Rotary governor calls for stronger partnerships to expand community service

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Rotary District 9213 Governor Gerald Obai has challenged members of the Rotary Club of Kanyanya (ROCK) to turn ideas into meaningful community impact by focusing on practical service projects and building lasting partnerships.

Obai made the call during his official visit to the club on Tuesday, commending its members for the progress made since the club was chartered in 2024.

He urged them to dream big while remaining committed to the small but significant actions that address everyday community needs.

Despite its relatively young age, ROCK is seeking to establish itself through community projects, partnerships and a commitment to Rotary’s spirit of service.

Former Bukedde newspaper editor, Geoffrey Kulubya, also Rotary Club Kanyanya’s TRF Director (left), being decorated by Rotary District 9213 Governor Gerald Obai as he received Paul Harris Fellow +1 recognition at Greenfield Gardens in Kanyanya on Tuesday. (Photo by Patrick Kibirango)

Obai presented gifts to every club member, including neckties, armbands, scarves for female Rotarians and badges. He also recognised members for their contributions to The Rotary Foundation (TRF), Rotary’s global humanitarian funding arm.

Among those honoured was the club’s TRF director, Geofrey Kulubya, who received Paul Harris Fellow +1 recognition. Other members recognised were Immaculate Kirumira, Rosette Kavuma, Annet Nanzanya, club president Andrew Kulubya, Immediate Past President Dan Mazinga and President-Elect Paul Senteza.

The governor praised the club’s commitment to supporting the foundation and implementing community projects, particularly those undertaken during the first 100 days of Andrew Kulubya’s presidency.

He encouraged members to continue embracing bold ideas while paying attention to the small but meaningful actions that improve people’s lives.

Welcoming the governor, president Andrew Kulubya highlighted three clean-up exercises conducted in the Kikuubo slum in Kanyanya in partnership with local leaders and residents.

The exercises were aimed at improving the community’s environment while encouraging residents to take an active role in addressing local challenges.

The club has also facilitated the installation of three zebra crossings to improve road safety. Two were installed to serve the nursery and primary sections of Garfield Primary School along Kanyanya–Kizanyiro Road, while the third benefits students at Kanyanya Hillview High School and worshippers attending St John’s Church who use the busy Namasole Road.

The interventions reflect the club’s focus on practical solutions to everyday problems, particularly those affecting children, students and other road users.

Obai said the involvement of local residents in the initiatives suggested that the community was increasingly identifying with the club and its work. He expressed confidence that ROCK could establish itself as a significant force within Rotary in the next five years.

He also encouraged members to strengthen collaboration with sister clubs along the Gayaza Road corridor, including Rotary clubs in Kiteezi, Mpererwe, Kasangati, Gayaza and Manyangwa.

Standing: Rotary District 9213 Governor Gerald Obai (4th left), the president of the Rotary Club of Kanyanya, Andrew Kulubya (3rd left), former Bukedde newspaper editor, Geoffrey Kulubya (left), with other members at Greenfield Gardens in Kanyanya on Tuesday. (Photo by Patrick Kibirango)

According to Obai, joint projects would enable the clubs to pool resources, ease implementation and achieve greater community impact. Opportunities to mobilise global grants, with the involvement of Assistant Governor Nelson Kabwama, could also help ROCK expand its activities.

Since its formation, the club has focused on initiatives that respond to local needs while building relationships with community members and other Rotary clubs.

Its experience demonstrates how coordinated action, community participation and partnerships can help a young Rotary club translate its ambitions into tangible results.

For ROCK, the challenge now is to build on these early achievements, expand its reach and sustain its commitment to service as it works towards leaving a lasting mark on the communities it serves.