David Nkusi Researcher & Writer
Born and raised in Uganda, I completed my bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and History from Makerere University (2004). Despite the financial challenges that emerged after 1986, when I lost my father; through hide and seek, I managed to pursue my dreams in education. Many of my mates of my age dropped out of school at the time. While still in Uganda, from 2005 to 2009, I worked for Face Technologies as a vetting officer, in the driving permit section located at Uganda Revenue Authority, Nakawa. To me, Home is not where you stay, Home is where you come from.
In 2011, I relocated to Rwanda where I have served in different capacities as a warden guide (2012-2014) and a historical sites protection officer (2015-2020) at the Institute of National Museums of Rwanda and a heritage sites protection specialist (2021-2023) at Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy. Currently, I work at the University of Rwanda as an Assistant Lecturer in Heritage Studies, a Tourism consultant with Nziza Organisation in Nyanza District and a National Focal Representative for the Heritage Management Organisation. At the University of Rwanda, I’m at the center of placing the role of the University in the heritage governance of the country to enhance research and publication in the heritage sector.
Between 2016-2018, I pursued an M.A. in Heritage Management at the University of Kent (United Kingdom) and Athens University of Economics and Business (Greece, Athens). I had opportunities to serve in Europe but I had with me a psychological contract to come and serve my country, Rwanda – something I have never regretted. Over the years I have undertaken numerous professional courses from Heritage Management Organisations, including: Certificate of Accreditation in Introduction to Heritage Interpretation for Heritage Managers, Certificate of Accreditation in Interpretive Writing for Natural and Cultural Heritage, Introduction to the General Principles of Cultural Heritage Conservation, Certificate of Accreditation in Engaging Communities in Cultural Heritage, Certificate of Accreditation in Project Management for Cultural Organizations, Certificate of Accreditation in Communication Strategy and Cultural Organizations, Certificate of Accreditation in Strategic Planning for Heritage Managers, Certificate of Accreditation in Successful Fundraising for Heritage Managers, Certificate of Accreditation in Temporary Exhibition Design: Agile Exhibitions in a Rapidly Changing Environment, Certificate in Heritage Branding, HERITΛGE Workshop Series in Conservation II: First Aid for Finds, Certificate – Managing World Heritage: People, Nature, Culture (PNC23), ICCROM & IUCN, International Training on Climate Change Risks of Cultural Heritage, CRAFT Project, Certificate – KULCHA SYMPOSIUM, Heritage Education Network Belize, Introduction to Tourism – Industry Management, UNWTO (Tourism Online Academy), i.e. UNIVERSITY, and I’m still counting, as for me learning is an ongoing process.
My love and passion for heritage studies was sparked by working in the museums of Rwanda and with a background in philosophy, studying heritage management in Greece was a dream come true. Ever since then, I have never looked back –Heritage has been my daily bread and Greece is my academic home country. While teaching at the University of Rwanda, I enrolled for a PhD (by Research) on, “Decolonization of Heritage Governance and Community Engagement in Rwanda: From Centralized to Decentralized Management Practices”, the research examines community relations to heritage resources and investigates the transition from centralized to decentralized heritage governance in the country. Thus, addressing issues of limited community engagement and the neglect of local knowledge in heritage conservation. The study aims to understand the motivations behind decentralization, assess its impact on community involvement, and explore implications for heritage conservation sustainability.
Ever since, through my academic and professional journey, I have accomplished several projects in heritage, tourism and community engagement in partnership with government and development agencies. For example, setting up Nyanza Cultural Hiking Trails with the help of GIZ_Rwanda, Documentation of 107 heritage sites into a book with the help of Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy (RCHA), Branding of heritage sites in Nyanza District with the help of Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
My top 5 things to do when visiting Rwanda, and preferably during the high season in June, July and August, are:
Having played football during my high days (1994-2005), I’m a great fan of football teams in Rwanda (APR FC), Uganda (SC Villa) the United Kingdom (Arsenal), Spain (Real Madrid), Italy (Juventus), Germany (Borussia Dortmund), Greece (Olympiacos), France (Lyon).
I love reading and writing, and have been a regular contributor to the New Times, Rwanda’s largest private newspaper. The following are some of my major academic publications:
- 2024 A day without Global North researchers: Making space for equitable collaboration after COVID-19 – with A. Bolin, T. Carayannis and G. Vlavonou.
- 2023 Toward Social Sustainability: Ethics and Community Engagement in Heritage Management – with A. Bolin
- 2022 Rwandan solutions to Rwandan problems: Heritage decolonization and community engagement in Nyanza District, Rwanda – with A. Bolin.
- 2021 What Does It Mean To Decolonize Heritage? – with A. Bolin.
