Rotarians urged to step up as humanitarian aid declines

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As humanitarian aid to Uganda continues to dwindle, Rotarians across the country have been urged to step up their contributions and expand their efforts to support vulnerable communities.

Past district governor John Magezi Ndamira of District 9213 made the appeal while officiating as the guest of honour at the installation ceremony of Joseph Ssebwana as the ninth president of the Rotary Club of Muyenga Sunday Sunset.

The event took place on July 6, 2025, at Hotel International Muyenga.

Ndamira stressed that with international humanitarian assistance declining, particularly in key sectors such as health, Rotary clubs in Uganda must close the gap by increasing support and expanding strategically.

Joseph Ssebwana, the ninth president of the Rotary club of Muyenga Sunday Sunset giving his maiden speech shortly after being handed instruments of power at Hotel International Muyenga on July 6, 2025. (Photo by Lawrence Mulondo)

“With the reduced humanitarian assistance in areas like health, some services will no longer be delivered as before. As Rotarians, we need more hands on deck. We need more members in existing clubs and must establish more clubs across the country to better serve communities,” he said.

He also called on members to raise their contributions to the Rotary Foundation, which reinvests funds and redirects them into local humanitarian projects.

A call to serve above self

Ndamira reminded Rotarians of their guiding principle, “Service Above Self,” and the profound impact they can have in transforming lives.

He highlighted Rotary’s areas of focus: promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water and sanitation, saving mothers and children, supporting education, growing local economies, and protecting the environment.

“We realised that we cannot be an island. There are members of our communities who are less privileged. We must strive to create meaningful change,” he said.

He encouraged Rotarians to set tangible goals for boosting contributions and to be intentional in inspiring others to join the cause.

Ndamira further urged the incoming president to grow club membership, citing Rotary International President Francisco’s call for every member to recruit at least one new member.

Offering advice to Ssebwana, he emphasised humility and accountability in leadership.

“You’re leading volunteers who have different interests and commitments beyond Rotary. Listen to them with humility, lead with compassion, but also be brave and maintain integrity. Your members want accountability, give it to them and they’ll support you more,” he advised.

He officially handed over the chain of office and gavel to Ssebwana, symbolising his new role as club president.

New president outlines vision for growth

In his inaugural address, president Ssebwana said the focus for the year would be on member retention and growth.

“As a club, we currently have 42 members. We aim to grow to at least 50,” he said.

Acknowledging the challenges in member retention, he pledged to strengthen internal engagement and add value to club membership by introducing a SACCO for members.

The club also plans to continue its flagship initiative, the Girl Child Empowerment Project, which supports underprivileged girls in Namuwongo with school fees and vocational training.

“We raised sh47m in our first fundraiser. So far, we support eight girls. We spend about sh11.5m annually. If we grow our fund to sh100m and invest it, we can sustainably support these girls using the annual interest without touching the principal,” he said.

Expanding community impact

Ssebwana revealed plans to raise sh111 million to expand the Girl Child Empowerment Project to include vocational training in tailoring, catering, events management, mechanics, financial literacy, and computer skills.

The club is also supporting maternal health through a partnership with Hallelujah Joint Maternity Clinic in Alebtong district. Over 700 mothers have benefitted from subsidised maternity services and mama kits.

The club now aims to secure a global grant of about sh215m ($60,000) to renovate the clinic’s theatre, supply essential equipment, and install a stable water and power system.

In the 2025 Rotary year, the club plans to raise at least sh28.7m ($8,000) for the Rotary Foundation.

Celebrating past achievements

Immediate past president Aggrey Ashaba highlighted the club’s accomplishments over the past year. These included planting more than 8,000 trees, far exceeding their target of 5,000, as part of an environmental conservation campaign in schools and communities.

The club also launched a new Rotaract Club, Muyenga Sauti Nzuri, comprising young professionals and university students, to support Rotary initiatives.

In the area of health, the club held an eye clinic in Namuwongo, treating over 700 people. Of these, 400 received spectacles, greatly improving their quality of life.

Rotarians cut cake to celebrate Joseph Ssebwana’s (sixth from Left) installation as the ninth president of the Rotary club of Muyenga Sunday Sunset. This was at Hotel International Muyenga on July 6, 2025. (Photo by Lawrence Mulondo)

“Some were children who had stopped school due to poor eyesight, and others were breadwinners unable to work. This is something the club will continue to push forward,” Ashaba said.

He concluded by advising the new president to always listen to club members, reminding him that Rotary is a voluntary organisation.

About the new president

Joseph Ssebwana is a pharmacist with the Ministry of Health and a member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda.

He holds a Master’s in Public Health and a Diploma in Project Planning and Management from the Uganda Management Institute, as well as a Bachelor of Pharmacy from Makerere University.

He attended King’s College Budo for O-Level and St Henry’s College Kitovu for A-Level. He currently serves as the director of pharmacy at Horizon Pharmaceuticals in Kololo and Royal Pharmacies in Arua City.

Ssebwana has served the Rotary Club of Muyenga Sunday Sunset in various roles, including director of programmes from 2021 to 2024.