News
Over 600 Rotarians to miss international convention in Taipei
“We have missed going to the international convention in Taipei. It wasn’t our making. We all looked out forward, and Uganda had one of the biggest registrations, about 600 of us. We were ready to go to Taipei, and we were denied the opportunity,” disclosed Rotary International director Emmanuel Katongole.
Rebecca Mwesigwa Luwaga cuts a cake with her husband as other Rotarians and family members look on during the installation of the 8th president of the Rotary Club of Muyenga Tank hill at Hotel International Muyenga on 6th June 2026. (Credit: Juliet Kasirye)
By: Juliet Kasirye, Journalist @New Vision
More than 600 Rotarians from Uganda will miss the Rotary International Convention in Taipei, Taiwan, scheduled to take place from June 13 to 17, 2026, due to the Ebola outbreak and travel restrictions imposed by some countries.
The convention is one of Rotary's largest global gatherings, bringing together members from around the world to share innovative projects, exchange best practices and strengthen international partnerships.
“We have missed going to the international convention in Taipei. It wasn’t our making. We all looked out forward, and Uganda had one of the biggest registrations, about 600 of us. We were ready to go to Taipei, and we were denied the opportunity,” disclosed Rotary International director Emmanuel Katongole.
Although Ugandan Rotarians will miss the opportunity to attend the Taipei convention, Katongole said efforts are underway to host a major Rotary event in Uganda from October 1 to 3 this year.
According to Katongole, the event, dubbed the All Africa Zone Institute, will give Rotarians in Uganda an opportunity to experience an international-level Rotary gathering.
The event is expected to attract top Rotary leaders, including the Rotary International president, the president-elect, the general secretary and 14 members of the Rotary International Board.
“This will be the first time in history that the board of Rotary International meets in a single country like Uganda. Come to the All Africa Zone Institute, and I promise you personal care. As you enjoy the year, let us continue to create a lasting impact in the world,” Katongole told Rotarians.
The All Africa Zone Institute is regarded as a premier Rotary event that brings together leaders from across the continent for training, workshops, fellowship and networking opportunities aimed at strengthening service initiatives.
Katongole made the remarks during the installation of the eighth president of the Rotary Club of Muyenga Tank Hill at Hotel International Muyenga on June 6, 2026.
The event is expected to attract top Rotary leaders, including the Rotary International president, the president-elect, the general secretary and 14 members of the Rotary International Board.
“This will be the first time in history that the board of Rotary International meets in a single country like Uganda. Come to the All Africa Zone Institute, and I promise you personal care. As you enjoy the year, let us continue to create a lasting impact in the world,” Katongole told Rotarians.
The All Africa Zone Institute is regarded as a premier Rotary event that brings together leaders from across the continent for training, workshops, fellowship and networking opportunities aimed at strengthening service initiatives.
Katongole made the remarks during the installation of the eighth president of the Rotary Club of Muyenga Tank Hill at Hotel International Muyenga on June 6, 2026.
Kenneth Rubango, outgoing president of Rotary Club of Muyenga Tankhill with some of the new inducted Rotaract members during the installation of the 8th president of the Rotary Club of Muyenga Tank hill at Hotel International Muyenga on 6th June 2026. (Credit: Juliet Kasirye)
During the ceremony, governor nominee designate Peter Kaggwa inducted eight Rotaractors and recognised Rotarian Vivien Katusabe as the club's outstanding member of the year.
In recognition of her exemplary service, Katusabe received a wristwatch and a fully paid two-night getaway for two at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
Although Uganda has registered relatively few Ebola cases, concerns have been raised over the impact of international restrictions on Ugandans.
On May 30, 2026, retired assistant inspector general of police Asan Kasingye expressed concern on his X account about what he described as unfair treatment of Uganda by other countries over Ebola-related concerns.
Kasingye posted that “I think Uganda is harshly judged by other countries on Ebola, and this may hurt our economy. I have seen fellow Rotarians’ visas to the RI convention cancelled because of Ebola. Some flights have been cancelled by certain airlines. Yet, other countries neighbouring the RDC are not affected. Could they be concealing cases? I am glad my country is open about the cases & steps taken to stop the spread of the disease. That is what responsible countries do.”
During the installation ceremony, outgoing Rotary Club of Muyenga Tank Hill president Kenneth Rubango highlighted some of the club's major achievements over the past year, including securing six global grants.
Working with 30 partner clubs, Rubango said the club had implemented 25 projects, including the Governor's Signature Project, known as the Oxygen for Life Project, which uses solar power to provide medical oxygen to mothers and newborns.
“The project was funded with a global grant of $96,000 [about sh362 million] from Rotary International. Among global grants in the action year, this is one of the six approved global grants in one year,” disclosed Rubango.
Rubango also highlighted several international partner projects, including anaesthesia and electrosurgical systems in Brazil and the delivery of dialysis machines in India. Local projects included the Mengo Hospital Rotary Blood Bank TTI Machine, the WASH Technician Certification Project and the training of midwives in Uganda.
According to Rubango, such projects are made possible through members' contributions to the Rotary Foundation.
To attract additional grants, Rubango said the club had already committed $33,000 (about sh124 million) to the Foundation ahead of the upcoming impact year.
“Thanks to the giving of each of you, we are leading the fight against polio. Since next year is the impact year, in building for the future, we have committed so far $33,000 that will be donated to the foundation in the impact year.”
Rubango also called on clubs across Rotary District 9214 to support the Run for the Nile Initiative, which seeks to address pollution in the River Nile.
