New Masindi Lions Club sets sights on school dropouts, climate change
"By June next year, we aim to reach 30 members. Our primary focus will be on addressing the high dropout rate, a significant challenge in Masindi," said Bahemuka.
Members of Masindi Lion Club repainting a Zebra crossing at Masindi-Kigumba Highway. (Photos by Yosam Gucwaki)
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The national leadership of Lions Clubs International has officially launched the Lions Club of Masindi, an initiative aimed at tackling the high primary school dropout rate and promoting environmental sustainability through tree planting in schools.
During an event held at Masindi Kolping Hotel on August 15, 2022, 24 individuals were formally inducted and installed as charter members of the Lions Club of Masindi.
In his inaugural address, Godfrey Bahemuka, the Masindi district community development officer and newly appointed club president, explained that the club was registered in June 2026 and currently has 24 members.
"By June next year, we aim to reach 30 members. Our primary focus will be on addressing the high dropout rate, a significant challenge in Masindi. We plan to engage parents and learners to help them understand the invaluable benefits of education," he stated, adding that they had already identified schools most affected by the problem.
Bahemuka further highlighted some of their preliminary activities, including planting 160 fruit and shade trees at Kabalye Juvenile Remand Home, a facility that previously lacked trees, and at the Masindi District Local Government headquarters.
The members also repainted a zebra crossing at St Edward's Primary School along the busy Masindi-Kigumba road to enhance safety for pupils crossing the highway.
Godfrey Bahemuka (centre), the President of the Masindi Lions Club, receiving a certificate of charter membership from Rogers Byamukama (right), the MP for Masindi Municipality and Tush Natulinda, the District governor
"Next year in February, we will host an eye surgical camp in Masindi, as we've identified a prevalent need for eye care in the district," he explained.
He also noted plans to plant 200 fruit and shade trees in four identified primary and secondary schools that are in dire need of them.
Bahemuka emphasised that each member of the Masindi Lions Club is also required to plant 10 fruit trees at a location of their choice and ensure they grow.
"We are committed to community-focused initiatives, including sensitisation on various issues, mobilisation, and counselling. I encourage new members to join and popularise the club to help us raise resources for vulnerable groups," he urged.
"Seek collaborations that will foster your growth. Work with the government, leaders, schools, civil society organisations, and other institutions. Prioritise helping communities in need. View collaborations as a key to success and continue doing good," Natulinda advised.
Officiating as the chief guest, Rogers Byamukama, the Member of Parliament for Masindi Municipality, challenged the club's leaders to extend its reach beyond civil servants.
"Take this initiative beyond district and municipal civil servants. Engage the business community and other community members to expand your resource base. Recruit from homes, churches, and various other categories. This club primarily thrives on volunteerism," he said, encouraging Masindi members to regularly visit other clubs during their activities.
The executive members of the Masindi Lions Club include Godfrey Bahemuka, community development officer, as president; Cyrus Opigo, principal human resource officer, Masindi, as first vice-president; Clare Wamara, labour officer, Masindi, as second vice-president; Stella Tumusiime, senior office superintendent, as secretary; and Moses Kalyegira, district commercial officer, as treasurer.
Other key members are Brian Atuhuura, district communication officer, as chairperson of marketing; Tony Okwee, as club administrator; and David Baguma, chief finance officer, Masindi, as club service chairperson, among other members.
During their induction and installation, members were briefed on their responsibilities according to their respective portfolios.
Representatives from other Lions Clubs, including Hoima, Arua, Sheema, Kampala Generation and Ibanda, were also present at the event.