As we prepare for the 2025/2026 Rotary year, Pamon Prossy (PP) had a conversation with incoming President Mark Rubarenzya (MR) to discuss his Rotary journey, leadership philosophy, and vision for our Club. In this candid exchange, we explore what drives his service, the mentors who shaped him, and how he plans to build on our legacy while steering Kampala Central toward new horizons.
PP: Can you take us back to when and why you first joined Rotary?
MR: I first joined Rotary about 10 years ago, at a time when I was looking to reconnect with purpose and community. I had just returned to Uganda after more than a decade living abroad, and I was seeking friendships grounded in shared values. I’ve always believed that those who are blessed should be a blessing to others—and Rotary offered a structured, ethical, and deeply meaningful way to live that out. A friend introduced me to the movement, and after visiting a number of clubs, I found a true home in the Rotary Club of Kampala Central.
MR: I first joined Rotary about 10 years ago, at a time when I was looking to reconnect with purpose and community. I had just returned to Uganda after more than a decade living abroad, and I was seeking friendships grounded in shared values. I’ve always believed that those who are blessed should be a blessing to others—and Rotary offered a structured, ethical, and deeply meaningful way to live that out. A friend introduced me to the movement, and after visiting a number of clubs, I found a true home in the Rotary Club of Kampala Central.
PP: What inspired you to stay and grow within the Rotary Club of Kampala Central?
MR: What kept me here was the balance of purpose and people. I found a friendly, welcoming environment where I could serve meaningfully and enjoy genuine fellowship. I’ve cherished our project visits to places like Lukwanga, Nyenga, and Ngora—these are moments where service meets story. I also appreciated opportunities to contribute to the Club’s leadership and direction. Over time, my Rotary journey expanded, allowing me to serve beyond the Club as well. But the Rotary Club of Kampala Central has always remained my anchor.
MR: What kept me here was the balance of purpose and people. I found a friendly, welcoming environment where I could serve meaningfully and enjoy genuine fellowship. I’ve cherished our project visits to places like Lukwanga, Nyenga, and Ngora—these are moments where service meets story. I also appreciated opportunities to contribute to the Club’s leadership and direction. Over time, my Rotary journey expanded, allowing me to serve beyond the Club as well. But the Rotary Club of Kampala Central has always remained my anchor.
PP: Looking back on your Rotary journey so far, what moments have been the most defining?
MR: There have been several. One of the biggest was attending the District Conference in Entebbe—it was uplifting to see Rotarians from across the region gathered with such unity and purpose. Another defining moment was attending the Rotary International Convention in Melbourne. Interacting with Rotarians from all over the world reminded me that our work at Club level is part of something truly global.
MR: There have been several. One of the biggest was attending the District Conference in Entebbe—it was uplifting to see Rotarians from across the region gathered with such unity and purpose. Another defining moment was attending the Rotary International Convention in Melbourne. Interacting with Rotarians from all over the world reminded me that our work at Club level is part of something truly global.
On a more personal level, I’ve drawn deep satisfaction from supporting leadership development within Rotary. Whether mentoring new members or training peers, I’ve found that when people grow, the Club grows too. But it’s also the weekly rhythm of our meetings, the conversations with friends, and the spirit of service in Kampala Central that continue to define my Rotary journey.
PP: Who or what has influenced your leadership style within Rotary?
MR: My leadership style is grounded in faith and values. I’m deeply inspired by the idea of servant leadership—leading by example, listening before speaking, and acting with humility. I’ve also been mentored and influenced by several Rotarians whose quiet strength and wisdom have shaped how I approach leadership—among them PDG Tusu, who models the idea that you don’t need a title or fanfare to make a lasting impact.
MR: My leadership style is grounded in faith and values. I’m deeply inspired by the idea of servant leadership—leading by example, listening before speaking, and acting with humility. I’ve also been mentored and influenced by several Rotarians whose quiet strength and wisdom have shaped how I approach leadership—among them PDG Tusu, who models the idea that you don’t need a title or fanfare to make a lasting impact.
PP: What has been your most fulfilling Rotary project or experience to date?
MR: Some of the most fulfilling moments have come right here in our Club—seeing the impact of our work in communities like Lukwanga and Nyenga, or watching a member find their voice through service. I’ve also enjoyed being part of strategic conversations that shape our Club’s direction. This year, I’m particularly excited about Run for the Nile—not just because it’s a major fundraiser, but because it brings visibility and energy to our work, and it aligns with our Club’s broader strategy. Through it, we’ll raise the resources we need to deliver on impactful service.
MR: Some of the most fulfilling moments have come right here in our Club—seeing the impact of our work in communities like Lukwanga and Nyenga, or watching a member find their voice through service. I’ve also enjoyed being part of strategic conversations that shape our Club’s direction. This year, I’m particularly excited about Run for the Nile—not just because it’s a major fundraiser, but because it brings visibility and energy to our work, and it aligns with our Club’s broader strategy. Through it, we’ll raise the resources we need to deliver on impactful service.
