My name is Muhindo Telemuka. I was born in Kaina on October 6, 1965. I am the Chief Sergeant at the station of Mutsora in the northern sector of the park and my number is 00642. I am married to Kangetsi Sibamwanzire and we have four children: two girls and two boys. I started as a Ranger in 1994.

I grew up near the park and two of my big brothers worked here and so I always wanted to work here. Before I joined I was lucky enough to visit Rwindi. It was so beautiful and I saw all kinds of animals. At that time I made a little money helping tourists. After a while, realizing I wasn’t getting any younger, I decided to join the Ranger service. Now I’m in the anti-poaching section. I joined the unit because I can’t stand seeing poachers kill animals. For me, that’s the essence of being a Ranger and the real reason I joined. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not all easy. After all, I could lose my life. During the recent crisis when the rebels ended their occupation of the park and left I was the sergeant of a Ranger unit that ended up in a fight. We had an argument with a woman who was married to a rebel, she left and her husband returned with two of his buddies. They were all armed. I was in the shower at the time and when I came out the argument was in full swing.  I suppose I surprised them because the rebels opened fire on me and hit me in the hand.

Three months after that I was back at work. I consider it an honor and a privilege to be a Ranger. It’s what I do and I’m going to go on doing it.