Rotary leadership pledges to redress community bottlenecks
“And I would like to invite you to join me as we commit this year to mothers and their babies. May this year be a start for us to think a bit deeper about our future as Rotarians. I would like to invite you to join us as we commit to save and invest together,” Kawooya said.
Past District Governors join the current District Governor 9214, Christine Kawooya Kyeyune (6th left) and Alebar Kanyonza, who was recently appointed as District Rotaract Representative (DRR) for District 9214 for the Rotary year 2025-2026 (7th left), at the official launch of the Rotary Year 2025/26 at Speke Resort Munyonyo, hosted by the Rotary Club of Muyenga. (Credit: Eddie Ssejjoba)
By Nelson Kiva
Journalists @New Vision
District Governor 9214, Christine Kawooya Kyeyune speaking at the official launch of the Rotary Year 2025/26 at Speke Resort Munyonyo, hosted by the Rotary Club of Muyenga. (Credit: Eddie Ssejjoba) Felix Osike (C), the deputy Editor-in-Chief Vision Group, and a member of the Rotary Club of Muyenga and a Communications Committee member of Rotary International and Rotary Foundation, with other Rotarians at the event. (Credit: Eddie Ssejjoba) Some of the Rotarians who represented various clubs at the official launch of the Rotary Year, 2025/26, at Speke Resort Munyonyo. (All Photos by Eddie Ssejjoba) The official launch of the Rotary Year 2025/26 by District 9214 was organised by the Rotary Club of Muyenga. Some of the Past Presidents of various Rotary Clubs attended the official launch of the Rotary Year. Christine Kyeyune Kawooya, the DG District 9214, with DRRN Alebar Kanyonza at the launch of the New Year. Christine Kyeyune Kawooya, the DG District 9214, with DRRN Alebar Kanyonza at the launch of the New Year. DRRN Alebar Kanyonza (L), introducing members of the Rotoracts Clubs at the launch of the Rotary New Year. Kanyonza (L) introducing members of the Rotoracts Clubs during the launch of the Rotary New Year. Several Rotoracts Clubs members being introduced by DRRN Alebar Kanyonza (L) during the launch of the Rotary New Year. Alebar Kanyonza, the District Rotaract Representative (DRR) for the Rotary year 2025-2026, Christine Kawooya Kyeyune, the District Governor Elect for Rotary District 9214 and Alex Mugume, the President of the Rotary Club of Muyenga being ushered at the official launch of the Rotary New Year at Speke Resort Munyonyo,
KAMPALA - It was a night to remember as over 1000 Rotarians and friends of Rotary gathered at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala on Wednesday (July 9, 2025), to officially launch the Rotary Year 2025/2026 for District 9214.
Amidst splendour and glamour, the district governor, Christine Kyeyune Kawooya and the District Rotractors Representative (DRR), Alebar Kanyonza, earmarked priorities of the year.
The function hosted by the Rotary Club of Muyenga indeed marked the start of a transformative year for community service across Uganda and Tanzania. 
Kawooya declared, “We are committing to transformation. We shall grow our membership innovatively, as we have been called upon with clear models. We shall enhance continuity, and we are going to build lasting partnerships. We will attract corporations to partner for impact, for reach and for visibility.”
“And I would like to invite you to join me as we commit this year to mothers and their babies. May this year be a start for us to think a bit deeper about our future as Rotarians. I would like to invite you to join us as we commit to save and invest together,” she said.
She added, “Let this be the year of connection, of courage and of contribution, and because together, one powerful act at a time, we will unite for good. Let us rise, let us serve, let's lead, let’s make history together, one act at a time.” 
Kawooya has since outlined that the priority of her tenure will be maternal and child health through initiatives like providing medical oxygen systems, neonatal incubators and support of teenage mothers through ‘Start with Her’ homes.
Under the tagline, Together, One Act at a Time, Kawooya has also pledged provision of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).
Rotary fraternity internationally changes leadership at the end of June, and effective July 1, the Rotary Year 2025/2026 commenced with over 34000 Rotary clubs globally refocusing on priorities of new leaders. 
Global message
The President of Rotary International, Francesco Arezzo, a member of the Rotary Club of Ragusa, Italy, has enlisted his leadership under an annual message of Unite for Good, which calls on members to be a force for unity in a world increasingly divided by politics, geography and ideology.
Through service projects, Rotary brings together people of every background across races, religions and professions in a shared mission to do good in their communities. 
Arezzo was selected by the board of directors to become Rotary International president for 2025/2026 following the unexpected resignation of President-elect Mário César Martins de Camargo on June 8, 2025.
Rotractors pledge
Kanyonza reiterated that their flagship projects will be in line with basic education and literacy.
“The entire week, I have been attending either a project meeting or sharing about a project that we intend to do in that line. These leaders are standing with a vision and the goals that we set as a team,” Kanyonza said while introducing her team before the gathering. 
Emmanuel Katongole, Rotary International Director (RID) nominee, while congratulating both Kawooya and Aleber for the milestone of leadership, disclosed that District 9214 led on the African continent in terms of membership network with a net growth of 689 members.
Katongole will represent Zones 21 and 22 (Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe) on Rotary International Board from 2026-2028.
He said that it also led to the formation of 17 new Rotary Clubs registered.
