early Infant Male Circumcision (EIMC) using Mogen Clamp when he worked with RBC. He has trained more than 300 VMMC providers and was involved in the redaction of national VMMC training and standards operational procedure manuals.
For the past 7 years, Dr. Rugira has trained, supervised, and mentored RDF healthcare providers on HIV prevention, care, and treatment. He has overseen the capacity building of over 600 healthcare providers, counselors, peer educators, and lay counselors. Dr. Rugira has developed a strong working relationship with the RDF, MOH, health facility leadership, and other VMMC stakeholders.
Dr. Rugira's main responsibility is to oversee the scale-up of VMMC services in collaboration with RMH and RDF VMMC specialists, other VMMC providers, and health facility leadership. He aims to ensure that VMMC services are provided according to national and international SOPs and follow PEPFAR recommendations. He will also continue to build the capacity of RDF healthcare providers to achieve sustainability.
Dr. Rugira holds a Bachelor of General Medicine from the University of Rwanda (2008) and an MPH from the University of Rwanda (2020).
Noëlla Karusisi, Ph.D
Director of Partnership and Program Development
Noëlla Karusisi, Ph.D
Director of Partnership and Program Development
Noëlla Karusisi, Ph.D., Director of Partnership and Program Development is a result-
driven professional with over a decade of experience in health research. Recognized for her
strong leadership skills, Noella has successfully led cross-functional teams and played pivotal
roles in diverse projects spanning health research, epidemiology, regulatory submissions and
grant writing. Prior to joining AHC, Noella established herself as a freelance epidemiologist
demonstrating adaptability and a strong commitment to delivering high-quality work. In her
previous positions, including director roles at L.E.A.F. Pharmaceuticals/L.E.A.F. Rwanda and
project management at IQVIA France, Noella worked on various therapeutic areas, including
cardiovascular diseases and oncology demonstrating adeptness in strategic leadership and
building research teams.
Noella holds a PhD in Epidemiology from the University Pierre et Marie Curie in France. Her
commitment to making impactful contributions in the health sector is underscored by a proven
track record in leadership and research excellence.
Dennis TUMWESIGYE, MA, MBA
Director of Field Operations and HR
Dennis TUMWESIGYE, MA, MBA
Director of Field Operations and HR
Dennis TUMWESIGYE, MA, MBA. Director of Field Operations and HR: has more than 20 years of financial and operations management experience. Mr. TUMWESIGYE is responsible for staffing, development, compensation, employee health and safety, and employee labor relations. He is also responsible for coordinating procurement and providing logistical support for program purchases, implementation field trips, as well as oversight and security of supplies, equipment, and facilities.
Prior to joining AHC, Dennis served as the Finance Manager and later Human Resources and Finance Director at Drew Cares International in Rwanda, from 2010 to 2017. Dennis has held numerous positions at leading companies in Rwanda, such as a Senior Tax Consultant at KPS Associates, Head of Audit Unit at Rwanda Revenue Authority, Head of Personnel and Administrative Unit for the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Rwanda, and Lead Personnel Development for the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Rwanda.
Dennis holds a Masters in both Economic Policy Management and Business Administration from the University of Makerere (2010) and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (2018) respectively.
Adelin Lievin MULINDA, MD
Deputy Clinical Services Director
Adelin Lievin MULINDA, MD
Deputy Clinical Services Director
Adelin Lievin MULINDA, MD, the Deputy Clinical Services Director brings over a decade of comprehensive expertise in HIV prevention, care, and treatment within Rwanda. His recent contributions span two years, focusing on the delivery of prevention services. These services include initiating and following up on Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for key populations (KP) and providing technical support to the RDF HIV Prevention and Treatment Program. Before joining AHC, Dr. Mulinda dedicated 14 months to the United Nations-RDF peacekeeping medical team in Bria, Central African Republic. There, he gained experience in educating and protecting civilians against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), as well as managing SGBV cases.
Dr. Mulinda's collaboration with the RDF health facility leadership has led to the establishment of robust working relationships. His programmatic duties include overseeing HIV prevention services, spearheading initiatives targeting KPs, PP, and SGBV survivors, and coordinating with RMH and RDF on GBV-related training efforts. Dr. Mulinda earned his Bachelor of General Medicine from the University of Rwanda in 2009, underlining his longstanding commitment to healthcare and community service.
