Fred Kafeero installed as new Rotary Club of Mengo president

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Fred Kafeero has officially been installed as the 38^th president of the Rotary Club of Mengo under District 9214 for the Rotary year 2026/2027, taking over from Ronald Migadde Musoke, who completed his one-year term in office.

The colourful event was held on Friday at Pope Paul Memorial Hotel in Rubaga, Kampala, and attracted a host of dignitaries, Rotarians, family members and friends.

Guests included chief guest Rotarian Mike Kironde, Buganda Kingdom's Princess (Nnaalinnya) Dr Catherine Agnes Nabaloga, the Second Deputy Katikkiro and Minister for Finance in Buganda Kingdom, Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa and District 9214 Governor-elect Daniel Damulira.

The ceremony also featured the installation of new leadership for the Inner Wheel Club of Mengo, where outgoing president Beat Mukasa handed over office to incoming president Monica Byarugaba.

The transition of leadership in the Rotary Club of Mengo was presided over by District 9214 Governor-elect Damulira.

Monica Byarugaba, the newly installed president of Inner Wheel club of Mengo and Fred Kafeero, the newly installed President for the Rotary Club of Mengo, join other dignitaries to cut the cake during their joint installation event. This was at Pope Paul Memorial Hotel, Rubaga, Kampala, on May 15, 2026. (Photo by Lawrence Mulondo)

Monica Byarugaba (third from left), the newly installed president of Inner Wheel club of Mengo and Fred Kafeero (fourth from left), the newly installed President for the Rotary Club of Mengo, posing for a group picture with some of the dignitaries at their joint installation event. This was at Pope Paul Memorial Hotel, Rubaga, Kampala, on May 15, 2026. (Photo by Lawrence Mulondo)

During the ceremony, outgoing president Musoke handed over the presidential collar to Damulira, who, together with chief guest Kironde, officially vested Kafeero as the new club president amid cheers from guests dressed in elegant gomesi and kanzu attire.

'Maintain unity'

Club member Damulira thanked the Rotary Club of Mengo for inviting him to preside over the transition, describing it as a sign of trust and love for the district leadership.

He praised outgoing president Migadde for revitalising the club and restoring its vibrancy.

“For a very long time, this club had become a sleeping giant, but President Migadde dared to wake up the sleeping lion."

He assured the new president that he would not walk the leadership journey alone, noting that all club members were ready to support him.

“The only thing you have to do is maintain unity within the club so that members can continue working together for a common purpose."

Damulira observed that many Rotary clubs struggle because of disunity but commended the Rotary Club of Mengo for remaining cohesive and focused. He also paid tribute to the club’s charter president, the late Nelson Kawalya, saying he understood the importance of nurturing leadership within the club.

'Weight of responsibility'

Accompanied by his wife, Bernadette Kafeero, the incoming president took the oath of office and received instruments of power, including the presidential collar, the president’s gavel, the Rotary bell and the club charter. 

In his acceptance speech, Kafeero acknowledged the enormous responsibility that comes with leading what many members refer to as “the governor’s club”.

“We have constantly been reminded that Mengo is a governor’s club. It is not just a mere club but a responsibility that all members must embrace,” Kafeero said.

“I already feel the weight of that responsibility because we must measure up. We have to be exemplary in everything we do and provide leadership in many areas.”

Kafeero pledged to build on the strong foundation laid by his predecessors instead of reinventing the wheel. He particularly applauded his immediate predecessor for his leadership and efforts in creating partnerships for the club.

He revealed that the club had lined up several activities for the new Rotary year, with major focus placed on completing and operationalising Mukoko Health Centre III in Kalungu district.

“We want to channel most of our efforts towards ensuring that the health centre is completed, equipped and fully functional."

Achievements

Outgoing president Musoke highlighted several achievements registered during his tenure. For instance, club membership grew from 54 to 84 members, strengthening the club significantly.

He also​ revealed that a global grant application initiated by the club in 2022 was approved during his term, enabling the implementation of the Uganda Water Project, through which the club will drill three boreholes in Kalungu.

He noted that contributions to the Rotary Foundation had greatly improved, with members raising over sh56 million against the target of sh37 million.

The ​club registered the highest number of delegates at the recently concluded district conference, with 55 members and their spouses attending the event.

Musoke also pointed to the elevation of Daniel Damulira as District Governor for 2026/2027 as proof of the club’s leadership strength, credibility and influence within Rotary.

He said the club had supported maternal and child health services at Namayumba Health Centre IV in Wakiso district by donating three delivery beds, a 10,000-litre water tank and baby weighing scales worth sh15m.

The ​club adopted Mukoko in Kalungu as a model village where members intend to implement projects in Rotary’s seven areas of focus.

“We started constructing a health centre which has now reached wall plate level and is awaiting roofing. I urge my successor to work hard and ensure that the structure is roofed and completed so that it can begin serving the community,” said Musoke.

'Dedicated workers'

Chief guest Kironde commended the Rotary Club of Mengo for its dedication to service above self, noting that he had closely interacted with the club for the past 13 years.

“Mengo has very serious and dedicated workers, and that is why I always want to associate with this club,” he said, also praising the club’s humanitarian projects and pledging support towards the completion of Mukoko Health Centre III.

Kironde announced that the Kironde Family Foundation would contribute sh7.5 million towards the project and promised to continue following up on its progress.

Assistant Governor-elect Mercy Nalusiba also congratulated Musoke for his tireless service and praised his successor for accepting the responsibility of leading the club at such a crucial time.

She urged members to work together in creating measurable impact in communities during the new Rotary year.

The celebrations were spiced up by a vintage fashion show organised by Rotarian Emmanuel Ssemwanga, cultural dance performances, cake cutting and lively entertainment that kept guests in high spirits throughout the evening.

Kafeero at a glance

Kafeero, who joined the Rotary Club of Mengo in 2001, has previously served as the club’s polio officer and held several leadership positions within Rotary.

Professionally, he is an environmental scientist who has served in various international organisations, including the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), where he worked as a technical officer in Rome and later as FAO resident representative in Tanzania and Nigeria.

He is married to Ann Bernadette Kafeero, and together they have three children and grandchildren.