Patricia Atuhairwe Baine

On December 10, 2022, the world lost one of the most dedicated, vibrant women working to strengthen U.S.-Africa relations and to advance human rights and economic development for the African people. Patricia Baine, known to her friends and family as Gudy, was only 45 years of age when she passed away.

Many individuals have expressed the desire to assist her family and show their love for Patricia and all she stood for. To this end, the Africa Society has established the Africa Society Patricia Baine Memorial Fund which would be a tangible way to show her family how highly regarded Patricia was among her many friends and colleagues and to express our gratitude for her achievements and tireless life of service. Tax deductible financial contributions to this Fund will be used by her parents to defray funeral expenses in the United States and in Uganda where Patricia will be laid to her final resting place.

Patricia was a native of Uganda in East Africa. Like many Ugandans, she came to the United States to pursue her dreams, obtaining a degree in international relations from the University of Virginia in 2001. After assuming several positions, Patricia’s drive, energy, and ambition culminated in her being elected president of The Africa Society in 2016. Prior to working for The Africa Society, she was an intern for the late Congressman Donald M. Payne as part of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Africa in the United States House of Representatives.

Patricia Baine touched the lives of all those who knew her, and was beloved by millions of people from Africa, the United States, and around the world. Her unwavering dedication to educating superintendents, teachers, and thousands of students about the continent of Africa in America through the TEACH AFRICA Program was one of her many significant achievements, and became her greatest passion.

Patricia Baine was a tireless worker and loyal friend. Her talent, intelligence, optimism, and courage won her respect from people of all ages, cultures, and walks-of-life -- from taxi drivers to high-level diplomats.

Patricia was a woman of faith, a strong Christian who not only believed in the Word of God but lived her life accordingly. Patricia was beautiful, compassionate and had love for all people. Her personal attributes and professional accomplishments will render her unforgettable in the eyes of those who had the good fortune of knowing her.

Patricia leaves behind her mother Ms. Juliet Barera of Sweden; her parents in Uganda Mr. Gregory and Jane Baine; six siblings: Brenda Kampire, Fiona Baine-Savanhu, Mark Baine, Linda Rubuga, Rachael Baine-Nkurunziza, Michelle Baine; aunts including Ambassador Edith Grace Ssempala; uncles; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends.

You may contribute to the Memorial Fund in the following link: https://africasummit.org/2022/12/16/honoring-patricia-baine/ Here is direct link to the donation page > Contribute Now We are grateful for your support and ask that you keep Patricia’s loved ones in your prayers. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28, KJV