Sandrine Rwasa
Program Finance/Budget Director
Sandrine Rwasa
Program Finance/Budget Director
Sandrine Rwasa, Program Finance/Budget Director: has more than 10 years of experience in Accounting and Financial Management. Ms. Rwasa is responsible for financial management, ensuring compliance with donor and Government of Rwanda policies and regulations, and budget monitoring and reporting. Ms. RWASA’s duties include direct and oversight activities for accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, and general ledger maintenance. Day-to-day activities include managing financial transactions, overseeing the development, and monitoring of budgets for grants, contracts, and the overall organization budget; analyzing financial data to ensure efficient use of resources; ensuring compliance with the organizational, federal, and Rwanda laws, regulations, and restrictions and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
Before joining AHC, Ms. RWASA worked for Drew Cares International in Rwanda and International House of Prayer (IHOP), located in Kansas City, Missouri where she gained broad experience in various aspects of accounting management, financial reporting, internal and external auditing procedures, and project management. Ms. RWASA holds a MAcc, in Accounting from the American Military University (2014).
Esperance Mukatwizeyumukiza
Accountant Officer
Esperance Mukatwizeyumukiza
Accountant Officer
Esperance works as a senior accountant at AHC, where she supports the Director of Finance in preparing the organization’s budget, ensuring finances are used according to the budget, as well as issuing payments to external vendors.
Before joining AHC, Esperance worked as an accountant at Primo Bags Ltd for one year where she was in charge of management and recording all the transactions, making payments, and providing all necessary reports to the Director. She also worked as an accountant at Raka Business Consult in Rwanda for 3 years.
Esperance earned a bachelor’s in Business Administration majoring in Finance from the University of Rwanda, College of Business and Economics, formerly known as SFB (Mburabuturo, Gikondo).
Esperance is currently pursuing certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
Sam RUSINE, Msc.
Monitoring & Evaluation Manager
Sam RUSINE, Msc.
Monitoring & Evaluation Manager
As the Monitoring and Evaluation(M&E) Manager, Sam is responsible for the development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation strategies, frameworks, and tools that will ensure accurate and timely information and feedback to stakeholders and Donors, and for planning and conducting data quality assurance and monitoring activities and reports. Sam also in collaboration with the Programs Director, coordinates all M&E support activities that include MER indicator quarterly, semi-annual, and annual reporting to the Donor and Partners and the Government of Rwanda agencies. Sam also participates in grant writing and supports the Implementation and scale-up of the Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) campaign across Rwanda.
Prior to joining AHC, Sam worked as a Quality Assurance officer for 3 years at Britam Insurance Company, where he supported the organization by providing technical and strategic support in designing and implementing innovative medical insurance schemes for the organization, including scheme funds management through health financing strategies to improve healthcare coverage and access.
Previously, Sam also was part of the research team that conducted the first-ever Rwanda National Oral Health Survey 2016, a research collaboration between the Ministry of Health of Rwanda, the University of Rwanda, Tufts University, and Harvard University Schools of Dental Medicine to determine the burden of oral diseases in Rwanda.
Sam holds a Bachelor of Science degree with Honors in Dentistry from the University of Rwanda (UR) and a Master of Science in Global Health Delivery from the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE).
Raissah Igiribambe
Executive Assistant
Raissah Igiribambe
Executive Assistant
is the Executive Assistant to the Executive Director at AHC. She provides comprehensive support to the Executive Director, the board of directors, and the Senior Management Team. Her duties include managing office operations and helping the team work together, even when they're in different locations. Raissa is also in charge of various administrative tasks that aid the Executive Director run the organization smoothly, including working on complex documents.
Before coming to AHC, Raissa used her skills as a workshop mentor and consultant for the Linking Lives program at Fondazione Marcegaglia. She was involved in creating and improving workshop content on decision-making and leadership, evaluating participant performance, and suggesting improvements. Additionally, at Mabawa Africa, she helped organize surveys and discussions on sexual reproductive health for girls as part of the same program.
Raissa earned her bachelor’s degree in public health from Mount Kenya University. She is currently working towards a Master's degree in Public Health, with a focus on Epidemiology, at Mount Kenya University.
