About Kanaama
Working in partnership with communities in southwest Uganda since 2009.
Kanaama Interactive Community Support (aka Kanaama) supports practical, long-term community development focused on education, women’s empowerment, sustainable livelihoods, health, and access to clean water in Kashare, Uganda.
Our story
Kanaama Interactive Community Support (KICS now known as Kanaama) was founded in 2009 by Donovan Chamberlayne, his mother Prue, and her husband Tom Wengraf.
The charity was inspired by Donovan’s father, Professor Matarare Bahemuka, who grew up in Bushenyi, southwest Uganda, before developing a farm in the nearby village of Kanaama. His lifelong commitment to his community and his vision for a better future continue to shape the work of Kanaama today.
Professor Bahemuka was tragically killed in Kampala in 1988. In 2007, Donovan returned to Uganda with Prue and Tom. They were welcomed warmly by the local community but were deeply moved by the challenges many families faced, including poverty, limited access to education and the lasting impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Inspired by the resilience of the people they met and determined to honour Professor Bahemuka’s legacy, they established KICS to help communities build brighter, more sustainable futures.
Our journey
Since 2009, Kanaama has grown from a single community initiative into a range of programmes that support education, livelihoods and long-term development.
1988
Professor Matarare Bahemuka's is tragically killed in Kampala
2007
Donovan Chamberlayne returns to his late fathers community in Kanaama with Prue and Tom.
2009
Inspired by their visit, KICS is founded and its first microcredit programme is launched.
2013
Education programme begins for orphaned and vulnerable children.
2015
Adult literacy, agricultural training and business skills programmes are introduced.
Today
Kanaama continues to work alongside communities through education, livelihoods and capacity building.
Find out more about our programmes and the lasting difference they’re making by exploring the Our Work page.
What Kanaama stands for
Kanaama believes lasting change happens when communities lead the way.
Our work in Kashare Sub-county is built on listening, partnership and long-term support that responds to real local priorities.
Rather than working in isolation, KICS brings together a volunteer-led UK team and an experienced local team in Uganda, working side by side to strengthen community-led development.
Meet the people behind Kanaama
Kanaama is built on partnership between a volunteer-led UK team and a dedicated team based in Uganda, working together to support community-led development.
Uganda team
Edmund Ahabwe
Programme Manager
Edmund joined Kanaama in January 2015 as a volunteer, and since then has risen through different positions to reach his current role today. He holds a MA in Development Studies.
Oliver Kebirungi
Projects Co-ordinator
Oliver has held this position since she started working with Kanaama in 2013. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Counselling and Guidance.
Viprah Amutuheire
Finance & Administration Officer
Viorah joined Kanamma in March 2021. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Mary Racheal Natujuna
Projects Officer
Mary joined the team in October 2021. She holds a bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship and small business management from Makerere University.
Allan Tukashaba
Agriculture Extension Officer
Allan joined the team in 2022. He is an agriculture development graduate from Bishop Stuart University. He also holds a diploma in agriculture studies from OZER Farm in Israel.
Musa Tuhairwe
Projects Officer
Musa joined the team in 2023. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bishop Stuart University.
UK team
Fiona Bristow
Trustee and Director
Fiona has been a Kanaama trustee since 2015 and took over the role of Director in 2016. She has a background in international development and experience in reproductive health, community development, and fundraising.
John Watson
Treasurer Trustee
John joined as treasurer and trustee in 2019. John has 10 years experience as a governor and treasurer in the UK education sector, and a degree in mathematics from the University of Bath.
Carol Sherman
Trustee
Carol has over 35 years’ experience working for international non-government organisations and joined Kanaama as a trustee in 2021.
Anne Maklan
Volunteer and Secretary to the Board
Anne has been a volunteer with Kanaama since 2012, and took on the roles of Secretary to the UK Board of Trustees and Donations Co-ordinator in 2014. She has a background in administration within international organisations.
Jenny Easton
Trustee
Jenny joined the board in June 2023. She brings experience in development programming and policy for Africa and small island developing states, gained at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
Sara Hossain
Trustee
Sara joined the board of trustees in January 2024, bringing over eight years of experience in healthcare consultancy.