Rotary seeks sh376b to improve quality of life of two villages

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The Rotary Club of Sunrise Kampala is seeking over $100m (sh376b) to improve the quality of life of two villages.

Although the club has adopted Kalasa and Ndwaddemutwe villages located in Mukono, the outgoing president of Kampala Sunrise Rotary Club, Catherine Kijjaggulwe, said that across Rotary’s seven areas of focus, the communities remain in dire need.

Rotary’s areas of focus include peacebuilding and conflict prevention, disease prevention and treatment, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, water and sanitation, community economic development, and the environment.

Hodge Semakula (centre) installed as the new president of Kampala Sunrise Rotary Club at his country home in Ndeeba village, Busiika Town Council in Luwero district on 1st May 2026. Looking on from left is Catherine Kijjaggulwe, Kampala Sunrise Rotary Club outgoing president, Gerald Obai, district governor 9213 and Lillibet Semakula.

Kijjaggulwe said the club’s main priorities in the two villages include basic education, maternal and child health, provision of piped water, and renovation of classroom blocks, among others.

To provide adequate services, Kijjaggulwe revealed that, “We are trying to get a global grant for Kalasa and Ndwaddemutwe, and all these cost over $100m. However, any small contribution that a Rotarian makes to the Rotary foundation enhances our opportunity for us to be able to receive these global grants.”

She made the appeal during a thanksgiving service and the installation of the 21st president of the Rotary Club of Sunrise Kampala, held at Semakula’s country home in Ndeeba village, Busiika Town Council in Luwero district on Friday.

During the colourful installation ceremony, Hodge and his wife, Lillibet Semakula, praised God for the gift of life and for granting them 44 years of marriage.

The couple celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary on April 25, 2026.

The event attracted guests from the business community, government ministries, religious leaders and judges, including Justice Christopher Madrama, Geoffrey Kiryabwire, David Matovu and Lady Justice Damalie Lwanga, among others.

Among the notable milestones of the outgoing leadership were the collection of over 2,000 units of blood, refurbishment of a solar system, support to the Missionaries of the Poor home, sponsorship of 18 youth and 40 students, and a contribution of $22,000 to the Rotary Foundation, among others.

“Being your president taught me that leadership is not about titles, it is about trust and teamwork. I confidently pass the chain and gavel to president Semakula because he brings vision, energy and deep love for the club. Let us keep the spirit of Rotary Eyamba alive,” Kijjaggulwe stated.

Receiving the Rotary Chain of Authority, Semakula pledged not only to meet the expectations of the club but also to increase membership contributions.

“I am glad that I have been installed as the 21st president of the Rotary Club of Kampala Sunrise. Though being a president comes with many challenges and a lot of responsibilities, this year, with your commitment and support, our main focus will be membership engagement,” explained Semakula.

Brief background of Semakula

Currently, Semakula works as a mediator in World Bank-funded projects within the East African region.

Hodge and his wife Lillibet Semakula during the thanks giving service at their country home in Ndeeba village, Busiika Town Council in Luwero district on May 01, 2026.

He holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Management from Makerere University, and an LLM in IT and Telecommunications Law from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, in the United Kingdom.

An advocate of the High Court since 1978, his career highlights include serving as the pioneer commission secretary and director of legal affairs for the Uganda Communications Commission between 2000 and 2012.

He also served as the first executive secretary of the East African Communications Organisation between 2012 and 2018, where he coordinated the harmonisation of ICT policies within the East African Community partner states.

Regarding his legal expertise, Semakula’s background spans from the Uganda Commercial Bank to his current role as a senior partner at H&E Legal Consult, where he specialises in consultancy services in ICT policy development, ICT regulation and alternative dispute resolution.

During the transfer of power ceremony, District Governor 9213, Gerald Obai, said installing a new president signifies renewed commitment to serving humanity and making the world a better place.

“This means keeping mothers alive, having more children in schools, ensuring there is peace in the world, and providing safe and clean water, among others. Therefore, serving above self means doing things when nobody is actually watching,” explained Obai.

During the thanksgiving service, the Central Uganda Conference Bishop of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, pastor David Simwogerere, said there is a misconception among the public that Rotarians are wealthy and have excess money.

According to him, Rotarians give not because they have a lot, but because the love of Christ compels them.

“You install a water project, and in two weeks, they vandalise everything. The community you are trying to support in acquiring clean and safe water vandalises everything. Persevere in service because the enemy of service is not opposition, but fatigue,” Simwogerere concluded.