Rotary hailed for impactful community service

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Vice President Jessica Alupo has applauded Rotary for its impact on Ugandans by funding various community programmes, including education, health, environmental conservation, and economic empowerment.

“As Government of Uganda, we want to commend Rotary for being a trusted and strategic partner in national development, complementing our efforts in delivering critical services, all of which are aligned to Uganda’s Vision 2040 and National Development Plans,” Alupo said during the opening of the Rotary District 9213, 101st conference.

Addressing a large gathering at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Entebbe on Thursday, April 16, Alupo said the core values of Rotary, Leadership, Integrity, and Service Above Self, mirror the principles that guide public service and national transformation.

“I am particularly encouraged by the remarkable achievements registered this year by Rotary District 9213. Through your collective generosity, more than USD 1 million has been mobilised for The Rotary Foundation, which has in turn enabled the implementation of Global Grant projects valued at over USD 4.65million, supported by The Rotary Foundation,” she said.

A release from her office states that the VP said Rotary activities demonstrate not only the power of giving, but also Rotary’s ability to leverage resources efficiently to deliver high-impact interventions that directly complement Government priorities in healthcare, education, water and sanitation, and economic empowerment.

She highly commended initiatives such as Rotary Family Health Days, the Rotary Cancer Program, the Rotary Mama Toto Care Program, and the effort to establish a Bone Marrow Transplant Centre at JCRC.

The vice president emphasised that these initiatives align closely with the government’s agenda to strengthen primary healthcare, combat non-communicable diseases, and improve maternal and child health outcomes.

“They significantly reduce the burden on public health systems while extending services closer to communities,” the vice president said.

She acknowledged President Yoweri Museveni’s contribution of sh3 billion towards the Rotary Cancer Program, which reflects the government’s recognition of Rotary as a key partner in advancing national health priorities, particularly in the fight against cancer.

Alupo, a Rotarian, expressed passion for Maternal and Child Health, stressing that it's deeply rooted in the realities faced by many Ugandan families, particularly in rural and underserved communities, where access to quality maternal and newborn care remains a challenge.

“As a nation, we cannot achieve sustainable development without safeguarding the lives of mothers and children. It is for this reason that I strongly commend and recommend the Rotary Mama Toto Care initiative spearheaded by Rotarian John Magezi, which is aligned with the government’s commitment to reducing maternal and neonatal mortality and strengthening community-based healthcare systems,” the vice president said.

The above initiative is being implemented in 14 districts, representing a practical, scalable, and impactful model for improving health outcomes across the country.

Alupo also applauded Rotary for its contribution to peacebuilding and leadership development, particularly through the establishment of the Rotary Peace Centre at Makerere University.

This Centre positions Uganda as a regional hub for peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and leadership training, equipping professionals with the skills needed to address conflicts, promote social cohesion, and sustain peace, not only in Uganda but across the African continent.

Alupo extended appreciation to the District Governor, Rotarian Geoffrey Martin Kitakule, for his exemplary leadership demonstrated throughout the Rotary year.

She also congratulated Rotarian Emmanual Katongole on becoming a Director at Rotary International and Rotarian Francis Tusibira on his appointment as a Trustee of the Rotary Foundation.