Class and charity as Rotary Club of Kampala Muyenga Breeze installs 17th president
Taking over the mantle of leadership, the newly installed 17th president, Joshua Gavin Wanume, pledged to strengthen the club's humanitarian agenda.
Rukiga District Woman Member of Parliament Sylvia Alinaitwe (R) handing over instruments of Power to Joshua Gavin Wanume as the 14th President of Rotary Club of Kampala Muyenga Breeze at a function held at Nagulu Gardens. On the left is Past Rotary District Governor 9214 Francisco Ssemwanga. (Photos by Edward Luyimbaazi)
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The installation of the 17th president of the Rotary Club of Kampala Muyenga Breeze unfolded in an atmosphere full of celebration, fellowship, and class on June 26, 2026.
As guests settled in, waiters weaved through the venue serving drinks to those who wished to toast the occasion. Moments later, a lavish buffet was opened, allowing members and invited guests to enjoy dinner as conversations flowed freely. Music, laughter and camaraderie painted the picture of what many would easily mistake for an exclusive social gathering.
The evening was punctuated by speeches from several dignitaries who commended the Rotary Club of Kampala Muyenga Breeze for its contribution to community development over the years. They applauded the club's commitment to supporting vulnerable children, promoting health initiatives, and improving lives through various service projects.
Rukiga District Woman Member of Parliament Sylvia Alinaitwe (R) handing over instruments of Power to Joshua Gavin Wanume as the 14th President of Rotary Club of Kampala Muyenga Breeze at a function held at Nagulu Gardens. On the left is Past Rotary District Governor 9214 Francisco Ssemwanga.
"Most people look at Rotary as a social club because we gather, celebrate, dance, and have parties," Ssemwanga said. "But Rotary is a service organisation. We exist to provide hope to the less fortunate,” he added.
He urged Rotarians not to allow glamorous events to overshadow the organisation's primary mission of transforming communities.
"I call upon Rotarians to spare most of their resources to extend service to the less fortunate people of the world. Some of the money we spend on big parties can instead be invested in service projects that change lives," he said.
Ssemwanga reminded guests that Rotary has been at the forefront of the global fight against polio since 1986, funding vaccines that have protected millions of children from disability. He noted that many people born after that period had unknowingly benefited from Rotary's efforts.
He also highlighted Rotary's interventions in Uganda, including the construction of a blood bank at Mengo Hospital that has helped reduce maternal deaths; support towards building a cancer ward at Nsambya Hospital; educating orphans; protecting the environment; and providing healthcare for vulnerable communities.
The 14th President of Rotary Club of Kampala Muyenga Breeze, Joshua Gavin Wanume (L), being congratulated by his predecessor Rogers Mukalazi after being installed as the 14th President.
Outgoing President Rodgers Mukalazi said the club secured a $40,000 (146,600,000) grant during his tenure and sponsored surgeries for eight children at a cost of sh32m, describing the achievements as evidence that Rotary's impact goes far beyond fellowship.
Taking over the mantle of leadership, the newly installed 17th president, Joshua Gavin Wanume, pledged to strengthen the club's humanitarian agenda.
"Whatever happens, we are in this together. Let us all engage in activities that promote humanity. We engage for impact because we want to see lives transformed," Wanume said.
He added that fundraising initiatives such as the club's annual Cowboy Night would continue to support surgeries for children at CURE Hospital, stressing that every act of goodwill leaves a lasting impact on society.
The colourful installation ceremony ended with celebration and renewed commitment among members that while fellowship remains part of Rotary, service above self will continue to define the organisation's legacy.