News
Rotary Club of Muyenga's Mugume bows out with strong legacy
Reflecting on his year at the helm, outgoing Rotary Club of Muyenga president Alex Mugume Bwomezi says it has been one of impact, growth, partnership, fellowship and purposeful service.
Outgoing Rotary Club of Muyenga president Alex Mugume Bwomezi (C) with his team during the presidential installation at Las Vegas Hotel in Bunga, Kampala, on June 27, 2026. (Credit: Simon Peter Tumwine)
By: Nelson Kiva, Journalist @New Vision
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ROTARY IN UGANDA
A melodious evening of celebration, reflection and renewed commitment to humanitarian service on Saturday (June 27) unfolded at Las Vegas Hotel in Bunga, Kampala, where the Rotary Club of Muyenga was set to install Centenary Bank's Beatrice Lugalambi as its president for the 2026/2027 Rotary year.
The colourful installation ceremony drew an impressive audience comprising senior Rotary leaders from across Uganda, academicians, religious leaders, politicians, security , civil society representatives and business, underscoring the growing influence of Rotary in advancing community development.
The atmosphere was characterised by elegant décor, live musical performances, moments of fellowship, sumptuous cuisine and drinks, punctuated by celebratory speeches honouring the club's achievements over the past year while setting the tone for a new chapter of service under Lugalambi's leadership.
The installation forms part of a worldwide Rotary transition as clubs across the globe usher in new presidents ahead of the commencement of the 2026/2027 Rotary year on July 1.
Every year, Rotary clubs simultaneously renew their leadership to sustain the organisation's mission of creating lasting change through humanitarian service, peacebuilding, disease prevention, education, environmental conservation and economic empowerment.
Before formally handing over the mantle, outgoing president Alex Mugume Bwomezi delivered an emotional address reflecting on what he described as one of the club's most successful years.
"As I reflect on this year, I do so with immense pride and gratitude. It has been an extraordinary year for the Rotary Club of Muyenga. A year of impact, growth, partnership, fellowship and purposeful service," he told guests.
Mugume paid glowing tribute to his leadership team, advisers and the entire club membership, crediting them for transforming ambitious plans into tangible community projects.
"I would like to sincerely thank my board and my advisers for their exemplary leadership, standing alongside me through my term. To each and every member of the Rotary Club of Muyenga, thank you for your contributions, enthusiasm and service.
Every year, Rotary clubs simultaneously renew their leadership to sustain the organisation's mission of creating lasting change through humanitarian service, peacebuilding, disease prevention, education, environmental conservation and economic empowerment.
Before formally handing over the mantle, outgoing president Alex Mugume Bwomezi delivered an emotional address reflecting on what he described as one of the club's most successful years.
"As I reflect on this year, I do so with immense pride and gratitude. It has been an extraordinary year for the Rotary Club of Muyenga. A year of impact, growth, partnership, fellowship and purposeful service," he told guests.
Mugume paid glowing tribute to his leadership team, advisers and the entire club membership, crediting them for transforming ambitious plans into tangible community projects.
"I would like to sincerely thank my board and my advisers for their exemplary leadership, standing alongside me through my term. To each and every member of the Rotary Club of Muyenga, thank you for your contributions, enthusiasm and service.
"Your collective effort has been instrumental in achieving the milestones and successes that we celebrate today."
In recognition of that contribution, Mugume honoured members of his leadership team with certificates and accolades in appreciation of their dedication and outstanding service throughout his tenure.
The recognition ceremony attracted prolonged applause from guests, with members celebrating each other's commitment to Rotary's motto of "Service Above Self".
Mugume said the Rotary Club of Muyenga embraced the Rotary Action Plan by concentrating on increasing its impact, expanding its reach, strengthening member engagement and improving institutional adaptability.
"These priorities shaped our work and helped us deliver service to our communities," he noted.
Among the highlights of his administration was the transformation of the club into a multi-project global grant club, with five international grant projects at different stages of implementation.
"Our projected global grant utilisation for the year stands at approximately $526,560 (sh1.93 billion), which is more than half a million dollars committed towards sustainable community impact," said Mugume.
The outgoing president highlighted several landmark health interventions, including specialised medical equipment secured through Rotary International grants valued at $185,500 (sh681 million) and $67,000 (sh246 million).
