Karibu / Welcome: Learn About Speakers for Africa
Our Ugandan Team with visitors, Amy Franklin and Jake from Colorado in August 2025 (From left clockwise: Micheal Reuter, Jake and Amy Franklin, Tasha Mirembe, Simone (our driver), Gracious Taremwa and Kareem Katuramu with his son, Moses).
Who We Are
Speakers for Africa, Inc. is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN: 93-1552982) dedicated to strengthening schools and communities in Uganda. Rooted in a deep love for Uganda and its children, we believe every child deserves dignity, opportunity, and a safe place to learn.
Since our first visits to Kampala in 1997, our founders have seen the challenges vulnerable children face—hunger, unsafe classrooms, and a lack of basic sanitation. Today, we work directly with schools, families, and community leaders to create sustainable, long-term solutions that empower the next generation.
Our Values
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Transparency – We show exactly how donations are used, building trust through real-time updates.
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Equality – Every child, regardless of circumstance, deserves dignity and opportunity.
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Community – We work hand in hand with local leaders, families, and schools.
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Sustainability – Our projects use lasting, practical solutions that continue to serve future generations.
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Respect – We honor Uganda’s culture, traditions, and communities in every step of our work.
Meet Our Board Members
Peyton Thomas
Executive Director
(USA & Uganda)
Gracious Taremwa
Regional Director
Penny Randell
Administrator and Co-Founder
(USA & Uganda)
Karime Katuramu
Communications Director
(Uganda)
Lee Pulliam
Treasurer
Moses Walusimbi
Membership Outreach
Chad Johnston, MD
Medical Director
🗣️ What Does “Speakers for Africa” Mean?
Speakers for Africa is founded on the belief that Africa’s most authentic and powerful voices are its own people. Anyone can advocate for Africa, but no one does so more truthfully than Ugandans—the mothers, fathers, students, and communities living these realities every day.
Our mission is not to speak for them, but to amplify their voices. We are not a handout organization. We equip Ugandans—especially students—with tools, training, and opportunities to create lasting change for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Speakers for Africa uplifts local leadership, empowers the next generation, and ensures Africa’s story is told by those who live it.
Who Inspired Our Name
Our name was inspired by Bradina Nakwanyoba, a single mother of sixteen living in the Katwe slums of Kampala. In 2019, she told us how she used a small speaker, a microphone, and a bicycle to sing on the streets with her children to earn a little money—often their only source of income. One night, heavy rains flooded their tiny home and destroyed the speaker they relied on. After meeting Bradina and hearing her story, we understood that true change in Uganda begins by amplifying the voices of those living it. That is why we chose the name Speakers for Africa.
Frequently asked questions
Compliance and Legal Documents
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📊 Our Impact at a Glance
🏫 2 Schools Supported – Uganda Youth Aid & Rwakobo Primary
👧👦 1,450+ Children Reached with education, meals, and programs
🪑 50 Desks Donated for safe and comfortable learning
🚻 1 Pit Latrine Built at Rwakobo Primary School (2025)
⚽ 2 Soccer Teams Formed with uniforms, coaches, and equipment
💻 Computer Tablets & Supplies Delivered to classrooms
🍲 Food & Hygiene Programs improving health and attendance
✨ Together, we’re transforming education, health, and opportunity for children in Uganda.
1—3 Year Strategic Roadmap
Watch an interview with Joquiz and Peyton Thomas on NextFm Radio
Our Mission and Vision Continued
Speakers for Africa removes the barriers that prevent vulnerable youth in Uganda from accessing education. Guided by the insight of local communities, we deliver sustainable, student-centered solutions that expand opportunity and create lasting impact.
With our team in Uganda and trusted local partners, we bring practical support where it’s needed most—from sanitation and tuition assistance to sports, female health, cultural programs, and even classroom desks. Every project is tracked with near real-time transparency, so you can see exactly how your gift makes a difference.
Integrity and accountability are at the core of our work. Our mission is simple: provide access to education and the tools needed for students to build brighter, self-sustaining futures. Anyone can be a Speaker for Africa—but none more than the students, teachers, and parents shaping Uganda's future.
