An exciting conversation with AG Gloria Opwonya!
In this month’s Passion Magazine, we are thrilled to feature Assistant Governor (AG) Gloria Opwonya. A Past President of the Rotary Club of Kampala Naguru during the challenging year of 2020-2021, Gloria has proven to be a dedicated Rotarian, a visionary leader, and a passionate advocate for community service. As AG, she now oversees several Rotary clubs, including the vibrant Rotary Club of Kampala Central, bringing her wealth of experience and dynamic leadership style to the forefront.
In this exclusive interview, Abass Bwanaheri sits down with AG Gloria to uncover her inspiring journey through Rotary, the intricacies of her role as AG, and her unique approach to balancing the demands of work, family, and service. From her reflections on leadership to her vision for Rotary’s future in Uganda, AG Gloria offers deep insights and wisdom that will surely inspire Rotarians across the district.
AB: AG Gloria, could you share with our readers how your Rotary journey began? What inspired you to join, and what keeps you deeply connected to Rotary’s mission?
In this exclusive interview, Abass Bwanaheri sits down with AG Gloria to uncover her inspiring journey through Rotary, the intricacies of her role as AG, and her unique approach to balancing the demands of work, family, and service. From her reflections on leadership to her vision for Rotary’s future in Uganda, AG Gloria offers deep insights and wisdom that will surely inspire Rotarians across the district.
AB: AG Gloria, could you share with our readers how your Rotary journey began? What inspired you to join, and what keeps you deeply connected to Rotary’s mission?
AG: My husband invited me to the then-Rotary Club of Kampala Naguru information in 2009. I didn’t know much about Rotary but sought a place to connect and interact with different people. I got a warm reception and stayed on to become a club charter member. On a personal level, I value integrity and service, which are core parts of Rotary’s mission. That is what keeps me going together with the friendships. I also appreciate the opportunities that Rotary provides for personal and leadership development. I have become a better leader due to my involvement with Rotary programs.
AB: You were the President of the Rotary Club of Kampala Naguru during the challenging year of 2020-2021. What were the most significant lessons you learned during that term, and how did it shape your leadership style today?
AG: During 2020-2021, the country was mainly in a lockdown, and most meetings were purely online, and even when it opened up, most people were too afraid to gather due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The other way to stay connected was through regular check-ins with members through phone calls, text messages, and physical visits. The most important lesson learned was to put the people first. As a president, when people feel you care about them, they will care about Rotary business and respond to your call to attend fellowships, pay dues, and participate in club activities. You cannot compel them to work and be present; therefore, motivation and persuasion are key. Give members a reason to be present and make them feel valued and appreciated.Taking time to plan with your team before your actual term will make a big difference. This will ensure that you are ready to execute your plans as soon as the year begins.
AB: As an Assistant Governor, what excites you the most about overseeing clubs, especially the Rotary Club of Kampala Central?
AG: I am excited by the dedication and commitment I see in the clubs. The Rotary Club of Kampala Central, in particular, takes the lead in planning and implementing its programs, which are aligned to the district. It has a good reporting mechanism, making it easy to track progress. The members are also very warm and easy to get along with. President Marion is one of the most organized leaders I have come across and that eases my work.
AB: For many Rotarians, the role of an Assistant Governor might seem a bit mysterious. Could you break it down for us—what are your primary responsibilities as AG, and how do you support the clubs you oversee?
AG: The AG’s role is mainly a support one involving working with clubs to set goals, navigate through challenges, and meet membership and other requirements. The AG is also a liaison between the club and the district leadership, encouraging club involvement in district activities. You are also expected to attend Board meetings and visit the club regulatory office to discuss progress and challenges and communicate information to and from the district while keeping the Governor informed of the Club’s progress towards meeting the goals.
AB: With your experience, how do you navigate the different challenges clubs face, ensuring they stay on track with their goals while maintaining Rotary’s core values?
AG: Getting to know the clubs and their culture helps me know how to approach different issues. I also maintain close contact with the president to discuss any challenges. I also work with other district officials to handle specific issues. Say if its membership, I involve the district membership team to assist and offer further guidance. We are a team and work together to ensure clubs remain on track.
AB: You oversee the Rotary Club of Kampala Central. What do you see as the club’s biggest strengths and achievements, and how do you envision its future in the district?
AG: One of Rotary’s greatest strengths is its leadership and governance structures, which guide the leaders and the club and foster continuity. The club’s participation in projects and signature projects fosters engagement, providing a good value proposition for prospective and current members who see that Rotary can be both service and fun. I know that Rotary Club of Kampala Central will continue to make great strides and be a reference point for other clubs, especially if it maintains the governance structures that foster continuity.
AB: How do you foster a strong working relationship with the leadership of the clubs you oversee?
AG: Keeping the communication lines open so we can reach out to one another whenever required. I also have one-on-one engagements with the club presidents and attend meetings with the boards so that we can have more interactions. I have also noticed that informal gatherings are good for fostering relationships.
AB: You wear many hats—AG, Past President, professional, and family person. How do you find the balance between your work life, family, and Rotary responsibilities? Any tips you can share with fellow Rotarians on managing it all?
AG: I always sought a balance between Rotary, work, family, and other responsibilities but realized that it may not be possible. However, it helps to prioritize the different areas when required. I put the family first and attend most family activities. Where there is a clash, I will try to make up for it or at least make a late appearance.
Two of the clubs I oversee meet on Wednesday, and I host a church fellowship at that time, so I found that having a schedule for my Rotary activities helps to ensure that I do not miss any. Rotary can be so much fun and engaging that it can overshadow other areas.
Your priorities may depend on where you are in terms of your family and career. You need to devote more time to the family, especially when the children are younger. When they are older and in boarding school or out of home, you will naturally have more time for Rotary. Work is an enabler for both family and Rotary, so give it the required time.Use ‘ghost hours,’ such as early morning or late evening, to catch up when you find yourself lagging behind any area of your life and delegate where possible.
AB: What advice would you give to upcoming leaders in Rotary, especially those aspiring to take on leadership roles like Club President or AG?
AG: Do not be afraid to offer yourself to lead. There is a lot of support and resources available to enable you to succeed as a leader. Be willing to learn and impact your knowledge to others. Plan early and work as a team. But remember, ‘when you offer yourself to lead, you cease to be a volunteer’ PAG Sophie Bamwoyeraki. You are expected to perform according to the terms of reference of the role.
AB: Lastly, what’s your vision for Rotary in Uganda, particularly in the coming years, and what role do you believe clubs like Kampala Central will play in shaping that future?
AG: I hope that the public will see Rotary for what it is – for the service and change it creates in our communities and that membership retention will cease to be a challenge as we give more value to our members beyond service through fellowships to promote the business and social interests.
Clubs like Kampala Central can partner with smaller clubs to share best practices in projects and help them create a niche, as you have done with the environment.
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