Katutandike - Let's Get Started - Transforming Lives in Uganda

On 9 October at celebrations marking Uganda’s 53^rd Independence Anniversary, Patricia received a National Award (Golden Jubilee Award) for her immense charitable/philanthropic contributions and social impact she has made through her charities in Uganda towards helping Ugandans to help themselves. It is indeed a rare occasion for a non-Ugandan to receive such an honour. The award was received on her behalf by her brother, Thomas Brenninkmeijer and the Chairperson of Ka Tutandike Trust UK, Anisha Rajapakse

Patricia arrived in Uganda in 1970 after obtaining a degree in Social Work from the University of Edinburgh. She was pursuing her early childhood dream of working in Africa.

In 1974 she professionalised the Nsambya Babies Home which has provided abandoned children with a future and been an inspiration to generations of Ugandans that continues today.

In 1981 Patricia set up Kulika Uganda. Since the beginning of the Kulika scholarship scheme, over 2,000 Ugandans have been awarded scholarships to attend higher education institutions both in Uganda and in Britain. All of these students were set in their journey to the top of their professional ladders with a scholarship from Kulika. They use their skills and qualifications to serve Uganda and its people. Through the sustainable organic agriculture training programme over 16,000 farmers have been reached directly and indirectly. They have food security, improved nutrition, have acquired income that has facilitated access to education, health, improved shelter, and transport.  Kulika Uganda has a training centre 37km on Hoima road where Patricia’s work of farmer training continues.

In 2006 Patricia founded Ka Tutandike Uganda – a child focused charity that works towards protecting the rights of vulnerable children including the Deaf and disabled.  She believed that if we are committed to reducing poverty in Uganda, and increasing the chances of all children for success, we must invest in the earliest years. Patricia’s financial support has enabled significant improvements in the health and nutrition of children living in conditions of extreme poverty in and around urban markets whilst the incomes of their parents have increased and they have acquired knowledge and skills to generate new income.

Patricia’s philanthropy stretched over many years to Deaf Schools and enabled and empowered previously neglected and stigmatised Deaf children to protect themselves from exploitation and harm. Ka Tutandike trained health workers, parents and community members in sign language on reproductive health issues and empowered hundreds of Deaf children as well as working with teachers and parents to end the stigma, discrimination and neglect these children face in their communities as well as within their families.

Her philanthropy has also set up a social Enterprise called KATU Honey in 2014 which processes, packages and sells pure raw honey to bring in revenue to sustain the work on Early Childhood Development in high urban poverty settings.

We are delighted and extremely proud that Patricia has received this prestigious and well deserved honour for her self-giving and inspiring life. It is indeed a testimony showing how her work continues to be felt in the country she devoted most of her life - and a continent she grew to love greatly.