Kololo Rotary Charter Night highlights sport as a tool for change

There are evenings that simply pass, and then there are those that mark the beginning of something meaningful moments where purpose, prestige, and people converge. 

The Charter Night of the Rotary Club of Kololo Summit View was undoubtedly the latter, a celebration of service, leadership, and a renewed commitment to community transformation.

The Rotary Club of Kololo Summit View, recently inducted under the auspices of a visiting Rotary International Director, proudly unveiled its charter members. At the helm is Charter President Hamidah Khetani, whose leadership signals both dynamism and inclusivity.

The club positions itself at the intersection of philanthropy and enterprise drawing strength from a network of accomplished professionals and business leaders, particularly from the Indian diaspora community. 

These members are not only patrons of business but are deeply invested in social impact initiatives, especially in early childhood education, infrastructure development through school construction, and the promotion of sports such as cricket.

While speaking during the event, Charter President Hamidah Khetani, emphasized the club’s commitment to impactful and inclusive community initiatives.

“We are prioritizing initiatives that empower women and young people through sport, alongside other community programmes,” Khetani revealed after the celebrations.

Her remarks set the tone for a night that not only celebrated a new beginning but also positioned sport as a key pillar in community engagement and youth empowerment.

A gathering of distinguished leaders

The evening was graced by an impressive array of dignitaries whose presence underscored the importance of the milestone. Among them was the Rotary District Governor for District 9213, Geoffrey M. Kitakule, who presided over the chartering of new members for the Rotary Club of Kololo Summit View.

Also in attendance were esteemed Past District Governors Anne Nkutu, Mike Sebalu, and Stephen Mwanje. District Governor Nominee Fabian Kasi was also present, reflecting the continuity and strength of Rotary leadership in Uganda.

Presiding as Guest of honour was the Minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs, Minsa Kabanda, whose presence affirmed the critical intersection between civic leadership and community-driven service organisations like Rotary.

Adding an international and diplomatic touch to the gathering was Mumtaz Kassam, former Deputy Ambassador to Rome, Italy, and a respected advocate in Uganda. 

The event also drew prominent members of Uganda’s Indian and Pakistani business communities, including representatives of the notable Azeez and Chesani families renowned for their philanthropy, entrepreneurial excellence, and longstanding contributions to Uganda’s socio-economic development.

Among the newly chartered members was Sarina Carrasco, founder of Voyager Global Solutions, a Kampala-based travel company, who highlighted how her Rotary journey will align with sports and social impact.

“I will use my membership position under the Kololo club’s corporate social responsibility initiatives to empower women and young girls in sports and other spheres,” Carrasco told Vision Sports.

Her passion for sport is already evident through her collaborations with the Uganda Rugby Union and Rugby Afrique partnerships she says have shown her the transformative power of sport beyond competition.

Forging strategic partnerships for impact

A particularly noteworthy development emerging from this Charter Night is the budding collaboration between the Rotary Club of Kololo Summit View and the Rotary Club of Kyadondo Rugby.

The Rotary Club of Kyadondo Rugby has distinguished itself with a clear and focused mission to promote the sport of rugby as a tool for social transformation. Recognising the power of sport in shaping discipline, teamwork, and opportunity, the club has consistently aligned its service projects with youth empowerment through rugby.

This shared vision found fertile ground during the recently concluded Rotary Uganda Presidents-Elect Training Seminar (PETS) for the Central and Western Region, held at Silver Springs Hotel in Bugolobi from 7th to 8th March 2026. It was here that Charter President Hamidah Khetani and President-Elect Robert Benon Jurua of the Rotary Club of Kyadondo Rugby initiated a strategic partnership.

Their collaboration aims to intentionally integrate sports particularly rugby into Rotary’s service framework. By doing so, they seek not only to nurture talent but also to extend outreach to schools, vulnerable communities, and underserved populations within their jurisdictions, notably the Lugogo and Kololo areas.

“Sport gives us a platform to reach young people, to mentor them, and to create opportunities that go beyond the field,” Jurua said.