Namugongo Rotary earmarks over sh100m for sanitation, education project

The Rotary Club of Namugongo has allocated $30,000 (about sh107 million) for the construction of toilet facilities and a science laboratory aimed at improving the lives of students and teachers at Tororo Rock View School in Tororo district.

The club has consistently supported community development initiatives in the fields of education, sanitation and health, particularly in underserved areas with limited access to essential services.

The new project was launched during the joint installation of the 14th Rotary President, Dr John Kameri, and the inaugural Rotaract Club president, Theophilus Arthur Kyagaba, at Abba Hotel in Kyaliwajjala, Namugongo, on Saturday, July 12. Members pledged their support to ensure better access to sanitation at the rural school.

“We bought a Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (CMRI) machine used to produce detailed images of the heart and surrounding blood vessels at Angelinah Hospital, and we have engaged in fighting maternal health challenges. This year, our signature project is water and sanitation and education,” Kameri said.

The sh100 million project is expected to improve sanitation infrastructure and boost education standards in Tororo by helping reduce the prevalence of waterborne diseases and creating a better learning environment.

“In the field of health, we have invested in medical camps, offering free drugs, health consultations and engaged in campaigns promoting proper waste management and disposal,” he added.

Kameri noted that the club has also helped address drug stockouts at various health centres and participated in raising over sh17 billion ($50 million) towards the fight against polio.

In his acceptance speech, Kameri encouraged members to embrace projects with enthusiasm and creativity for improved community service.

“I am grateful for the confidence you have placed in me as your new leader, and I urge you to continue uniting for good to mobilise for the cancer run, polio eradication, maternal health, and water and sanitation projects,” he stated.

A major donor, Kameri, who is also the managing director of Pinnacle Group, contributed $10,000 to the Rotary Foundation and was recognised at the function with a crystal award and a Major Donor lapel pin.

Dan Kiguri, the mobiliser for Cancer Run 2025, announced a partnership between the Rotary Club of Namugongo and Bakaima Real Estate Agents. The collaboration will offer land titles to top contributors in a draw tied to the cancer run.

“When you register to participate, you’ll enter a draw to win a 100x50 plot of land in Kakiri Estate. The runs will be held in Kampala, Mbale, Arua, Fort Portal and abroad,” he said.

Focus on the girl child

Assistant Governor Hope Tumwesigye pledged to support girl-child education and maternal health services nationwide.

Tumwesigye emphasised the organisation’s commitment to empowering girls and women through access to quality education and healthcare.

“We are now required to donate $100 (equivalent to over sh370,000) per member in 52 weeks,” she noted.

“Together, we aim to grow our endowment fund to over $2 billion (approximately sh7.4 trillion) within a year of dedicated service under the theme, ‘The Magic of Rotary in Creating Hope to the Underprivileged,’” she added.

$50m sought for polio fund

District Governor Geoffrey Kitakule urged continued support for the global polio eradication effort through donations and contributions.

As a key partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), Rotary International has been at the forefront of the fight against polio since 1985.

“Every club has been contributing $1,000 to the polio fund, which is Rotary’s flagship global project. I challenge you to make it a priority to fulfil your responsibility in helping to eliminate polio from Uganda,” Kitakule said.

Despite notable progress, Kitakule cautioned that the disease still lingers in parts of the world and warned that the US withdrawal from the WHO poses a threat to the global response.

“I encourage you to continue supporting this cause through donations, advocacy and volunteering,” he added. “Every Rotarian has a role to play, and every contribution, no matter how big or small, matters in the fight to end polio.”

During the event, three new Rotaractors were inducted, along with four honorary members and two new Rotarians.