Project Manager
Derek Lubangakene is an experienced project management professional working across protected area management, community livelihoods and landscape-scale conservation.
Derek joined the Uganda Conservation Foundation as Marketing Officer, bringing previous experience in humanitarian assistance, procurement and corporate brand management. He was subsequently promoted to Project Manager for Living with Wildlife, UCF’s UK Matching Aid-supported programme in the Murchison Falls landscape, combining conservation with practical support for communities living alongside wildlife.
Today, Derek manages UCF’s EU NaturAfrica programme across the Kidepo–Karamoja–Turkana landscape, a major transboundary conservation initiative linking Uganda and Kenya. He coordinates implementation through a collaborative partnership involving the Uganda Wildlife Authority, National Forestry Authority, Kenya’s Wildlife Research and Training Institute, and Northern Rangelands Trust.
Derek brings strong programme coordination, partnership management and field experience to UCF, with a particular commitment to building practical conservation solutions that benefit protected areas, wildlife and neighbouring communities.