Rotarians honour Princess Nabaloga with prestigious honorary membership

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The Rotary Club of Mengo, under District 9214, has inducted Buganda Kingdom princess Nnaalinnya Dr Catherine Agnes Nabaloga as an honorary member in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the community and dedication to preserving Buganda’s cultural heritage.

Princess Nabaloga was officially inducted during the double installation ceremony of the new president of the Rotary Club of Mengo and the president of the Inner Wheel Club of Mengo held at Pope Paul Memorial Hotel in Kampala on May 15, 2026.

The decision to confer honorary membership upon the princess was unanimously approved during a club fellowship meeting and later endorsed by the club president, the board and the entire membership.

(L-R) Robert Waggwa Nsibirwathe the Second Deputy Katikkiro of Buganda Kingdom and Minister for Finance, who is also a Past District Governor presenting Buganda Kingdom princess Nnaalinnya Dr. Catherine Agnes Nabaloga with an honorary membership pin as Fred Kafeero the president of the Rotary Club of Mengo and the out going club president Ronald Migadde and other guests look on, This was during the double installation ceremony of the new president of the Rotary Club of Mengo and the president of the Inner Wheel Club of Mengo held at Pope Paul Memorial Hotel in Kampala on May 17, 2026.

The Rotary Club of Mengo’s first honorary member was His Majesty Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, who was inducted in 2008. Princess Nabaloga now becomes the second honorary member in the history of the club.

Recognition of distinguished community service

While officiating at the induction ceremony, the second deputy Katikkiro of Buganda kingdom and minister for finance, who is also a past district governor, Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa, described the occasion as a singular honour.

“It is a great privilege for me to induct Her Royal Highness Nnaalinnya Lubuga Dr Agnes Nabaloga into the Rotary Club of Mengo as an honorary member,” Nsibirwa said.

He explained that honorary membership in Rotary is reserved for individuals who have rendered exceptional service to the community and upheld Rotary ideals.

“An honorary member is exempt from paying club dues and attendance requirements. Such a member cannot vote or hold office within the club,” he noted.

Nsibirwa added that honorary members are often distinguished personalities, retired leaders or individuals who have made remarkable contributions to society.

He emphasised that the election of an honorary member is determined by the board of the local club based on the individual’s significant contribution to the community.

“Your Royal Highness, you are free to attend club meetings and events at your pleasure,” he told the princess during the ceremony.

He commended the Rotary Club of Mengo leadership for identifying Princess Nabaloga as deserving of the honour.

“I wish to commend the board of the club for inviting the princess to join as an honorary member because she truly embodies what an honorary member should be in a Rotary club,” he said.

Nsibirwa also cautioned against the growing trend of Rotary members becoming honorary members in other clubs without fitting the true definition of honorary membership.

To formalise her admission into the club, Princess Nabaloga was presented with an honorary membership pin, which was placed on the right side of her gomesi, symbolising her commitment to service above self.

“I now welcome you to service and fellowship,” Nsibirwa said as he pinned the insignia onto her gomesi.

He later handed her a membership certificate and encouraged her to display it proudly.

Rotary commended for community service

While addressing guests at the event, Princess Nabaloga expressed gratitude to the Rotary Club of Mengo members for the warm reception and recognition.

“I must say that I am truly honoured to be invited to become an honorary member,” she said.

Buganda Kingdom princess Nnaalinnya Dr. Catherine Agnes Nabaloga (fourth from Left) posing for a picture with Rotarians and other guests after she was inducted an honorary member of the Rotary club of Mengo. This was during the double installation ceremony of the new president of the Rotary Club of Mengo and the president of the Inner Wheel Club of Mengo held at Pope Paul Memorial Hotel in Kampala on May 17, 2026.

The princess noted that she was overwhelmed by the invitation from individuals who have dedicated decades to serving communities through Rotary.

“The Rotary Club’s experience and commitment to service are inspiring, and I appreciate the tremendous support members continue to extend to communities,” she added.

Princess Nabaloga also expressed pride in joining the distinguished list of honorary Rotary members, including the Kabaka of Buganda.

“I am honoured to be among the respected people who have been inducted as honorary members of Rotary, including the Kabaka of Buganda,” she said.

She paid tribute to the late Owek. Nelson Kawalya, whom she described as a close associate who had always encouraged her to join Rotary, although time constraints had made it difficult.

The newly installed president of the Rotary Club of Mengo, Fred Kafeero, described Princess Nabaloga as a distinguished personality deeply involved in social and cultural development initiatives.

“The princess promotes the cultural heritage of the kingdom and is actively involved in economic empowerment initiatives for the people,” Kafeero said.

He noted that the club’s areas of focus, including environmental conservation and socio-economic development, closely align with the princess’s interests and activities.

Kafeero expressed confidence that the club would strengthen its humanitarian service efforts through the princess’s membership and wider connections.

During the same ceremony, Rotarian Fred Kafeero was officially installed as the 38th president of the Rotary Club of Mengo, succeeding Ronald Migadde Musoke, who completed his one-year term in office.

The event also featured the installation of new leadership for the Inner Wheel Club of Mengo, where outgoing president Beat Mukasa handed over office to incoming president Monica Byarugaba.

About Princess Nabaloga

Nnaalinnya Lubuga Dr Catherine Agnes Nabaloga is a royal princess of the Buganda Kingdom and a daughter of Ssekabaka Edward Muteesa II. She holds the esteemed title of Lubuga, making her one of the kingdom’s senior royal figures.

She also serves as a trusted advisor to the reigning Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, who is her brother.