Turyakira installed as Entebbe Road Lions Club president
“We shall continue fighting hunger by supporting vulnerable families and promoting food security. We also remain committed to providing relief to communities affected by disasters and emergencies whenever the need arises,” said Turyakira.
(L-R) Eng. George Turyakira the fourth Entebbe Road Lion's Club president being dressed with a President’s Collar by Lion Richard Magezi (C) the Club's Immediate Past President. This was during the fourth presidential and board installation dinner at Orion Restaurant Lweeza on June 27, 2026. (Photos by Lawrence Mulondo.)
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Eng. George Turyakira has been installed as the fourth president of the Entebbe Road Lions Club, pledging to strengthen humanitarian programmes targeting vulnerable and marginalised communities during his one-year tenure.
Turyakira succeeds Lion Richard Magezi, who completed his term and now assumes the role of Immediate Past President.
Speaking during the club's fourth presidential and board installation dinner at Orion Restaurant in Lweeza on June 27, 2026, Turyakira reaffirmed the club's commitment to addressing challenges such as blindness, diabetes, hunger and disaster relief while supporting community development initiatives.
“Our mission is to improve the lives of those in need by addressing challenges such as blindness, diabetes, hunger and disaster relief, while supporting community development initiatives,” he said.
He said the club would continue prioritising programmes that directly benefit communities, including preserving eyesight, expanding diabetes awareness and screening, promoting food security and responding to disasters and emergencies.
“We shall continue fighting hunger by supporting vulnerable families and promoting food security. We also remain committed to providing relief to communities affected by disasters and emergencies whenever the need arises,” he said.
Turyakira noted that the club has already implemented projects in schools, hospitals and disadvantaged communities aimed at improving livelihoods.
He said the new leadership assumes office as Uganda responds to an Ebola outbreak that has disrupted livelihoods in some communities.
“We shall identify the most affected communities and implement programmes in line with Lions Clubs International's humanitarian priorities,” he said.
Among the planned projects is support for St. Peter's Kungu Lutale and Mazzi Primary School in Kamira, Luweero District, where the club will donate scholastic materials and other essential learning supplies.
Lions cutting cake to celebrate the installation of the fourth president of the Entebbe Road Lions Club. This was during the fourth presidential and board installation dinner at Orion Restaurant Lweeza on June 27, 2026. 
“We want to improve learning conditions for pupils, some of whom have been studying while seated on classroom floors,” he added.
Turyakira urged fellow Lions to remain committed to service and to support the Lions Clubs International Foundation in strengthening humanitarian projects.
“I accepted this responsibility knowing that leadership is not about position but service. I pledge to lead with integrity, accountability and inclusiveness,” he said as he congratulated the newly installed board members.
He also pledged to support the Lions International Mission 1.5 campaign, a global initiative aimed at increasing the organisation's membership to 1.5 million.
"Part of our strategy will include chartering two new clubs to contribute to this global target," he said.
District targets 2.2 million beneficiaries
The installation ceremony was conducted by Lion John Kikanu Byarugaba, the incoming District Governor for Lions Clubs International District 411B Uganda for the 2026/2027 Lions year.
Byarugaba said installation ceremonies symbolise the peaceful transfer of leadership and reflect the organisation's commitment to developing leaders.
“Every Lions Club member has the skill, will and knowledge to lead. Leadership development is one of the core services we provide to our members,” he said.
He reiterated that the organisation's motto, “We Serve,” reflects its dedication to supporting the less privileged.
He encouraged more Ugandans to join Lions Clubs to expand the organisation's reach.
"As Lions, we change lives, transform communities and extend services to those who need them most," he said.
Uganda currently has 2,774 members in 69 Lions Clubs. During his tenure, Byarugaba hopes to establish seven new Lions Clubs and five Leo Clubs while recruiting at least 140 charter members.
He also noted that Uganda continues to lead Africa in membership growth and humanitarian service. He revealed that although the district had pledged to contribute $83,000 to the Lions Clubs International Foundation, members had already exceeded the target by raising $85,000.
Outgoing president reflects on achievements
Immediate Past President Richard Magezi said the club registered significant achievements during his tenure, including membership growth, stronger community partnerships and impactful service projects.
He said the club actively participated in diabetes awareness campaigns, working with healthcare providers to promote prevention and management of the disease.
The club also organised monthly diabetes awareness walks in Lubowa involving members and residents to encourage healthy living.
Magezi revealed that the club sponsored a Leo Club at Crested Secondary School, which has already enrolled more than 360 students.
However, he acknowledged that limited funding and volunteer availability remain major challenges affecting the implementation of some community projects.
During the ceremony, Lion Stephen Lubowa received the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellow Award in recognition of his outstanding humanitarian service. The award was presented by Lion Dans Naturinda, the Lions Clubs International Area Leader.
The celebrations concluded with a dinner, a cake-cutting ceremony and an exchange of gifts.