The Kikooko Foundation Mission
Building brighter futures through education, community, and sustainable development in Uganda
What We Stand For
The Kikooko Foundation stands for educational opportunities, social responsibility, and sustainable development in Uganda. We believe in solutions that arise from and serve local communities, creating lasting, self-perpetuating change.
Community First
Solutions that arise from and serve local communities
Sustainable Impact
Every initiative creates lasting, self-perpetuating change
Transparency
Clear communication about resource use and impact
Education as Empowerment
The most powerful tool for individual and community transformation
The Birth of Kikooko Foundation
The sister Company of Kikooko Foundation - Kikooko Africa Safaris was founded in 2013 with two deeply connected dreams:
- To share Uganda's breathtaking wildlife, untouched wilderness, and rich culture with the world through unforgettable safari experiences.
- To create meaningful connections between our local communities and the global community, opening doors to education and opportunity.
For over a decade, travelers have helped showcase Uganda's natural beauty. But our vision goes beyond safaris—it's about lasting impact. By supporting the Kikooko Foundation, you make a difference. Every donation helps provide education, help safeguard this unique ecosystem, protect wildlife and uplift the communities that call it home.
Kikooko Foundation & Kikooko Africa Safaris
The Kikooko Foundation operates as a sister organization to Kikooko Africa Safaris, with distinct but complementary missions:
Kikooko Africa Safaris
Showcasing Uganda's natural beauty through responsible tourism across East Africa.
Kikooko Foundation
Creating lasting positive impact through education, health, and community initiatives in Uganda.
Kikooko Africa Safaris is creating lasting positive impact through donating 3% from clients trip cost.
The Name "Kikooko"
The Kikooko Foundation is deeply rooted in the heritage and natural beauty of Uganda. Our founder, Warren, hails from the Bakiga people, an indigenous group living in the breathtaking hills and mountains of the region.
In Rukiga, the language of the Bakiga people, "Kikooko" means "animal." We chose this name because Uganda's rich wildlife and natural wonders are not only a reason to visit but also a responsibility to protect and conserve.
Our Team
Ankwasa Warren Rutanga
Founder & Director
Born in Rubanda District, Warren combines his MBA, tourism expertise, and 20+ years of experience to transform sustainable tourism revenue into lasting educational, healthcare, and community development across Uganda. He founded Kikooko Africa Safaris, with the mission of sharing with visitors the community and country that were so meaningful to him. Those connections and the projects that grew from them evolved into the Kikooko Foundation.
Turinomuhangi Lydia Ankwasa
BOKEF Program Coordinator
Lydia coordinates Kikooko's Education Sponsorship Program, identifying children with greatest need and potential. With a degree in Environment and Disaster Management, she promotes environmental sustainability while leveraging her local connections. A mother of six, Lydia's experience helping vulnerable children thrive drives meaningful regional change.
Our Journey
Kikooko Africa Safaris founded with a commitment to community impact
First student sponsorships established through informal support system
BOKEF (Basket Of Kikooko Education Fund) informally created to structure growing education support
First University students graduate through BOKEF sponsorship program
First school building project launched in partnership with local community
Kikooko Foundation formally established to expand impact initiatives
Launch of structured volunteer program and expanded educational support
Our Approach to Creating Change
At Kikooko Foundation, we believe that meaningful change comes from working alongside communities, not imposing solutions from outside. Our approach includes:
Local Leadership
Ugandan staff lead all our initiatives, ensuring cultural appropriateness and community buy-in.
Sustainable Models
We design programs that can eventually thrive independently of external support.
Holistic Support
We address interconnected needs across education, health, and economic opportunity.
Join Our Journey
The Kikooko Foundation is always looking for partners who share our vision for positive change in Uganda.