Our Vision, Values, Goals and Objectives
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Our Mission
Our mission is to empower vulnerable children in Uganda through education, health, and community-driven initiatives — creating safe spaces where they can learn, grow, and thrive.
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Goals
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Empower Education – Provide vulnerable children in Uganda with safe, supportive, and fully equipped learning environments.
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Promote Health & Sanitation – Improve hygiene and nutrition in schools through sustainable projects like pit latrines, food programs, and clean water access.
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Foster Equality & Dignity – Ensure every child—especially orphans and vulnerable youth—has the opportunity to learn, play, and thrive with dignity.
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Strengthen Communities – Partner with local leaders, families, and schools to build long-term solutions that create lasting impact.
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Ensure Transparency – Provide clear reporting and real-time updates so supporters know exactly how their contributions make a difference.
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Objectives
📚 Mobilize Resources for Education-Gather support and establish meaningful educational opportunities for vulnerable children.
🏫 Create Safe Learning Environments – Ensure that every child is safe, healthy, and protected at school with reliable facilities in which to learn.
⚽ Promote Leadership Through Sports – Facilitate leadership, teamwork, and personal growth through sports activities and healthy competition.
🌱 Support Sustainable Community Initiatives – Partner with communities to apply sustainable technologies that enhance learning, health, and personal development.
Volunteers
Peyton Thomas and Penny Randell working at Mosa Court, Kampala, Uganda
It was 1997 when my son Peyton and I moved to Kampala, Uganda for me to work on my master's in animal behavior. However, I was rapidly taken by the people and they soon became the focus of my attention. We immersed ourselves in their culture and practiced their efforts regarding survival, as we continued to live there for three years. Since then, we have returned multiple times and maintained a close relationship with the people. The individuals and families we are involved with are desperately poor, yet the happiest people we have ever met. After exploring the country, plus most of East Africa, we have established a safe place to dwell, which enables us to extend a quality understanding of their needs. Our understanding of these people has led us to establish a legitimate pathway of assistance. Speakers for Africa was created in 2020 and has already proven its value. Our non-profit has successfully seen two fundraisers that have addressed the overwhelming hunger of children. In 2021 we delivered enough millet to feed an entire school. After that, we took seeds to the school and taught the students how to plant them. Our organization continues these valuable endeavors, as we reach out to those who can make this happen. Unlike many NGOs, every penny spent can be followed. Those who have donated are pleased with the results, which allow us to continue to service children in need. This one-of-a-kind non-profit shall make every effort to assist the children who attend school only when nourishment is available. At present, we are beginning a new campaign for the many children at Uganda Youth Aid Primary and Nursery School. Because there is food in their village, these kids are reluctant to leave home. When a meal is promised at school they attend. It only takes $600 of millet to feed the children for an entire term. This money also purchases beans that are a must with children. As already said, donated money can be followed by givers. We do not access the money from this end, for we have people on the ground in Kampala. Too, both Peyton and I will be returning to our beloved second home in the fall. At that time, we will make an effort to supply food to more schools. Speakers for Africa is well-equipped with dedicated workers. Together we can assist these needy children. We can not make these valuable efforts without your help. When you see the contented and happy faces we add to Facebook and our website (speakers for africa.org), you should have a happy face, too. These kids are so grateful, which energizes our doings and makes all our efforts a success.
Media and Child Protection Disclaimer
Media and Child Protection Disclaimer
Speakers for Africa, Inc. shares photos and videos to highlight educational progress in Uganda.
All images and recordings of minors are used with the consent of school administrators and, where required, the parents or legal guardians of each child.
We follow strict ethical and child-safeguarding standards to ensure dignity, respect, and transparency in all media communications.
Speakers for Africa, Inc. shares photos and videos to highlight educational progress in Uganda.
All images and recordings of minors are used with the consent of school administrators and, where required, the parents or legal guardians of each child.
We follow strict ethical and child-safeguarding standards to ensure dignity, respect, and transparency in all media communications.