Uganda, Tanzania community-uplifting projects get sh2.5b boost
Kawooya lauded the Rotarians who have already contributed $10,000 (about shillings 36 million) to TRF.
Christine Kyeyune, the District Governor 9214 (3rd from left), poses for a photo with the members of Rotary during the recognition awarding ceremony at Speke Resort Munyonyo. (Photos by Wilfred Sanya)
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The district governor of the Rotary District 9214, Christine Kyeyune Kawooya, has disclosed that Rotarians under her leadership, which covers Uganda and Tanzania, have contributed about shillings 2.5 billion ($703,000) to the Rotary Fund (TRF) in the last five months.
She made the remarks at a recent Rotary Foundation recognition dinner of District 9214 hosted at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala under the theme: We Gather Around, Celebrating Givers.
“I am excited, and I would like to officially share and introduce the newest goal to the Rotary Foundation, which is $1m (about shillings 3.5 billion). We revised the goal from the original $600,000 (about shillings 2.1 billion), which we have already surpassed. From today, it is $1m, which we are looking at. You never know, the team has promised me, we may hit $1.5m (sh5.3b) if the pace we have demonstrated in the last four months is maintained,” Kawooya said.
She lauded the Rotarians who have already contributed $10,000 (about shillings 36 million) to TRF.
“At the end of December, we shall have a Rotaract night to celebrate the givers to the foundation. And as we celebrate the givers today, everything matters. We can build as little as we can, as much as we can to develop the foundation,” Kawooya said.
Several Rotarians who have generously contributed more than $1000 were pinned by the chief guest, Robert Mukiza, the executive director of Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), with support from the governor, Rotary International director, Emmanuel Katongole and other eminent Rotarians.
TRF is the charitable arm of Rotary International, transforming gifts into service projects that change lives globally.
The foundation empowers Rotarians to invest their time, money, and expertise in humanitarian projects, promoting peace, understanding, and goodwill. With its global network, TRF addresses pressing needs, providing essential services and improving lives worldwide.
Mukiza celebrated the organisation's commitment to service above self.
"The theme we gather around, celebrating givers, aligns closely with the focus of my professional and occupational life and the heart of my Rotary journey," Mukiza said.
As an economist, he appreciated Rotary's contribution to societal development, augmenting public-private sector efforts in social services provision.
Mukiza highlighted Rotary's significant impact, including the near eradication of polio, immunisation of 2.5 billion children, and reduction of global cases by 99.9%.
"That level of achievement is not accidental. It is the result of sustained generosity and disciplined leadership," he emphasised.
In Uganda, Rotary's initiatives have expanded access to education, strengthened maternal and child health systems, and reduced preventable deaths. Rotarians have also delivered clean water, sanitation, and hygiene solutions, preventing diseases and supporting peacebuilding initiatives.
Mukiza praised Dist 9214's commitment, citing a major donor’s dinner in September 2025 that raised over $100,000 (about shillings 360 million).
"Your giving continues to position the district as a leader in philanthropy and sustainable community development," he said.
He also acknowledged partners like the Uganda Breweries Ltd and the National Forestry Authority, which collaborated with Rotary to restore the Namananga Forest Reserve.
"When we join hands with partners, our reach expands, and our results deepen. Together, one act at a time, we can achieve transformational outcomes. To give is to participate in the work of humanity. Each of you has demonstrated that commitment,” he said.
The dinner was among others used to recognise the Rotary International director for Zone 22, Emmanuel Katongole, for contributing more than $500000 (sh1.7b) to the TRF.
"Our giving today is not for ourselves, but for the generations to come,” Mukiza said while urging the attendees to recommit to sustained generosity, mentoring others and inspiring collective action.
Katongole disclosed that when it comes to Rotary leadership, membership and giving to the TRF, Uganda was leading on the continent.
“For me, that makes me a proud representative of Africa and of course, our country. And to maintain this, we must maintain the gains,” Katongole said.
Katongole clarified that his contribution to Rotary is not because is a rich man, but that you can change a human being from a street boy to the level of the director of Rotary International.
“Any giving, however small, so long as it comes from our hearts, can change people’s lives,” Katongole said.