Kiiza takes over Kampala Central Lions Club, pledges stronger community impact

________________

Dr Hilary Kiiza has been installed as the 32nd President of the Kampala Central Lions Club under District 411B for the 2026/2027 Lions year, succeeding Lion Narcisio Bangirana, who completed his one-year term.

The colourful installation ceremony was held at Hotel Eliana in Kampala on June 20, 2026, and was presided over by the immediate past district governor of Lions District 411B, Dr Stanley Bubikire, who served as chief guest and installation officer.

(L-R): Narcisio Bangirana, the Outgoing President of the Kampala Central Lions Club, Dr. Stanley Bubikire, the Immediate Past District Governor for District 411B and Dr. Hilary Kiiza the new President of the Kampala Central Lions Club pose for a picture during the 32nd presidential installation ceremony of the Kampala Central Lions Club at Hotel Eliana in Kampala on June 21, 2026. (Photo by Lawrence Mulondo)

Upon taking the oath of office, Kiiza described his appointment as both an honour and a responsibility. He said the club had profoundly shaped his life since he joined in 2017, offering friendship, mentorship, leadership opportunities and valuable service experiences.

“All that I have gained has deepened my understanding of what it truly means to be a Lion,” he said. “This position is not a privilege but a call to service. It is a call to lead with humility, listen before speaking, unite before directing and serve before being served.”

Kiiza paid tribute to his predecessor, Bangirana and his board for their commitment and achievements during the 2025/2026 Lions year despite various challenges.

Membership growth focus

One of Kiiza’s key priorities will be increasing club membership in line with Lions Clubs International’s global vision of expanding membership beyond its current level of slightly over 1.4 million members worldwide.

(L-R Front) Lion Catherine Kiiza and Dr. Hilary Kiiza the new President of the Kampala Central Lions Club arriving at the 32nd presidential installation ceremony of the Kampala Central Lions Club with a dance in company of other club members. This was at Hotel Eliana in Kampala on June 21, 2026. (Photo by Lawrence Mulondo)

“We shall focus on recruitment, retention and member satisfaction,” he said. “We will strengthen mentorship, leadership development, fellowship and meaningful service projects so that every member feels valued and inspired to serve.”

Kiiza acknowledged that achieving the club’s ambitions will require teamwork and pledged to rely on the experience of past presidents, the guidance of the board, the participation of members and the energy of the Leos.

“I cannot succeed alone. Together, we can achieve far more for the communities we serve,” he noted.

Health project priority

At the heart of Kiiza’s agenda is the completion of the sh700 million Bulyankuyege Children’s Health Centre in Wakiso District, a flagship project of the Kampala Central Lions Club.

The facility is being constructed in Bulyankuyege village, Busukuma subcounty, a rural and largely agricultural community where access to health services remains a challenge.

Kiiza explained that the club initially planned to establish a youth centre in the area but revised the plan after a needs assessment revealed significant gaps in healthcare access, particularly for mothers and children.

“We found that many children were delaying to receive medical attention and expectant mothers faced difficulties reaching health facilities, especially during labour,” he said. “We realised that a children’s health centre would have a much greater impact on the community.”

The club acquired land and began construction of the facility’s main block. The project later received a grant of approximately US$200,000 from the Lions Clubs International Foundation, which significantly boosted progress.

Kiiza said the first phase of construction is expected to be completed by November this year. Future plans include additional wards and support facilities, to be developed through fundraising and partnerships.

He said the centre will provide healthcare services for children and mothers, alongside vision care and treatment for common illnesses, in line with Lions Clubs International’s global service priorities.

“I envision this facility becoming a beacon of hope for vulnerable children and families,” he said. “It will deliver healthcare, support youth development, host outreach programmes and demonstrate the power of service.”

Partnerships and sustainability

Kiiza said the club plans to work closely with Wakiso District Local Government and the Ministry of Health to ensure sustainable management of the facility once construction is complete.

(seated front L-R): Narcisio Bangirana the Outgoing President of the Kampala Central Lions Club, Lion Catherine Kiiza, Dr. Hilary Kiiza the new President of the Kampala Central Lions Club, Dr. Stanley Bubikire the Immediate Past District Governor for District 411B and the new leaders of the Kampala Central Lions Club pose for a group photo during the 32nd presidential installation ceremony of the Kampala Central Lions Club at Hotel Eliana in Kampala on June 21, 2026. (Photo by Lawrence Mulondo)

“We want to collaborate with government to determine how the health centre will be staffed, equipped and managed so that it can effectively serve the community for many years,” he said.

He also revealed plans to mobilise additional funds for a perimeter wall and other infrastructure needed to secure the facility and protect both patients and staff.

Beyond healthcare, the club will continue implementing community service programmes focusing on environmental conservation, hunger relief, diabetes awareness and eyesight screening.

“We want the community to understand the work of Lions and feel part of this project from the beginning,” he said.

Service and leadership

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Stanley Bubikire urged members to prioritise membership growth, saying a larger membership base would enable the organisation to serve more people.

“We need to serve with passion so that we can put smiles on the faces of those who need our help,” he said. “True wealth is not measured by money but by the impact we make in the lives of others.”

He described leadership as responsibility rather than power and encouraged leaders to be innovative, adaptable, good listeners and willing to delegate.

“A leader must be future-oriented, enthusiastic and passionate about what he or she does,” Bubikire said.

Legacy and expectations

Outgoing president Narcisio Bangirana reflected on the club’s achievements during his tenure and over its 31-year history.

Founded in March 1995, the Kampala Central Lions Club has contributed to vision care, childhood cancer support, environmental conservation and education.

Recent initiatives include a five-acre forest in Namulonge in partnership with the Lions Club of Greater Kasangati, support to Kampala School for the Physically Handicapped in Mengo, and a solar lighting system donation to Salaam School for the Blind in Kisoga, Mukono District.

Bangirana also highlighted partnerships with the Kingdom of Buganda in medical camps and tree-planting activities.

He urged the new leadership to build on existing achievements and translate lessons learned into greater community impact.

Lion Gervase Ndyanabo expressed confidence in the new leadership, describing Kiiza as a dedicated servant leader.

“We are confident that the new leadership will do a great job,” Ndyanabo said.

Lion Israel Manzi said members expect the new leadership to strengthen membership growth, support formation of new clubs and increase youth participation.

“We also expect the new president to engage more young people and inspire them to join the club,” Manzi said.