A Journey That Began with Small Acts

As I accept the honour of serving as the 39th President of the Rotary Club of Kampala North, I do so with humility, gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility. This moment is more than a title to me. It is a calling to serve, to lead, and to make a difference.

My Service Journey

My journey of service did not begin in boardrooms, nor did it begin with titles or positions. It began many years ago when I was still a young girl, guided by values of compassion and service. As an O-Level student, I participated in collecting and distributing small items to hospitals in Iganga. At university, together with friends, I visited children in the Mulago Cancer Ward, offering treats, companionship and encouragement.

At the time, these seemed like small acts. But looking back, I realize they were the beginning of something much bigger. They planted in me a belief that has never left me: service is not measured by quantity, but by intention.

Education, Busoga and Lasting Transformation

My passion for service later grew into more organized action. With a group of like-minded friends, we founded the Busoga Young Professionals, where we supported bright young girls who could not afford secondary education. We identified them, supported them, and created fundraising initiatives to sustain the effort.

In 2022, I was also part of the Busoga Education Initiative, where we focused on some of the worst-performing primary schools in Busoga. What we found was painful: children learning on empty stomachs, few desks and books, inadequate classrooms, poor sanitation and teachers working against overwhelming odds.

Closing the Blood Gap

One of my proudest service experiences has been working with the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services. For many years, Uganda faced critical blood shortages, especially during school holidays when student donors were unavailable. I mobilized corporate companies and organized blood drives, assigning companies to sponsor drives regularly.

Lives were saved. Mothers survived childbirth. Accident victims received timely transfusions. Patients who needed urgent support received blood in time.

Finding My Rotary Home

I had supported Rotary service activities before, including dental camps, but my encounter with the Rotary Club of Kampala North truly cemented my commitment to Rotary. When I walked into the Club, I found warmth, friendship and a community that shared my values.

My induction was graciously hosted in the home of Rotarian Kajumba and his wife Rose, a warm beginning that reflected the true spirit of Rotary. I have been supported by the Ladies Forum, the Past Presidents Council and the wider RCKN family, and I am proud to call this Club home.

Leading Volunteers with Gratitude

Rotary has reminded me that leading volunteers requires a different kind of leadership. There are no salaries, no appraisals and no warnings. People give freely — their time, expertise, networks and personal resources.

For that reason, I commit to leading with gratitude, recognition and inclusiveness. I believe that how people feel determines how they serve.

My Priorities for the Year

Rotary in My Family

Rotary has also touched my family deeply. My daughter Elaine Lumonya benefited from the Rotary Youth Exchange Programme in Dayton, USA. That opportunity built her confidence, opened doors, strengthened friendships and helped shape her into a young person with a heart for service.

Behind every leader there is a strong foundation of love and support, and I am deeply grateful to my family for standing with me throughout this journey.

My Gratitude

I extend my heartfelt appreciation to my family, Rotary leaders, the outgoing leadership, Past Presidents, advisors, the installation organizing committee, the Kalerwe buddy group, corporate friends, hosts, Rotaractors, guests and the entire RCKN family.

To Rotary, thank you for giving me a platform to turn compassion into action.