Dr. Alungat takes helm of Lions Club of Kumi Central, pledges environmental protection
“As we look ahead, fellow Lions, my vision is to strengthen our impact in all our global causes by expanding projects that touch lives in our communities. These include environmental protection through tree planting, proper waste management and disposal, addressing hunger, and promoting better health for our people,” Dr. Alungat said.
New Lions president Kumi Central Dr Barbara Alungat (C) with her boss Moses Kafeero (L) and outgoing Lions president Johnson Opolot. (Credit: Godfrey Ojore)
The Commandant of the Police Senior Command and Staff College Bwebajja, Dr. Barbara Alungat, has pledged to strengthen environmental conservation and community health initiatives after being installed as the 15th President of the Lions Club of Kumi Central.
Dr. Alungat was inducted during a colourful ceremony held on Saturday, bringing together Lions members, government officials, security leaders and community representatives from across the Teso sub-region.
Taking over leadership of one of the region's most active service clubs, Dr. Alungat said her administration would focus on expanding projects that directly improve people's livelihoods while advancing the global causes championed by Lions Clubs International.
“As we look ahead, fellow Lions, my vision is to strengthen our impact in all our global causes by expanding projects that touch lives in our communities.
Founded in 1917, Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organisation, with more than 1.4 million members serving in over 200 countries.
The organisation is renowned for supporting eye care programs, fighting hunger, protecting the environment, providing disaster relief, youth development and humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities.
AIGP Moses Kafeero receiving a souvenir magazine for the installation of Dr Alungat from Dans Naturinda, the leader of the Lions. (Credit: Godfrey Ojore)
In Uganda, Lions clubs have become synonymous with community service, particularly through medical outreach camps, eye surgeries, blood donation drives, environmental restoration and educational support initiatives.
Dr. Alungat assumes leadership at a time when the Lions Club of Kumi Central is being praised for its environmental conservation efforts.
“Kumi was once a largely bare town with very few trees. We considered tree planting as one of the remedies to recurring drought and environmental degradation,” said Lion Dr. John Ekure, one of the club's senior members.
The incoming president also emphasised membership growth as a key priority, noting that attracting more professionals and community-minded individuals into the Lions movement would increase the club's ability to mobilise resources for charitable activities.
“Friends, we have a mission to grow our membership and expand our partnerships so that together we can serve even more people,” she said.
Over the years, the Lions Club of Kumi Central has distinguished itself through a number of community projects. Among its notable achievements are organising eye care camps that enabled many residents suffering from preventable blindness and visual impairment to regain their sight.
The club has also supported security institutions by constructing office facilities worth approximately Sh60 million for Kumi Central Police Station. The offices currently accommodate the District Police Commander and Criminal Investigations Department personnel.
Dr John Ekure leading Lions in a dance for celebrating the installation of Dr Alungat who is behind him. (Credit: Godfrey Ojore)
Outgoing President Johnson Olupot said the club had additionally worked with the boda boda community to promote road safety through traffic management sensitisation and safe riding campaigns.
“Our interventions are intended to improve people's lives and make communities safer and healthier,” Olupot said during the handover ceremony.
The chief guest, Assistant Inspector General of Police Moses Kafeero, the Director of Human Resource Development and Training, congratulated Dr. Alungat upon assuming office and expressed confidence in her ability to lead the volunteer organisation.
The Executive Director National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Dr Barirega Akankwasah, was in attendance.
As Dr. Alungat begins her tenure, expectations are high that the club will build on its legacy of service while expanding efforts to tackle environmental challenges, improve health outcomes and strengthen community resilience across the Teso sub-region.