SDHA Technical Team

Ms. Aurore Umulisa

Executive Director

Ms. Aurore Umulisa

Executive Director

Miss Aurore Umulisa is the Executive Director of the Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Action (SDHA), having stepped into the role in 2024. She holds a Master’s degree in International Development and brings a visionary, community-driven approach to advancing the organization’s mission of empowering vulnerable populations through sustainable livelihoods, climate resilience, gender equality, and humanitarian response. A passionate advocate for locally led development, Aurore champions inclusive strategies designed to reduce extreme poverty, strengthen household resilience, and empower youth. At SDHA, she directs overall strategic growth, organisational development, resource mobilisation, and partnerships, collaborating closely with the Board and Management Team to maximise sustainable impact. Deeply committed to environmental conservation and continuous learning, Aurore is an alumna of leadership programs such as the Gratitude Network Fellowship. She frequently represents SDHA on national and international platforms, driving forward collaborative, locally rooted solutions to build dignified, thriving, and resilient communities.

Phone:+250788304990
Email:info@sdhaction.org

Ms. Josephine Nyirangendahimana

Programme Manager

Ms. Josephine Nyirangendahimana

Programme Manager

Josephine NYIRANGENDAHIMANA is a Rwandan civil society practitioner and Program Manager at Sustainable Development & Humanitarian Action (SDHA), with experience in community development, humanitarian action, and sustainable development. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health. Her work focuses on supporting vulnerable communities through sustainable livelihoods, humanitarian response, environmental conservation, climate resilience, and socioeconomic empowerment. She is passionate about promoting community participation and improving the well-being of vulnerable households.

Phone:+250788304990
Email:info@example.com

Board Members

Hakizimana J. Pierre (PhD)

Founding member and Chairperson - SDHA

Hakizimana J. Pierre (PhD)

Founding member and Chairperson - SDHA

Dr. Jean Pierre Hakizimana is a Rwandan development professional with over 20 years of experience in sustainable development, programme management and community transformation across Rwanda and the Great Lakes region. He holds a PhD in Local Economic Development, a Master's degree in Dev. Studies, and degrees in Demography and Agricultural Engineering. Throughout his career, he has held senior technical and leadership positions with Enabel, the Global Water Partnership (GWP) and Protos Belgium, contributing to initiatives in private sector development, water and sanitation, climate resilience, agriculture and community livelihoods. His expertise includes research, policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement and the design of evidence-based development interventions. He has also undertaken consultancies for UN agencies, international organisations and civil society institutions, supporting inclusive development and improved community well-being. As a founding member, Chairman of the Board and Legal Representative of Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Action (SDHA), Dr. Hakizimana provides strategic leadership and fosters partnerships that advance the organisation's mission. He is particularly committed to empowering vulnerable communities, strengthening local economies, supporting disaster response and promoting inclusive, climate-resilient development through community-based initiatives, research and policy advocacy.

Phone:+250788304990
Email:info@sdhaction.org

Mr. Laurien Jyambere

Founding Member and Vice Chairperson - SDHA

Mr. Laurien Jyambere

Founding Member and Vice Chairperson - SDHA

Founding Member and Vice Chairman of the Board – SDHA Mr. Laurien Jyambere is a Rwandan development professional with over 25 years of experience in rural development, agriculture, food security, environmental protection and community livelihoods. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and an Associate's degree in Social Sciences. Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership positions with Four Pillars Ltd, Global Communities and UGAMA/Centre de Services aux Coopératives (CSC), contributing to agricultural development, cooperative strengthening, business development and climate resilience. His expertise includes project design, strategic planning, programme management, stakeholder engagement and capacity building. He has also led initiatives supporting farmers' access to markets, sustainable agricultural practices and improved livelihoods across Rwanda. As a founding member and Vice Chairman of the Board of Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Action (SDHA), Mr. Jyambere contributes his extensive experience in community development and organisational leadership to advancing the organisation's mission. He is particularly committed to empowering rural communities, strengthening local economic opportunities and promoting sustainable, inclusive development.

Phone:+250788304990
Email:info@sdhaction.org

Ms. Marie Alice Uwamahoro

Founding Member and National Secreatary of the Board - SDHA

Ms. Marie Alice Uwamahoro

Founding Member and National Secreatary of the Board - SDHA

Alice Uwumahoro is a Rwandan development professional with over 15 years of experience in banking, education and community development. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Management and an Advanced Level Diploma in Education. She currently works with Urwego Opportunity Bank, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and cooperatives to access finance and strengthen their economic activities. Earlier in her career, she worked as an educator, contributing to the education and development of young people. As a founding member and National Secretary of the Board of Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Action (SDHA), Alice brings valuable experience in financial inclusion, education and community empowerment. She contributes to SDHA's mission by promoting inclusive education, strengthening savings and credit cooperatives, and supporting initiatives that improve the livelihoods of women and youth. She is particularly committed to advancing inclusive development and creating opportunities for vulnerable communities to achieve economic independence and sustainable livelihoods.

