Richard MUGIRANEZA
Unified Communications Systems Senior Engineer
Kigali
Summary
Impact-driven Senior Network & Cybersecurity Engineer, Unified Communications Senior Engineer, and IT Team Lead with 8+ years of experience delivering secure, scalable enterprise and government IT infrastructures. Proven expertise in network engineering, cybersecurity, and UC solutions, leading nationwide deployments and high-availability systems that drive digital transformation. Skilled in AI-driven IT operations (AIOps) to enhance monitoring, automate processes, and strengthen threat detection. CCNP Security and Fortinet NSE 1–4 certified, recognized for strong technical leadership and delivering high-impact solutions across public sector institutions.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
5
5
Certifications
4
4
Languages
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Unified Communications Systems Senior Engineer
Rwanda Information Society Authority
03.2023 - Current
1. Delivery of UC systems and services within the government institutions
2. This person will manage the operations of backend systems used in the UC environment to provide Cisco based collaboration services.
3. The UC Engineer will define process and methodology used to support the company user base within the organization as well as oversee the implementation of the technology.
4. Understanding the mailing systems as communication and collaboration tools
5. Understanding of communication tools that existing such as WebEx, Microsoft teams, VC and so on.
6. Responsible for the Architecture, implementation, documentation, operations, disaster recovery and lifecycle of all voice, video, call center and conferencing infrastructure.
7. Partner with the business for the daily operations of Call Center technologies
8. Ensure the integrity of corporate network, UC and data systems security to prevent unauthorized.
9. Access to corporate technology resources
10. Continually seek, demonstrate, and share knowledge in the information technology field to result in optimum expertise and resources for government institutions.
Business Support Engineer
Broadband Systems Corporation Plc
07.2017 - 03.2023
- Architecture & Design: Design and deploy engineering solutions for IP network improvements, capacity expansion, and high-availability architecture.
- Implementation & Maintenance: Configure, troubleshoot, and maintain core network hardware and software (routers, switches, firewalls).
- Routing & Switching: Implement advanced routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, ISIS) and MPLS-based services.
- Security & Reliability: Establish security policies, maintain firewall environments, and perform DDoS mitigation to protect the network.
- Capacity Planning: Analyze network traffic, performance statistics, and logs to optimize network efficiency and forecast upgrades.
- Documentation & Reporting: Maintain detailed documentation of network topology, configurations, and procedures.
- Team Leadership: Guide junior engineers and NOC operators, providing technical support during network outages.
Education
Master of Science - Master Of Science in Information Technology
University Of Kigali
Kacyiru 01.2026 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Bachelor of InformationTechnology And Architecture
University Of Kigali
Kigali- Kacyiru 01.2015 - 09.2019
Skills
Network & Security Engineering (Fortinet, Cisco, VPNs – IPsec/SSL, ZTNA, SASE, Firewall Management, VSAT Systems)
Network Architecture & Design (Enterprise Architecture, Segmentation, Scalability)
Cybersecurity & Risk Management (Security Policies, Threat Mitigation, Compliance, IAM)
Security Operations & Incident Response (SIEM, Log Analysis, Threat Hunting, Incident Handling)
Infrastructure & Systems Architecture (Active Directory, DNS, Virtualization, HA, DR)
Cloud & Enterprise Infrastructure (Hybrid Environments, Secure Architecture Design)
AI in IT Operations (AIOps) (Monitoring, Automation, Threat Detection, Performance Optimization)
IT Leadership & Strategy (Team Leadership, Strategic Planning, IT Governance, Digital Transformation, Stakeholder Engagement)
Accomplishments
- Spearheaded nationwide deployment of 4G LTE connectivity under the One Government Network (OGN), enabling broadband access for schools, health centers, sectors, and cells across Rwanda, accelerating digital transformation.
- Designed and implemented secure VPN infrastructures for government institutions in collaboration with Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA) and for Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB), ensuring secure, reliable inter-branch and inter-agency communication.
- Delivered and supported nationwide video conferencing systems for ministries and public institutions during COVID-19, ensuring uninterrupted government operations and remote collaboration.
- Implemented enterprise-grade cybersecurity solutions by deploying Sophos firewalls across public institutions under the Managed Security Services (MSS) project, strengthening national cyber resilience.
Certification
Achieved Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Security, strengthening advanced routing and switching expertise
Timeline
Master of Science - Master Of Science in Information Technology
University Of Kigali
01.2026 - Current
FCP – Network Security (FortiGate Admin)
07-2025
Fortinet Certified Professional (FCP)
05-2025
Fortinet Certified Solution Specialist (FCSS)
02-2025
Achieved Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Security, strengthening advanced routing and switching expertise
03-2023
Unified Communications Systems Senior Engineer
Rwanda Information Society Authority
03.2023 - Current
Sophos Certified Engineer V18.5
07-2021
Business Support Engineer
Broadband Systems Corporation Plc
07.2017 - 03.2023
Bachelor of Science - Bachelor of InformationTechnology And Architecture
University Of Kigali
01.2015 - 09.2019