Traditional dancers entertain guests. Guests were entertained by traditional performers. A drummer entertaining Rotarians at Speke Resort Munyonyo. Rotarians welcoming the New Rotary Year. Alebar Kanyonza, the District Rotaract Representative (DRR) for the Rotary year 2025-2026, Christine Kawooya Kyeyune, the District Governor Elect for Rotary District 9214 and Alex Mugume, the President of the Rotary Club of Muyenga being ushered at the official launch of the Rotary New Year at Speke Resort Munyonyo. Rotarians having good time at the launch of the new Rotary Year at Speke Resort Munyonyo. Local performers entertaining Rotarians. Sheila Nduhukire, principal public relations officer at the National Medical Stores and president of the Rotary Club of NMS having good time at the launch of the new Rotary Year. Several attended the launch of the new Rotary year. Rotarians attending the official launch of the new Rotary Year at Speke Resort Munyonyo. A musician singing at the launch of the Rotary Year 2025/26 by District 9214 at Speke Resort Munyonyo, hosted by the Rotary Club of Muyenga. The official launch of the year 2025/26 by Rotary District 9214 at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
“They were closely followed by District 9213 in the second position, with 515 members and eight new Rotary clubs. That speaks volumes. And when it comes to the foundation, I have not cross-checked the figures,” Katongole said.
He added, “The last time I saw, Dist 9213 was leading on the African continent. So, where do we see Rotary in Africa going? Growing membership has remained our internal priority number one. And President Francesco still maintains that growing Rotary will remain our internal priority number one.”
When they analysed membership growth for the last 20 years, it was discovered that zone 22 (Africa) was the fastest-growing zone in the world. 
Rotary growth
“We have got to see Rotary growing, and I had the opportunity and the honour to see the theme that our department leader, Samuel Owori, had made for Rotary International. Grow Rotary was his theme,” Katongole said.
Owori, a member of Rotary Club of Kampala for 38 years, died before July 1, 2018, to assume the global leadership of Rotary.
“We must grow Rotary. Particularly on the African continent, my dear brothers and sisters. Right now, the continent, Zone 22, has approximately 46,000 Rotary members.”
“Our dream this year is to push that number to 60,000. And indeed, it is possible that we shall push that number,” Katongole said.
He added that this was part of the mega plan to demand for two Rotary zones on the African continent.
“We need it not because we just need members and numbers to grow, but because we need it to increase the arms that cause the impact that we so desperately need. We must do it. We must attract new members. We must grow our traditional Rotary clubs,” Katongole said.
Katongole added, “You are over 1,000 Rotarians and Rotaractors in this room. I call upon each one of you to bring one person to Rotary. The same message is being sent to the entire African continent.”
Rotarians congratulate Kawooya
The immediate past district governor, Agnes Matengas, assured Kawoya of her continued support.
“As you step into this remarkable role, know that you carry with you the trust, admiration, and full support of our entire Rotary family. The district is in strong and capable hands, and I have every confidence that you will build a foundation laid with your own unique vision, strength, and heart.”
She added, “The theme you have adopted, one act at a time, is deeply fitting. As Rotarian volunteers, we are part of an organisation that has stood the test of time, but we cannot rest. It is now upon us to nurture what has been viewed purely with purpose and ensure Rotary continues to thrive for generations to come.”
“In your capable hands, I have no doubt, we will see a wave of innovation, fresh thinking, and courageous leadership across the district. Your theme truly resonates with who we are, a volunteer-driven movement where great things begin with a single step, the first act of kindness,” Batengas said.
Past district governor, Kenneth Wycliffe Mugisha, described Kawoya as an achiever, a team player, and a person who believes in making a difference and leadership of change.
“Beginning your journey like this is very interesting. Visibly, you can see the presence of Rotarians, Rotractors, and friends of Rotary this evening, who have converged to send a message of togetherness as we deliver a bigger, better district, which is going to promote triumphant values, programmes, and projects. And working together, one act at a time, you will never be disappointed,” he said.
Zone 22
The media coordinator for Rotary International Zone 22, past district governor Victor Paa Kwesi Mensah, congratulated Kawooya and Alebar for assuming the leadership of the most successful Rotary district in Africa.
“Allow me to join hands with all our directors, our trustees, regional coordinators, and all leaders in Rotary Africa to celebrate with you on this auspicious occasion. We thank the magic team, led by IPDG Agnes and IPDRR Joseph, for a very successful year. And a grand congratulations to PDG Christine and D.R.R. Alebar as you guide us through this new Rotary year,” he said.
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Below is a picture highlight as captured by multimedia journalist Eddie Ssejjoba during the official launch of the year 2025/26 by Rotary District 9214 at Speke Resort Munyonyo:
Rotarians welcoming the New Rotary Year.
Emmanuel Katongole, Rotary International director, speaking at the launch of the new Rotary Year with a powerful theme: 'Together, One Act at a Time.' 
Christine Kawooya Kyeyune (R), the DG 9214 handing over a branded t-shirt to Emmanuel Katongole, the Rotary International director at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
The deputy governor Bank of Uganda, Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba, admiring a banner for the Rotary Club of NMS Uganda in formation at Speke Resort Munyonyo, July 09, 2025.
Members of the NMS Rotary Club in formation posing for a photo with Kin Kaliisa, President of the Rotary Club of Kigo Seven Lakes Golf.
Emmanuel Katongole, the Rotary International director, and Christine Kawooya Kyeyune, unveiling branded t-shirts at the official launch of the new Rotary year. On the left is Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba.
Emmanuel Katongole, the Rotary International director and Christine Kawooya Kyeyune speaking to members of the Rotaracts Clubs in formation. This was at the official launch of the new Rotary Year. Left is Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba.
Michael Mpiima donating sticky pads and pencils to the Rotary Club presidents to enable them always write down their goals and plans for the action year 2025/26. He handed them over to Debbie Kakande Komugisha, the President of Presidents.
The Rotaract Club of Nabbingo in formation
Christine Kawooya Kyeyune (L), congratulating Emmanuel Katongole, right, the Rotary International director at Speke Resort Munyonyo. The President of the Rotary Club of Muyenga (C), and Alex B. Mugume.