Email:info@sdhaction.org

Mr. Leopold Muhizi

Founding Member | Board Adviser | Head of the Conflict Resolution Committee

Mr. Leopold Muhizi

Founding Member | Board Adviser | Head of the Conflict Resolution Committee

Mr. Léopold Muhizi Mr. Léopold Muhizi is a founding member of the Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Action (SDHA) and serves as an Adviser to the Board and Head of the Conflict Resolution Committee. He brings decades of experience in management, banking, rural development, cooperative development, and community-based initiatives. Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership positions in development organizations and financial institutions, including serving as Executive Secretary of the Rwandan Association for Promoting Integrated Development (ARDI) and Head of the CSC/UGAMA Programme. His professional experience encompasses institutional management, financial oversight, microfinance, project planning, monitoring and evaluation, and the development of community-based enterprises. Mr. Muhizi has extensive experience supporting cooperatives, farmers’ groups, and grassroots organizations through capacity building, entrepreneurship development, and access to finance. He has also contributed to research, training, and policy dialogue on rural development, participatory governance, and sustainable livelihoods. At SDHA, he provides strategic guidance to the Board and supports conflict resolution, mediation, and constructive dialogue, helping strengthen institutional governance and promote peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable development. He holds a Diploma in Management and Development from CEFEB, France, and a Bachelor's degree in Geography from the National University of Rwanda.

Phone:+250788304990
Email:info@sdhaction.org

Ms. Immaculée Kayitesi

Founding Member and Member of the Audit Committee – SDHA

Ms. Immaculée Kayitesi

Founding Member and Member of the Audit Committee – SDHA

Founding Member and Member of the Audit Committee – SDHA Kayitesi Immaculée is a Rwandan businesswoman, social activist and founding member of Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Action (SDHA). She brings extensive experience in entrepreneurship, governance and community development to her role on the organisation's Audit Committee. With a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, specialising in Accountancy, she has held several leadership positions, including National President of AVEGA Agahozo, Commissioner at the National Commission for the Fight against Genocide (CNLG), and leadership roles within the Private Sector Federation. She is also the founder of Nyanza Dairy Ltd, a milk-processing enterprise that contributes to local economic development and job creation. Throughout her career, Kayitesi has championed social inclusion, human rights, women's empowerment and community development, with a particular focus on supporting vulnerable populations. As a founding member of SDHA, she plays an important role in inspiring the organisation's community transformation approach, promoting inclusive, community-driven initiatives that empower people to improve their livelihoods and build resilient communities. Through her entrepreneurial experience and commitment to social justice, Kayitesi contributes to SDHA's mission of fostering a more inclusive and sustainable society.

Email:info@sdhaction.org

Mr. Patrick Muhire

Member and Head of Audit Committee

Mr. Patrick Muhire

Member and Head of Audit Committee

Patrick Muhire is a Rwandan finance and accounting professional with over 12 years of experience in financial management, auditing, financial controls and institutional development. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration (Accounting), is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and holds a Master's degree in Business Administration (Finance). He currently serves as Finance Manager at Digital Trust Opportunity (DOT Rwanda), following five years as Financial Controller at Enabel, where he oversaw financial operations for development programmes, managed implementing partners' budgets and strengthened financial reporting and accountability systems. Previously, he worked as a Senior Auditor at PwC Rwanda, conducting audits for international organisations, development partners and local institutions. His expertise includes financial management, budgeting, risk management, internal controls, compliance, auditing and organisational systems strengthening. As a member of Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Action (SDHA) and Head of its Audit Committee, Patrick provides technical oversight and strategic advice on financial management, institutional growth and organisational accountability. He also serves as a special advisor to the Board on youth development. He is particularly committed to promoting sound financial governance, institutional sustainability and opportunities for youth empowerment.

Email:info@sdhaction.org

Dr. Providence Uwamariya

Member of SDHA &Health &Well-being Advisor to the Board

Dr. Providence Uwamariya

Member of SDHA &Health &Well-being Advisor to the Board

Dr. Uwamariya Providence is a Rwandan medical doctor and health professional with over 10 years of experience in clinical practice, emergency medicine, anaesthesiology and critical care. She holds a Medical Degree and a Master's degree in Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, and is currently pursuing a Fellowship in Adult Critical Care at the University of Rwanda. She has served in several healthcare institutions, including Butare University Teaching Hospital (CHUB), Kabgayi District Hospital and Ruli District Hospital, providing medical care, managing emergencies and supporting the treatment of critically ill patients. Her experience also includes maternal and neonatal care, intensive care management, infection prevention and control, and clinical supervision. Her expertise encompasses critical care, emergency response, patient-centred healthcare, health systems improvement and medical team leadership. As a member of Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Action (SDHA) and Health and Well-being Advisor to the Board, Dr. Uwamariya provides professional guidance on health-related interventions and contributes to strengthening the organisation's health and community well-being initiatives. She is particularly committed to improving access to quality healthcare, promoting preventive health practices and supporting vulnerable communities through inclusive and people-centred health services.

Email:info@sdhaction.org

Eng. Jeanne d’Arc Chinama Rusizana

Founding Member and Member of the Audit Committee – SDHA

Eng. Jeanne d’Arc Chinama Rusizana

Founding Member and Member of the Audit Committee – SDHA

Jeanne d’Arc Chinama Rusizana is an agricultural scientist, lecturer and community-engaged researcher with over 14 years of experience in agriculture, horticulture, plant biotechnology and sustainable development. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Plant Biotechnology. She holds a Master's degree in Horticulture Crop Production and a Bachelor's degree in Crop Production and Horticulture. She is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Rwanda, where she contributes to agricultural education, research and community development. Her expertise includes sustainable agriculture, food security, natural resource management, seed systems and community livelihoods. Through her research and advisory work, she has supported smallholder farmers, strengthened agricultural cooperatives and promoted innovative, climate-resilient farming practices. She has also contributed to regional research collaborations, agricultural innovation and the empowerment of women in science and agriculture. She is particularly committed to advancing food security, empowering women farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices that improve livelihoods and strengthen community resilience. As a founding member and member of the Audit Committee of Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Action (SDHA), she provides valuable technical advice and contributes to the organisation's strategic direction.

Email:info@sdhaction.org