📷 Rotary is an invaluable gov’t partner — AG Kiryowa

KAMPALA - The Attorney General (AG), Kiryowa Kiwanuka, has commended the Rotary Club of Kampala-Munyonyo for complementing the government's efforts in extending impactful services to the communities.

In doing so, he said, Rotary is partnering with the government in many areas, including provision of water and sanitation services, maternal and child health, education and basic literacy, environmental protection, disease prevention, peace and conflict resolution, as well as community empowerment. 

“From where I stand as a member of the Government, Rotary is a valuable partner through its voluntary and impactful service to communities, which undoubtedly complements our efforts,” he stated.

The AG was Saturday, July 05, 2025, speaking as a guest of honour at the installation ceremony of Jonathan Bakwega as the 12th President. He took over from Ronald Kwesiga at a colourful ceremony held at Speke Resort Munyonyo.

It was attended by Christine Kyeyune Kawooya, the Rotary District Governor 9214 for the year 2025-2026, Past District Governors (PDG) Xavier Sentamu and Peace Taremwa, Action District Officials, Action Presidents, Past District leaders and Past Club Presidents and Rotarians from several other clubs.

Kiryowa commended the outgoing President, saying there was no doubt that he had done his part to make the world a better place for many, saying he imagined the new President would as well make an impact. 

Attorney general Kiryowa Kiwanuka addressing the Rotarians.

The AG, however, appealed to Rotarians to support President Yoweri Museveni and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in its plan to transform the country.   

“This is the time to decide how we move on as a country. Please support President Museveni and the NRM government as we continue with the plan to transform our motherland,” he said.  

According to Kiryowa, in 2023 Uganda launched an ambitious growth strategy to expand its economy from $50b to $500b by 2040, adding that the ten-fold growth strategy is anchored on agro-industrialisation, tourism, mineral development, and science and technology innovation to accelerate growth.

The cake

“Achieving this bold ambition could elevate Uganda to one of the most dramatically transformed economies in recent history, akin to Singapore’s meteoric rise and ‘economic miracle,” he said.

He, however, said the ambition alone was insufficient.

He explained that prudent fiscal management, improved investment efficiency, stronger governance, and an unwavering commitment to tackling corruption were essential for cultivating a genuinely business-friendly environment to catalyse growth.

“Therefore, I strongly believe that Rotarians and Rotaractors have a vital role to play in ensuring the success of the ten-fold growth strategy,” he said.

Kiryowa congratulated Bakwega, saying he was lined up for greatness since he was being installed on the same day the NRM Chairman, President Museveni, was nominated unopposed as party flag bearer.

Delivering his acceptance speech, Bakwega said he is a passionate Rotarian committed to service, growth and impact.

Former minister Tim Lwanga captures moments.

“I am humbled by the trust you have placed in me. I accept this responsibility not as a mere role but as a calling, to lead, listen and to serve alongside each one of you as we take our club to even greater heights,’ he stated.

He said during his term, he would put his focus on improvement of maternal and child health, as well as water and sanitation, as per the call of the District Governor 9214.

Other areas of focus include enhancing membership engagement and retention, implementing sustainable and high-impact projects, as well as strengthening partnerships and visibility in communities they serve.

Kwesiga said during his tenure, the club started a six-classroom block, which he said was still midway and said he was certain that the incoming President would finish the task.

He said the club contributed to the cancer run and emerged third in the entire district. In addition, the club managed to get all the funding for their project in Rwenshande village, Nyabushozi division in Kiruhura district, which had been in the pipeline for three years.

The club intends to sustainably maintain and manage the available water sources, including wells and one borehole, improve access to safe water and sanitation facilities in three public schools and one health centre, and create hygiene practices and sanitation behaviours in schools and household communities.

The outgoing president said that for the last two years, the club got the privilege of having an overfunded project.

“At one point, we could not even get the money because the debate was where do we put the money, it was overfunded by about $14,000, which is quite unusual in the Rotary practice,” he stated.

He commended Assistant Governor Hannington Ssegirinya, who he said worked with him and championed the construction project for Atutur Hospital in Kumi district and brought international partners on board, saying they now have all the needed funds of up to $140,000.

Ronald Kwesiga, the outgoing president, with his immediate family.

“What is left is just a few clicks, and the money is available, and the project is closed,” he stated.  

The function was attended by Past District Governor Xavier Sentamu.

Below is Jonathan Bakwega's installation ceremony in pictures, as captured by multimedia journalist Eddie Ssejjoba;

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The Blue Berries, a group of Rotarians of the Rotary Club of Kampala Munyonyo, perform at the installation ceremony.

Members of the Rotary Club of Kampala Munyonyo enjoying the moment.

Dinner time