Rotary bets on young leaders to scale up community impact

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Rotary International is scaling up its impact in Uganda, with District 9214 spotlighting the role of young leaders and innovative projects in transforming communities.

Emmanuel Katongole, Rotary International director-elect for Africa (Zone 22), said membership growth and strategic partnerships are key to extending Rotary’s global reach.

Katongole, who was speaking during the valedictory visit of the District Governor at Hotel International, Muyenga, on April 2, 2026, noted that participation remains the first priority.

Thursday Club Presidents posing for a photo moment at Hotel International during the Joint Thursday Club District Governor’s Valedictory Fellowship at Hotel International in Muyenga.

“The more people we bring on board, the greater the impact we create not just locally, but across the world.”

He emphasised Rotary’s strategic plan of building a movement where every project, member, and partnership contributes to measurable change.

“The work being done here in Uganda shows what’s possible when vision meets action.”

The Rotary Club of Muyenga Tank Hill exemplifies this vision, having completed 22 projects with 30 partner clubs, including an innovative solar-powered oxygen system at Kalangala Health Centre IV.

The initiative, part of the district’s “Oxygen for Life” flagship programme, is the first of its kind in Uganda and is being positioned for replication nationwide.

Kenneth Rubango, president of the Rotary Club of Muyenga Tank Hill, said they are writing grants and building partnerships to extend these solutions to other communities.

“This is a model of what can happen when Rotary clubs unite under a shared mission,” he noted.

District Governor Christine Kyeyune Kawoya, who chartered the club in 2019, lauded its achievements, noting that local efforts can have national and even global significance.

Rotarians attending the Joint Thursday Club District Governor’s Valedictorian Fellowship at Hotel International.

“I am proud to return to my home club and see how leadership, innovation, and collaboration are shaping meaningful change,” she said.

The event also highlighted the growing influence of young professionals in Rotary, with six new members inducted and 34 contributors recognised for supporting The Rotary Foundation.

John Mooli, an accountant and new member, spoke about the inspiration he drew from senior leaders, describing service as a gift.

Despite these achievements, leaders acknowledged challenges in member participation. Benjamin Bwanika, assistant governor, encouraged more Ugandans to join Rotary, noting that increased engagement is critical to scaling impact.