Real Purpose. Real Change.
The Kikooko Foundation
Every safari you book with Kikooko Africa Safaris contributes a portion of the trip cost directly to the Kikooko Foundation — funding education and opportunity in Uganda since 2013.
65+
Students currently sponsored
17+
University graduates
3
School building projects
100%
Donations go directly to programs
How it works
Your safari funds the next generation
Kikooko Africa Safaris was founded in 2013 with two connected ambitions: to share Uganda's wildlife and culture with the world, and to make sure that the communities those guests passed through were genuine beneficiaries of that traffic — not just its backdrop.
A portion of every client's trip cost is donated to the Kikooko Foundation. That money goes entirely into the Basket of Kikooko Education Fund (BOKEF) — sponsoring students from primary school through university, building classrooms in rural communities, and covering the health and material needs that make consistent attendance possible.
Administrative costs are borne entirely by the founding members. Not a cent of donated money is spent on overhead.
The programme
BOKEF: Basket of Kikooko Education Fund
In Uganda, the divide between government schools and private schools is stark. Private schools offer qualified teachers and better facilities — but their fees place them beyond reach for most families living on subsistence incomes. BOKEF exists to close that gap for children with academic ability and no financial means.
Students are identified by Lydia Ankwasa, our BOKEF Programme Coordinator, based on both need and potential. Sponsors are matched to a specific child or education level. 100% of sponsorship funds go to school fees and essential educational needs.
The programme covers students at every level — primary school through university completion.
The Ugandan education system
Full journey sponsorship
BOKEF supports students at every stage, from their first year of primary school through their final university year — or as long as sponsorship continues.
Primary School
Ages 6 – 13
7 years of foundational education
$350 – $1,416 / year
Secondary School
Ages 14 – 18
6 years (4 O-Level + 2 A-Level)
$811 – $2,500 / year
University
Undergraduate & postgraduate
3 – 5 years to completion
$811 – $5,753 / year
Beyond tuition
Everything a student needs to attend
School fees are the main barrier — but not the only one. Donors can also cover the essential items that make consistent attendance possible.
$40
Mattress
$30
Blanket
$54
School uniform
$17
A pair of sheets
$8
Mosquito net
$20
Hygiene articles
$27
Dental appointment
$40
Doctor appointment
Staying connected
The letter system
BOKEF maintains a well-established chain: Nadine coordinates correspondence in Europe, Warren personally carries letters to Uganda on his trips, and Lydia delivers them to each child on the ground — with replies sent back the same way. Kikooko Africa Safaris clients occasionally carry letters in both directions too.
Personal visits
Many sponsor relationships grow into lasting friendships. Several sponsors have travelled to Uganda to meet their sponsored child — including attending university graduations. Mukamariho Amon's sponsors flew from Switzerland to attend his medical graduation in 2025. We can help plan and logistics for your visit.
Letter writing
Write in English — or any language. We translate if needed. Letters, photos, and postcards are welcome. Replies travel back through the same chain.
Emails are printed and hand-delivered to your student. Responses are scanned and returned. Reliable even where postal service is not.
Academic updates
Sponsors receive photos and academic results from their sponsored student each term. You know exactly how they're doing.
100% direct
Every cent of your sponsorship goes to the child. Travel, coordination, and admin costs are carried by Kikooko Foundation staff — never deducted from donations.
Class of 2025
Five university graduates
In 2025, five BOKEF-supported students completed their university degrees.
Ayebare Martin
Bachelor of Tourism
Sponsored by Kikooko Africa Safaris. A degree that connects directly to Uganda's conservation economy and his own community.
Mukamariho Amon
Bachelor of Medicine
Sponsored by a couple from Switzerland — who flew to Uganda to attend his graduation in person.
Rugambwa Arinda Isaac
Bachelor of Law
Now pursuing a Masters in Law while enrolled at the Law Development Centre. Sponsored by Kikooko Africa Safaris.
Clerkson
Bachelor of Law
Currently completing professional qualification at the Law Development Centre. Sponsored by Kikooko Africa Safaris.
Tom
Masters in Education (Secondary)
Equipped to shape the next generation of Ugandan students. Sponsored by Kikooko Africa Safaris.
2025 Exam Results
Across every level of the Ugandan system, BOKEF-supported students delivered outstanding results in 2025. Not a single student failed.
6 / 6
Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE)
All six passed with 1st grade and have moved on to secondary school.
6 / 6
Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE)
All six passed. Five joined high school; one is pursuing a career in mechanics.
1 / 1
Uganda Advanced Certificate (UACE)
Our UACE student passed and will be joining university to study medicine.
Where we work
Schools across Uganda
Schools where BOKEF students currently learn:
- Gulu
- Lira
- Mbale
- Mt. Elgon
- Kasese
- Masaka
- Mbarara
School construction projects
Three primary schools currently under construction in rural communities where educational facilities are limited or non-existent. Projects involve local contractors and community members — creating both immediate employment and long-term educational access.
The team
Led from Uganda
Ankwasa Warren Rutanga
Founder & Director
Born in Rubanda District, Warren combines his MBA, tourism expertise, and 20+ years of experience to channel sustainable tourism revenue into educational and community development across Uganda. He founded Kikooko Africa Safaris to share the country that shaped him — and the Foundation grew from those connections.
Turinomuhangi Lydia Ankwasa
BOKEF Programme Coordinator
Lydia identifies students with the greatest need and academic potential, manages sponsor correspondence on the ground, and ensures every child receives what their sponsorship is intended for. With a degree in Environment and Disaster Management and six children of her own, she brings personal commitment to every family she works with.
The name
“In Rukiga — the language of the Bakiga people — Kikooko means animal. We chose it because Uganda's wildlife is not only a reason to visit. It is a responsibility to protect.”
Warren Ankwasa, Founder
Get involved
Support education in Uganda
Right now, more students qualify for BOKEF support than we have sponsors to match them. Every new sponsor closes that gap for a specific child. If you're interested in sponsoring a student or supporting the Foundation in another way, contact us directly.
You can also support the Foundation simply by booking a safari — a portion of every trip goes directly to BOKEF.