Rotary installs solar street lights to boost security in Lungujja

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Residents of Lungujja parish in Rubaga division have received a major security boost after Rotary District 9214 installed solar-powered street lights along the 2km Ssekabaka Kintu Road under the Kitunzi-Wakaliga Street Solar Light Project.

The project, which cost more than sh10 million, was implemented by 21 Rotary clubs and 15 Rotaract clubs as part of the district's "10 Days of Double Impact" initiative. It was spearheaded by the Rotary Clubs of Rubaga Hill, Lungujja and Nateete Kampala and covers seven zones, including Wakaliga Zone Seven and Kitunzi.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Lungujja on July 10, 2026, Samuel Ssempiira Mukasa, president of the Rotary Club of Nateete Kampala, said the initiative was conceived two years ago when the presidents for the 2026/27 Rotary year were still president nominees.

Daniel Mukasa Ddamulira, the Rotary District 9214 Governor, speaking to journalists during the commissioning of the solar lights that were installed under the Kitunzi-Wakaliga Street Solar Light Project by 21 Rotary clubs and 15 Rotaract Clubs. This was at Lungujja on July 10, 2026. (Photo by Lawrence Mulondo)

He explained that the leaders agreed to implement 10 high-impact community projects and invited interested Rotary and Rotaract clubs to participate.

“We did not segregate. Every club that expressed interest joined the initiative,” Mukasa said, adding that committees and clusters were formed to oversee the different projects.

He said that after conducting a needs assessment, the clubs identified insecurity along Ssekabaka Kintu Road as a major concern under Rotary's focus area of peacebuilding and conflict prevention.

“The community and its leaders told us that this road had become a crime hotspot because of darkness. We decided to install solar lights to improve security and eliminate the criminal activities associated with poorly lit areas,” he said.

Mukasa said the project belongs to all the participating Rotary and Rotaract clubs, with each club contributing financially towards its implementation.

Dennis Ssentongo, president of the Rotary Club of Rubaga Hill and chairperson of the implementing cluster, described the project as a symbol of Rotary's commitment to building safer and stronger communities.

“This is a powerful demonstration that when Rotarians unite around a common purpose, our collective impact becomes far greater than what individual clubs can achieve,” Ssentongo said.

He thanked the residents and local leaders of Lungujja for partnering with Rotary and urged them to safeguard the infrastructure.

“These street lights symbolise hope, security and opportunity. They will improve security, support businesses operating in the evening and enhance the quality of life for everyone using this road,” he added.

Rotary District 9214 Governor Daniel Mukasa Ddamulira, who was the guest of honour, said security remains one of the most fundamental human needs and is essential for sustainable development.

“If people are not secure, they cannot fully benefit from education, economic empowerment or any other development programme. We need people to be alive and safe before we can serve them,” he said.

Ddamulira noted that the solar lights would help road users identify suspicious individuals at night while also extending business hours, thereby supporting economic empowerment, one of Rotary's key areas of focus.

“People who previously closed their businesses early because of insecurity can now work longer, knowing that the road is well lit,” he said.

He commended the clubs for responding to community needs and encouraged Rotary members to prioritise projects within their own communities to increase the organisation's visibility and attract more members.

“There is no way Rotary will remain relevant if the communities around us do not see the impact of our work. Let us begin by transforming our own communities before expanding elsewhere,” he said.

The district governor also applauded the collaboration between Rotary and Rotaract clubs, saying it reflected the spirit of partnership needed to address community challenges.

Eliot Kakama, president of the Rotary Club of Lungujja and chairperson of the "10 Days of Double Impact" initiative, said local leaders had identified several dark spots where criminals frequently hid before attacking residents.

“We believe these lights will significantly reduce crime and improve the safety of people living and working in these communities,” Kakama said.

Patricia Namutebi Mugabi, president of the Rotary Club of Bwerenga, appealed to residents to protect the solar lights from vandalism, noting that theft of public infrastructure often denies communities the intended benefits.

Some of the members of different Rotary Clubs pose for a group picture with Daniel Mukasa Ddamulira (seated centre), the Rotary District 9214 Governor. (Photo by Lawrence Mulondo)

Edward Busibuko, vice chairperson of Wakaliga Zone Seven, welcomed the project, saying the area had been recording at least three robbery cases every week, particularly during power outages.

“People feared leaving home early or returning late because they risked being attacked and robbed. Many rental houses remained vacant because of the area's reputation for crime,” he said.

Busibuko expressed confidence that the solar-powered lights, which operate throughout the night, would reduce criminal activity and improve the area's attractiveness to residents and businesses.

He also thanked Rotary for its continued support, noting that the organisation is currently constructing a community water well in the area.