"These interventions are expected to serve between 3,000 and 5,000 patients every month and strengthen support to more than 100 health facilities across Uganda."
He also cited the commissioning of the Kaweeri Solar Clean Water Supply Project and continued support to maternal and child healthcare through the provision of ultrasound machines and phototherapy units to health facilities.
Beyond global grants, Mugume said members remained deeply engaged in grassroots service.
Together with 17 partner clubs, Rotary Club of Muyenga organised a medical camp that benefited more than 700 residents, while another outreach conducted with the Rotary Club of Medical Stars provided medical services to over 1,000 people.
"That was a very great achievement on the front of projects," he remarked.
Education also remained a priority, with the refurbishment of schools. The club also secured laboratory equipment worth $40,000 (sh147 million) under the district Governor's flagship project, with the potential to benefit schools across Uganda.
Financial support to The Rotary Foundation equally registered remarkable growth.
"Our commitment to The Rotary Foundation remains strong," said Mugume after announcing that the club contributed $150,000 (sh551 million) during the Rotary year, bringing its cumulative giving to more than $1.236m (sh4.5 billion).
Membership growth also featured prominently in his scorecard, saying the club welcomed eight new Rotarians and three returning members while maintaining an impressive retention rate of 98 percent.
"Our female membership grew to 38.6 percent, strengthening diversity and inclusion in our club."
Additionally, all 173 members of Rotary Club of Muyenga are now Paul Harris Fellows, while six additional major donors joined the club during the year.
Mugume said that the club also emerged as the leading contributor to Uganda's annual Cancer Run after mobilising sh75.6 million.
In recognition of that contribution, Mugume honoured members of his leadership team with certificates and accolades in appreciation of their dedication and outstanding service throughout his tenure.
The recognition ceremony attracted prolonged applause from guests, with members celebrating each other's commitment to Rotary's motto of "Service Above Self".
Mugume said the Rotary Club of Muyenga embraced the Rotary Action Plan by concentrating on increasing its impact, expanding its reach, strengthening member engagement and improving institutional adaptability.
"These priorities shaped our work and helped us deliver service to our communities," he noted.
Among the highlights of his administration was the transformation of the club into a multi-project global grant club, with five international grant projects at different stages of implementation.
"Our projected global grant utilisation for the year stands at approximately $526,560 (sh1.93 billion), which is more than half a million dollars committed towards sustainable community impact," said Mugume.
The outgoing president highlighted several landmark health interventions, including specialised medical equipment secured through Rotary International grants valued at $185,500 (sh681 million) and $67,000 (sh246 million).
"These interventions are expected to serve between 3,000 and 5,000 patients every month and strengthen support to more than 100 health facilities across Uganda."
He also cited the commissioning of the Kaweeri Solar Clean Water Supply Project and continued support to maternal and child healthcare through the provision of ultrasound machines and phototherapy units to health facilities.
Beyond global grants, Mugume said members remained deeply engaged in grassroots service.
Together with 17 partner clubs, Rotary Club of Muyenga organised a medical camp that benefited more than 700 residents, while another outreach conducted with the Rotary Club of Medical Stars provided medical services to over 1,000 people.
"That was a very great achievement on the front of projects," he remarked.
Education also remained a priority, with the refurbishment of schools. The club also secured laboratory equipment worth $40,000 (sh147 million) under the district Governor's flagship project, with the potential to benefit schools across Uganda.
Financial support to The Rotary Foundation equally registered remarkable growth.
"Our commitment to The Rotary Foundation remains strong," said Mugume after announcing that the club contributed $150,000 (sh551 million) during the Rotary year, bringing its cumulative giving to more than $1.236m (sh4.5 billion).
Membership growth also featured prominently in his scorecard, saying the club welcomed eight new Rotarians and three returning members while maintaining an impressive retention rate of 98 percent.
"Our female membership grew to 38.6 percent, strengthening diversity and inclusion in our club."
Additionally, all 173 members of Rotary Club of Muyenga are now Paul Harris Fellows, while six additional major donors joined the club during the year.
Mugume said that the club also emerged as the leading contributor to Uganda's annual Cancer Run after mobilising sh75.6 million.