Lions Club of Kampala Host new president Muhwezi pledges community service

Lions undertake humanitarian work in areas such as vision care, diabetes awareness, hunger relief, environmental conservation, childhood cancer support and disaster response.

Club leadership changes annually at the beginning of every Lions year on July 1, allowing members to share leadership responsibilities while sustaining continuity in service.

Taking over the club's leadership, Muhwezi described his election as both an honour and a call to greater service.

"I didn't imagine that you would entrust me with this responsibility," he told members after receiving the presidential gavel.

He paid tribute to his predecessor (Orishaba), pledging to strengthen community service, deepen fellowship among members, increase the club's visibility and forge stronger partnerships with sister clubs and other organisations.

“Our communities continue to face many challenges, including health needs, environmental concerns, and the need to support the vulnerable. As Lions, we must remain responsive, practical, and compassionate,” Muhwezi said.

He added; “We shall continue supporting our projects at Kampala School of the Physically Handicapped in Mengo, Kampala School for the Deaf in Ntinda, Naguru Reception Centre for Children and the Environmental Waste Recycling Initiative with KCCA (Kampala Capital City Authority).”

Orishaba handed over office after what members described as a successful year that saw the Lions Club of Kampala Host recognised as the district's best-performing club.

During Orishaba's tenure, the club contributed $5,045 (sh18.4m) to the Lions Clubs International Foundation and twinned with ten Lions clubs to expand its service footprint.

Using a deck of playing cards as an illustration, Orishaba reminded members that every Lion has a unique contribution to make.

"Every card has the potential to make you win, but also has the potential to make you lose. The difference is how you use them, how you work with those cards,” he said.

Orishaba urged the new leadership to appreciate the diversity of members, noting that different strengths contribute to the club's success.

"There is no card that is more important than the other. It depends on the circumstances," he observed, encouraging leaders to harness every member's potential.

Orishaba also challenged members to support the Lions Clubs International Foundation, describing it as the institution that binds Lions worldwide.

The night’s chief guest, Dr Hannington Byarugaba, the group chief executive officer of City Ambulance, applauded Lions for dedicating their time and resources to improving communities, saying acts of service ultimately benefit both society and the volunteer.

"I have listened carefully. What you are doing is great work, and I have confidence that the new team that is coming in is going to do wonders," he said.

Congratulating Muhwezi and his executive, Byarugaba described leadership in voluntary organisations as a demanding but fulfilling responsibility.

"This responsibility is not very easy. It requires commitment; it requires dedication," he said.

Drawing from his experience as a medical professional and entrepreneur, Byarugaba said service creates opportunities for personal and professional growth. 

"What I'm trying to say is that by serving the community, you gain a lot more," he said, adding; "In service, you gain a lot more than even the people that you serve-spiritually, emotionally, but also materially."

He challenged members to embrace leadership positions within the club to nurture future leaders before announcing that City Ambulance would partner with the Lions Club of Kampala Host in its community outreach programmes.

As the formal ceremony gave way to dinner, dancing and live music, members celebrated not only a change in leadership, but also the enduring spirit of Lionism - one that continues to inspire volunteers to put service above self while transforming lives in communities across Uganda and beyond.