Rotary hailed for transformative agenda for communities

KAMPALA - The Rotary movement in Uganda has been hailed for its expanding impact on community wellbeing.

As the Rotary year 2025/2026 draws to a close, performance evaluations, the setting of new targets, and the unveiling of new leadership are taking place across the structures of the world’s largest service organisation.

Accordingly, members of Rotary District 9214, covering Uganda and Tanzania, convened for the 101st District Conference at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala from April 23 to April 26, 2026.

The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, while flagging off the conference structured under the theme “Together, One Act at a Time,” lauded Rotary for implementing transformative community projects and reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to partnerships that drive national development.

“We commend Rotary for the work they have done in partnership with the government for the country,” Among said.

Among stressed that national progress cannot be achieved by the government acting alone, but through collaboration with other players such as civil society, the media and development partners.

The Speaker revealed that the Parliament of Uganda has been a key contributor to Rotary programmes, including extending funds to Nsambya Hospital cancer unit.

Emmanuel Katongole, Rotary International director sharing a light moment with Charles Peter Mayiga, the Katikkiro of Buganda during the 101st District Conference & Assembly at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala. (Credit: Simon Peter Tumwine)

“I want to assure you that we will support Rotary in achieving what they want to achieve. As we deliberate, I want to encourage you to continue building partnerships and invest in impactful interventions,” Among said.

Among revealed that Parliament has contributed sh3 billion towards the 2026 Rotary Cancer Run, bringing total support since 2016 to sh7.2 billion.

During the event, she was formally inducted into Rotary by district governor Christine Kyeyune Kawooya and pledged to become a major donor by contributing $10,000 to the Rotary Foundation (TRF).

The Speaker paid tribute to Ugandan Rotary leaders making strides on the global stage, including Emmanuel Katongole, the incoming Rotary International Director representing Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe, and Francis Tusu Tusubira, who joins the Rotary Board of Trustees.

During the conference, Daniel Ddamulira was unveiled as the incoming district governor, replacing Kawooya, whose term will end on June 30, 2026.

The end of June brings a global change of leadership in all Rotary clubs, with new leaders outlining programmes and projects in line with the Rotary International annual statement.

Past District Governor of D9214 Christine Kawooya addressing Rotarians during the 101st District Conference & Assembly at Speke Resort Munyonyo. (Credit: Simon Peter Tumwine)

As of 2026, there are over 45,000 member clubs worldwide, with a membership of 1.9 million individuals.

Kawooya, who focused her leadership on improving maternal and child health, empowering teenage mothers and enhancing water, sanitation and hygiene standards, reported that significant progress had been made, including contributing over $1.2m (sh4.4b) to the Rotary Foundation (TRF).

Their contribution to the TRF, she said, was far above the target of $600,000 (sh2.2b), which was later revised upwards.

In her message to the incoming governor, Kawooya noted that Rotary works as a “troika” and emphasised careful team selection.

“Many people seek titles but don’t deliver. This year, I had Rotarians with dockets who didn’t work. I chose to set them aside. I told them, ‘Don’t worry, we shall work, we shall have an impact on membership, foundation, and projects.' People will come looking for titles, not to deliver. We must be careful with teams.”

Ddamulira, on his part, called for deeper support among both Rotarians and Rotaractors. “When we are united, our impact can be felt,” Ddamulira said.

The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, who presided over the dinner that marked the conclusion of the conference, applauded Rotary for uplifting people and communities in need.

“Our general inclination is to assist family, relatives and friends. In the case of Rotary, however, support is extended to strangers in far-off places, the vast majority of whom may never meet you or even be aware of your existence,” Mayiga said.

He added, “Probably that's the greatest virtue of Rotary, the readiness and willingness to support causes that are crucial for our existence as human beings, without expecting any direct material benefit or personal acknowledgement from the recipients of the support or the services rendered.”

Past District Governor (PDG) Francisco Ssemwanga (forth left) handing over an accolade to Retractors during the 101st District Conference & Assembly at Speke Resort Munyonyo. (Credit: Simon Peter Tumwine)

“From a biblical standpoint, we are created to rule the world, which means enjoying every aspect of creation. We cannot rule the universe unless all of its masters, the human beings, are possessed of the ability to harness the resources that fill the earth in order to experience decent living. So, I applaud you, Rotarians, for understanding these basic rules,” Mayiga said.

He commended Kawooya for her tireless efforts to serve Rotary during her one-year tenure of office.

“A worthy human being should be able to identify those in need of drinking water, should be able to identify newborn babies who may need oxygen. Christine has immersed herself in efforts to provide oxygen to babies born with different conditions that require them to be provided with this gas beyond what their conditions can guarantee in order for them to survive and live,” Mayiga said.

Katongole congratulated Kawooya and her counterpart of District 9213, Geoffrey Martin Kitakule, for work well done, noting that they have been among the best district governors in Africa.

“Thank you for making us proud. When you are in the meetings of Rotary International, and you talk about District 9214 and District 9213, there is huge respect within the board of Rotary International,” Katongole said.

The special representative of the Rotary International president, Victor Paa Kwesi Mensah, commended Rotary leadership in Uganda and Tanzania for responding to Rotary International president Francesco Arezzo’s message of “Unite for Good.”

Arezzo has rallied Rotarians to use the power of human connection to welcome new members, collaborate on service projects and build global impact.