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. Our values include:
Community First
We believe in solutions that arise from and serve local communities
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Sustainable Impact
Every initiative is designed to create lasting, self-perpetuating change.
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Transparency
We maintain clear communication about how resources are used and the impact they create.
Education as Empowerment
We see education as the most powerful tool for individual and community transformation.
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The Birth of Kikooko Foundation
The sister Company of Kikooko Foundation - Kikooko Africa Safaris was founded in 2013 with two deeply connected dreams:
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To share Uganda’s breathtaking wildlife, untouched wilderness, and rich culture with the world through unforgettable safari experiences.
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To create meaningful connections between our local communities and the global community, opening doors to education and opportunity.
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For over a decade, travelers have helped showcase Uganda’s natural beauty. But our vision goes beyond safaris—it’s about lasting impact.
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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.
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.
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 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.
While they operate independently, the organizations share core values, leadership, and a commitment to sustainable development in East Africa.
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.