Rotary plans sh130m school project as Nakabonge assumes office

WAKISO - The Rotary Club of Lubowa under District 9214 has installed Rotarian Clare Nakabonge Byekwaso as its 13th president for the Rotary year 2026/2027, with a renewed commitment to community service and education support.

Nakabonge officially took over leadership from the club’s 12th president, Peter Kiwanuka Ssamula, during a colourful ceremony held at Orion Gardens, Lweza, on Saturday.

The event was presided over by Past District Governor District 9213 Francis Xavier Sentamu and attended by several dignitaries, including the Chief Executive Officer of Quality Chemical Industries Limited (QCIL), Rotarian Ajay Kumar Pal, and past district governors Stephen Mwanje and Edward Kakembo Nsubuga.

In her acceptance speech, Nakabonge described the occasion as more than just an installation ceremony, saying it was a celebration of service, friendship, purpose and hope.

“I officially accept the responsibility to serve as president of the Rotary Club of Lubowa for the year 2026/2027. I do so with gratitude in my heart, faith in our collective strength and belief in the extraordinary impact we can create together,” she said.

She noted that leadership is built on teamwork, sacrifice, collaboration and shared commitment, before thanking her board members for accepting to work alongside her during the new Rotary year.

Past Assistant District Governor Godfrey Byekwaso (L) and Past District Governor District 9213 Francis Xavier Sentamu (R) showing Clare Nakabonge Byekwaso to the guests after she was installed as the new president for the Rotary Club of Lubowa. This was during her installation at Orion gardens Lweza on May 16, 2026. (Credit: Lawrence Mulondo)

Sh130m school project

Nakabonge used the occasion to announce the club’s flagship initiative dubbed “Project Restore Hope,” a sh130m intervention aimed at improving learning and living conditions at St. Kizito Primary School in Kasanje, Wakiso District.

According to the new president, the school serves many vulnerable children but lacks adequate infrastructure and essential facilities.

“The school hosts many dreams squeezed into impossible conditions,” she said.

She explained that pupils currently study in overcrowded classrooms with insufficient furniture, while some classrooms are partitioned to serve both as learning spaces and dormitories. The boarding section is also grappling with inadequate beds, blankets and sleeping space.

Nakabonge further revealed that the school lacks sufficient washrooms and hygiene facilities, a challenge that disproportionately affects girls, especially during menstruation.

“As Rotary, we believe that for some children, school is not just a place to learn, but where survival begins. Every child deserves better,” she said.

Under the project, the club plans to improve classroom spaces, provide desks and bedding, strengthen sanitation facilities and supply scholastic materials. The initiative will also focus on supporting teachers to effectively implement the new primary school curriculum in order to improve academic performance.

Nakabonge announced that the club had already secured one fully paid scholarship from London College of St. Lawrence and three scholarships from St. Lucia Secondary School for the best-performing pupils from St. Kizito Primary School to pursue ordinary-level education free of charge.

She called upon individuals and organisations to support the initiative and help transform the lives of children in Kasanje.

“We want these children to grow into responsible citizens and professionals who can contribute to the development of their country,” she said.

Nakabonge noted that while the project is estimated at sh130m, the secured scholarships had already reduced part of the financial burden.

During the event, QCIL donated sh10 m towards the project, while Centenary Bank contributed sh5m.

Focus on membership growth

Nakabonge also outlined membership growth and retention as another key focus area during her tenure.

She said the club would strengthen engagement through an innovative buddy-group model aimed at promoting mentorship, accountability, fellowship and collaboration among members.

“We want every member to feel that they belong, that they matter and that their contribution counts because when people feel connected, they serve with passion,” she said.

(L-R) Clare Nakabonge Byekwaso the new president of the Rotary Club of Lubowa, Past District Governor District 9213 Francis Xavier Sentamu, Deborah Atwiine the Club Assistant Governor and Rotarian Ajay Kumar Pal (in green shirt) the Chief Executive Officer of Quality Chemical Industries Limited (QCIL) cut cake to celebrate the Byekwaso’s installation as the club president. This was during her installation at Orion gardens Lweza on May 16, 2026. (Credit: Lawrence Mulondo)

She added that the club would continue implementing impactful projects in economic empowerment, WASH initiatives, environmental stewardship, education support and strategic partnerships.

“We believe service must not only be felt emotionally, but must also be measurable, sustainable and transformational,” she added.

Outgoing president Peter Kiwanuka Ssamula praised members for their dedication during his tenure, noting that the club had achieved 100% member retention and expanded its activities beyond expectations.

“One of our biggest achievements has been the birth of the Rotary Club of Bunamwaya from our club,” he said.

Ssamula revealed that although the club had planned to implement eight projects during the 2025/2026 Rotary year, it successfully completed 14 projects, including two global grants worth $40,000 and %36,000, respectively.

He also highlighted the club’s digital transformation, which enabled members in the diaspora to participate in activities and fellowship virtually.

Former District Governor Francis Xavier Sentamu urged the incoming president to view every member as an asset and ensure inclusiveness within the club.

“When leaders make members feel valued and appreciated, they inspire them to participate fully and serve communities with love and commitment,” he said.

QCIL CEO Ajay Kumar Pal described Rotary as a community driven by service and impact, before reaffirming his company’s commitment to supporting the Kasanje project.

“As QCIL, we pledge to contribute Shs10 million to the project in Kasanje and remain available for future collaboration opportunities,” he said.

Nakabonge joined Rotary on May 24, 2016, and has served in several leadership positions, including Director for the Rotary Foundation, Director of Youth Services and Chairperson of the Procurement Committee.

She is a Paul Harris Fellow Plus Three (PHF3), holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences from Makerere University and a postgraduate diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing in the United Kingdom.

Professionally, she has worked with Simba Telecom, Airtel Uganda and TotalEnergies Uganda. She is married to Past Assistant District Governor Godfrey Byekwaso, and together they have four children.