“I especially encourage District 9214 clubs to support this Run for the Nile. On average, every adult has about two teaspoons of plastics logged in their brain, and you consume that from the food and water you drink because it is polluted. This project focuses on cleaning the water before it enters the River Nile.” Rubango stated.
Addressing members, president-elect Rebecca Mwesigwa Luwaga said the club's achievements should not only be measured through awards, projects, fellowship or visibility, but also through the lives transformed, partnerships strengthened, and confidence built within the club.
“Our focus will be to create lasting impact by strengthening member engagement, delivering meaningful service projects, growing our club intentionally, supporting the Rotary Foundation, and deepening our connection with the communities we serve,” explained Luwaga.
She urged members to build on the club's strong foundation and continue serving with dedication.
“To lead with kindness, teamwork and discipline. Let us create a lasting impact.”
About the 2026–2027 president-elect
Rebecca Mwesigwa Namatovu Tusubira Luwaga, popularly known as Becky, is a member of the Tusubira family and has been married to Fred Luwaga since 2005. Together, they have five sons.
An entrepreneur with interests across several sectors, Luwaga holds a Master of Business Administration from Makerere University Business School. She is also a Rotary Leadership Institute graduate and a Paul Harris Fellow.
During the handover ceremony, governor nominee-designate Peter Kaggwa commended Luwaga for accepting the responsibility of leading the club.
He noted that not many people are willing to take on the demanding role because it requires significant dedication and commitment.
Since joining Rotary in 2022, Luwaga has built a strong record of service rooted in strategy, accountability and people-centred leadership. She has served in several positions, including Family of Rotary Director, District Conference Assembly Officer, Membership Director and Secretariat member.
In recognition of her exemplary service, Katusabe received a wristwatch and a fully paid two-night getaway for two at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
Although Uganda has registered relatively few Ebola cases, concerns have been raised over the impact of international restrictions on Ugandans.
On May 30, 2026, retired assistant inspector general of police Asan Kasingye expressed concern on his X account about what he described as unfair treatment of Uganda by other countries over Ebola-related concerns.
Kasingye posted that “I think Uganda is harshly judged by other countries on Ebola, and this may hurt our economy. I have seen fellow Rotarians’ visas to the RI convention cancelled because of Ebola. Some flights have been cancelled by certain airlines. Yet, other countries neighbouring the RDC are not affected. Could they be concealing cases? I am glad my country is open about the cases & steps taken to stop the spread of the disease. That is what responsible countries do.”
During the installation ceremony, outgoing Rotary Club of Muyenga Tank Hill president Kenneth Rubango highlighted some of the club's major achievements over the past year, including securing six global grants.
Working with 30 partner clubs, Rubango said the club had implemented 25 projects, including the Governor's Signature Project, known as the Oxygen for Life Project, which uses solar power to provide medical oxygen to mothers and newborns.
“The project was funded with a global grant of $96,000 [about sh362 million] from Rotary International. Among global grants in the action year, this is one of the six approved global grants in one year,” disclosed Rubango.
Rubango also highlighted several international partner projects, including anaesthesia and electrosurgical systems in Brazil and the delivery of dialysis machines in India. Local projects included the Mengo Hospital Rotary Blood Bank TTI Machine, the WASH Technician Certification Project and the training of midwives in Uganda.
According to Rubango, such projects are made possible through members' contributions to the Rotary Foundation.
To attract additional grants, Rubango said the club had already committed $33,000 (about sh124 million) to the Foundation ahead of the upcoming impact year.
“Thanks to the giving of each of you, we are leading the fight against polio. Since next year is the impact year, in building for the future, we have committed so far $33,000 that will be donated to the foundation in the impact year.”
Rubango also called on clubs across Rotary District 9214 to support the Run for the Nile Initiative, which seeks to address pollution in the River Nile.
“I especially encourage District 9214 clubs to support this Run for the Nile. On average, every adult has about two teaspoons of plastics logged in their brain, and you consume that from the food and water you drink because it is polluted. This project focuses on cleaning the water before it enters the River Nile.” Rubango stated.
Addressing members, president-elect Rebecca Mwesigwa Luwaga said the club's achievements should not only be measured through awards, projects, fellowship or visibility, but also through the lives transformed, partnerships strengthened, and confidence built within the club.
“Our focus will be to create lasting impact by strengthening member engagement, delivering meaningful service projects, growing our club intentionally, supporting the Rotary Foundation, and deepening our connection with the communities we serve,” explained Luwaga.
She urged members to build on the club's strong foundation and continue serving with dedication.
“To lead with kindness, teamwork and discipline. Let us create a lasting impact.”
About the 2026–2027 president-elect
Rebecca Mwesigwa Namatovu Tusubira Luwaga, popularly known as Becky, is a member of the Tusubira family and has been married to Fred Luwaga since 2005. Together, they have five sons.
An entrepreneur with interests across several sectors, Luwaga holds a Master of Business Administration from Makerere University Business School. She is also a Rotary Leadership Institute graduate and a Paul Harris Fellow.
During the handover ceremony, governor nominee-designate Peter Kaggwa commended Luwaga for accepting the responsibility of leading the club.
He noted that not many people are willing to take on the demanding role because it requires significant dedication and commitment.
Since joining Rotary in 2022, Luwaga has built a strong record of service rooted in strategy, accountability and people-centred leadership. She has served in several positions, including Family of Rotary Director, District Conference Assembly Officer, Membership Director and Secretariat member.