Rotary Club of Kampala-Wandegeya seeks sh420m to improve lives in Katanga

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The Rotary Club of Kampala-Wandegeya says it needs sh420 million for maternal and child health care and boosting Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in Katanga, Wandegeya.

On the day of his installation (Friday), new club president Richard Mutwafu said Katanga said the situation for the people of Katanga is "dire".

"We need to run to the rescue of these people before it's too late," he said.

"If we are to estimate properly, we shall need close to sh420 million to keep the project running."

Mutwafu said that under the WASH project, the Rotary Club of Kampala-Wandegeya plans to improve access to clean water and enhance sanitation in Katanga by providing two 30,000-litre water tanks.

These are to be installed in strategic locations to ensure equitable access to clean water for the residents of Katanga.

Under the maternal and child health care project, the club plans to give support to expectant mothers (including giving them mama kits), immunise children aged below three, as well treat the sick elderly.

Mutwafu succeeded Stella Davies, whom he thanked and other past presidents for their support.

Past District Governor Ken Mugisha receiving a portrait from immediate past president Stella Davies and President Richard Mutwafu at Kolping Hotel in Bwaise. (Photo by Simon Peter Tumwine)

Past District Governor Ken Mugisha said it has been a trying week for the Rotary fraternity around the week following the resignation of Rotary International president-elect Mário César Martins de Camargo.

“Mario was just a few days from taking over as the new Rotary International president, but he wrote to the rotary foundation notifying them that he will not take the role.

"He has been a good friend of mine for a number of years. I was not going to come to this installation because of the news, but when I remembered the good heart and generosity of the Rotarians, I had to come,” said Mugisha.

Brazilian Rotarian De Camargo was due to begin his 2025-2026 term at the helm of the organisation this July.

But in his June 8 letter to departing Rotary International president Stephanie A. Urchick, he cited "personal reasons and business obligations" as the reason for his shock resignation.

Following his decision, the Rotary International Board of Directors will meet to determine the process to select a new 2025-26 Rotary president.

Meanwhile, Mugisha noted that this Rotary year, Rotarians have a collective target of raising $500 million (sh1.8 trillion).

Additionally, there was a big commitment made by Rotary and the Gates Foundation to raise sh180 billion ($50 million) towards the fight against polio.

“Out of the $50 million, each club was told to collect a minimum of sh5.4 million ($1,500) so as to reach the big milestone, but as Uganda, we never disappoint," said Mugisha.

"During the COVID-19 lockdown, people contributed over $500 million to the Rotary Foundation when the world was closed."

In that spirit, Mugisha rallied Rotarians to continue giving because challenges keep rising.

Turning to Mutwafu and other rotary presidents, he said: “I want to implore you, as the club presidents, as you take on this mantle of leadership, let us grow our clubs."

During the installation, the club awarded 16 club members with Paul Harris Fellow certificates.