Qualify for global grants, Rotary clubs urged

WAKISO - Rotary District 9214 Governor Christine Kyeyune Kawooya has called upon Rotary clubs in the district to take deliberate steps towards qualifying for global grants, emphasising that such grants are key in transforming communities through sustainable projects.

Speaking during her official visit to the Rotary Club of Entebbe Base in Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso District, on Tuesday, the governor underscored the importance of financial discipline, accountability, and community-oriented initiatives if Rotary is to achieve its mission of serving humanity.

Governor Kyeyune explained that global grant qualification opens the door to both financial and technical support for clubs, enabling them to implement large-scale projects in priority areas such as water, sanitation, education, and maternal and child health.

“Qualification requires that a club is registered, has audited accounts, has paid its dues, and most importantly, maintains proper books of accounts,” she said.

In this Rotary year so far, only about 20 of the about 41 clubs in District 9214 qualified for global grants. She, however, expressed optimism that more clubs would attain the status before the year ends, provided they submit their financial records to the qualifications chairperson.

Think local, act global

The governor encouraged clubs to extend their service to regions far from them but cautioned against neglecting their own communities.

“You should implement projects in your vicinity because they are easier to supervise and they also attract new members who see firsthand the impact of Rotary in their community,” she advised.

She commended the Rotary Club of Entebbe Base for its successful projects in the first part of the year, noting that its commitment reflects the true spirit of Rotary.

As part of her district-wide appeal, she urged clubs to prioritise maternal and child health projects, arguing that the survival and well-being of mothers and babies remain at the heart of sustainable development.

“When mothers deliver safely and babies survive, we are building the future of our nations,” she said.

Christine Kyeyune Kawooya (sixth from Left), the Rotary District 9214 Governor, joins Rotarians and staff of Katabi Health Centre III at the health facility in Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso district. This was during the governor’s visit to the club in Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso district, on August 27, 2025. (Credit: Lawrence Mulondo)

Giving back through the Rotary Foundation

Governor Kyeyune reminded members that Rotarians are known for selflessness and giving, which is why contributions to The Rotary Foundation (TRF) are critical.

“As the district governor, I set an ambitious target of US$600,000, approximately sh2.16b for our district to contribute to TRF this year,” she revealed.

“When you give that amount, the district can attract up to two million US dollars in global grants. Every single dollar approximately sh3600 given to TRF returns about usd3.5 approximately sh12,600 in grants. This is why giving matters.”

Rotarian Eva Mugide, president of the Rotary Club of Entebbe Base, thanked the governor for her leadership, constant guidance, and regular supervision through her assistant governor.

She described her leadership as intentional and exemplary.

Mugide highlighted the club’s focus on maternal and child health, as well as water and sanitation. One of their flagship projects is at Katabi Health Centre III, where the club is renovating the maternity ward in phases.

The plan includes equipping the facility with baby warmers, stretcher beds, wheelchairs, and other modern medical equipment.

“We are also planning to partner with other Rotary clubs to construct a modern toilet facility and fence off the placenta pit to avoid accidents,” she explained.

The club has also heeded the governor’s call to support TRF, presenting a cheque of $7,650, approximately sh27.5m during the visit.

“Our members have been generous in just the first 57 days of the Rotary year, and I am confident we will achieve much more by the end of the year,” Mugide said.

Recognition and inductions

The visit also saw the induction of 12 new members into the club. Several Rotarians received the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow pins, while others were honored with the governor’s special pin for serving humanity above self.

The governor later toured Katabi Health Centre III, where she inspected ongoing works at the maternity ward.

Steven Kwereka, in charge of Katabi Health Centre III, said the facility had long struggled with poor infrastructure, including untiled delivery rooms, lack of privacy curtains, and absence of baby warmers.

“Rotarians are helping us uplift standards at our maternity ward in phases. They have promised mosquito nets to protect mothers and newborns from malaria,” Kwereka said.

He added that the facility desperately needs an ambulance fitted with oxygen equipment. The current one has been in service for many years and lacks the oxygen supply necessary for emergencies.

Katabi Health Centre III delivers about 50 mothers monthly, serving residents from Katabi, Kitara, Kisubi, and as far as Kajjansi in Entebbe Municipality.