Monique Niyonzima
HIV/AIDS Prevention Coordinator
Monique Niyonzima
HIV/AIDS Prevention Coordinator
In her role, she focuses on supporting individuals living with HIV through psycho-social assistance and leading prevention efforts, such as promoting positive lifestyle changes through effective communication. Monique also leads AHC's Anti-AIDS Clubs, which are dedicated to educating communities, encouraging safer sexual behaviors, and fostering a shift toward healthier attitudes and practices.
Before her current position, Monique worked with Drew Cares International in Rwanda as an HIV/AIDS Prevention Coordinator, a role she has held since 2011. She has also contributed her expertise as an Investigator at Family Health International and Care International, where she supported family planning and addressed gender-based violence.
Monique holds a bachelor’s degree in social work studies and is pursuing a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology and Therapy, both from the University of Rwanda.
Mukandekezi Elizabeth
Key Population Coordinator
Mukandekezi Elizabeth
Key Population Coordinator
She specializes in providing expert guidance and support for services like HIV testing, Indexing, Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), and psychosocial care for key and priority groups. She is dedicated to ensuring quality in HIV prevention and treatment programs, closely aligning with national guidelines to guarantee top-notch care. Elizabeth is committed to enhancing health outcomes and minimizing HIV transmission among crucial populations.
Before her role at AHC, Elizabeth built a solid foundation with 14 years of experience in HIV prevention at the Rwanda Military Hospital, where she led the Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) unit. She also brings to the table 8 years of nursing experience, during which she significantly contributed to preventing HIV transmission and delivering quality healthcare to those living with HIV.
Elizabeth earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Kigali Independent University (ULK), showcasing her long-standing dedication to improving public health and social services
Shema Marie Antoinette
Program Assistant
Shema Marie Antoinette
Program Assistant
Shema has more than six years of experience in implementing and improving public health initiatives, with a particular focus on HIV prevention, nutrition, and research. At AHC, Shema plays an essential role in supporting the clinical department's activities. Her primary responsibilities include organizing and coordinating Voluntary Male Medical Circumcision (VMMC) campaigns, as well as health education sessions on HIV/AIDS and Sexual and Reproductive Health for the Priority Population (PP).
Before joining AHC, Shema worked as a program officer at the Scaling Up Nutrition Alliance. During her time there, she demonstrated her ability to coordinate and ensure the effective delivery of community-based nutrition programs. She also worked at the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF-Rwanda) in the Prevention, Testing, and Advocacy department. Her work there centered around implementing HIV prevention and testing community activities in targeted high-risk zones, supporting health facilities in clinical follow-up, and quality assurance for HIV services.
Shema holds a Bachelor's degree in Public Health from Mount Kenya University, and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) from the University of Rwanda.
Jeninah Umuhoza
Logistics Officer
Jeninah Umuhoza
Logistics Officer
Jeninah UMUHOZA is a skilled Supply Chain Operator with a proven track record of success in the logistics and supply chain industry. She currently serves as a Logistics Officer at AHC, where she supports the Human Resources and Operations Director by performing reception, administration, and logistics tasks.
Before her work at AHC, Jeninah worked as a Procurement Assistant at Hill Crest Inn, where she analyzed and presented data related to the procurement status of the company. Jeninah holds a bachelor’s degree in Procurement and Supply Chain Management from the University of Kigali and has specialized experience working with business budgets to ensure company growth and goal achievement.
Patrick Rwabukumba
Driver
Patrick Rwabukumba
Driver
has worked as a driver for over 20 years. He currently serves as an AHC Driver and provides transportation for staff and equipment to support daily program activities.
Fidèle Niyonsaba
Driver
Fidèle Niyonsaba
Driver
Fidèle Niyonsaba is an AHC Driver, responsible for providing transportation to keep the program running smoothly. He collaborates with all staff to ensure that AHC's daily operations run smoothly by transporting equipment and staff as needed. Before joining AHC, Fidèle worked as the primary driver for PSI and SFH for over 10 years.
Jean Claude Masabo
Driver
Jean Claude Masabo
Driver
Jean Claude Masabo is an experienced driver who has been serving AHC for a long period. He is responsible for providing safe and reliable transportation for AHC's programs. In addition to transporting staff and equipment, he also assists with other messenger work around the office.