PP: What does it mean to you personally to take on the role of Club President?
MR: It means stewardship. I see it as the responsibility to guide a group of high-performing individuals toward shared goals, while ensuring everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. I’m not here to reinvent the wheel. I’m here to strengthen what already exists, bring clarity where needed, and create space for others to thrive. Leadership, to me, is about alignment—not just activity.
MR: It means stewardship. I see it as the responsibility to guide a group of high-performing individuals toward shared goals, while ensuring everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. I’m not here to reinvent the wheel. I’m here to strengthen what already exists, bring clarity where needed, and create space for others to thrive. Leadership, to me, is about alignment—not just activity.
PP: What is the overarching vision or theme for your presidential year?
MR: Our theme is centered on intentionality and member experience. I want each member to find Rotary deeply relevant—not just in terms of service, but in the relationships we build and the growth we experience. We’ll focus on visibility, strategic execution, and most importantly, people.
MR: Our theme is centered on intentionality and member experience. I want each member to find Rotary deeply relevant—not just in terms of service, but in the relationships we build and the growth we experience. We’ll focus on visibility, strategic execution, and most importantly, people.
PP: What key areas will you be focusing on during your term?
MR: We’ve identified four key pillars:
MR: We’ve identified four key pillars:
- Member Experience: Strengthening connection, inclusion, and engagement.
- Public Image: Making our work more visible and relevant to the broader community.
- Project Alignment: Ensuring our service initiatives are focused, impactful, and well-resourced.
- Club Culture: Promoting collaboration, transparency, and responsiveness in everything we do.
PP: How do you plan to build on the achievements of your predecessor?
MR: We are building from a very strong place. Our immediate past leadership team guided the Club to receive the Best Governed Club Award at the District Conference—a clear indication that systems are working. Ahead of this year, the incoming Board has benefitted from extensive training facilitated by three Past District Governors, as well as learning through District sessions and the Rotary Learning Centre. That said, we continue to encourage all Club officers to complete any pending learning and apply their new skills in service. The foundation is strong—and we are committed to continual growth and alignment.
MR: We are building from a very strong place. Our immediate past leadership team guided the Club to receive the Best Governed Club Award at the District Conference—a clear indication that systems are working. Ahead of this year, the incoming Board has benefitted from extensive training facilitated by three Past District Governors, as well as learning through District sessions and the Rotary Learning Centre. That said, we continue to encourage all Club officers to complete any pending learning and apply their new skills in service. The foundation is strong—and we are committed to continual growth and alignment.
PP: What strategies will you use to keep members engaged and motivated throughout the year?
MR: We’ll be deliberate about understanding members’ needs and expectations. Each engagement will be thoughtful, timely, and tailored. Our committees are focused, our teams are competent, and our planning cycles are clear. We also believe in consistent recognition and celebrating both effort and excellence.
MR: We’ll be deliberate about understanding members’ needs and expectations. Each engagement will be thoughtful, timely, and tailored. Our committees are focused, our teams are competent, and our planning cycles are clear. We also believe in consistent recognition and celebrating both effort and excellence.
PP: How will you incorporate fellowship and mentorship into your leadership style?
MR: Fellowship and mentorship are central to our Club’s vibrancy. We’ll activate these through strengthened Buddy Groups, vibrant social activities, and open-door leadership. I want this to be a Club where newer members are mentored, and seasoned members are celebrated. Where we connect beyond agendas and support each other in all seasons. The Family of Rotary Committee, which already plays an important role, will have its role further expanded to support cohesion and more frequent convening of members and their families.
MR: Fellowship and mentorship are central to our Club’s vibrancy. We’ll activate these through strengthened Buddy Groups, vibrant social activities, and open-door leadership. I want this to be a Club where newer members are mentored, and seasoned members are celebrated. Where we connect beyond agendas and support each other in all seasons. The Family of Rotary Committee, which already plays an important role, will have its role further expanded to support cohesion and more frequent convening of members and their families.
PP: Are there any new initiatives, committees, or partnerships you hope to launch?
MR: We’ve already made targeted updates to our committee structure to enhance focus and responsiveness. We’re also integrating smart digital tools, including AI-assisted processes—for example, to support functions like networking, attendance, and registration. These enhancements are practical, not flashy, and are designed to make Rotary easier and more enjoyable for members. We’re also exploring partnerships that can help us scale our impact.
MR: We’ve already made targeted updates to our committee structure to enhance focus and responsiveness. We’re also integrating smart digital tools, including AI-assisted processes—for example, to support functions like networking, attendance, and registration. These enhancements are practical, not flashy, and are designed to make Rotary easier and more enjoyable for members. We’re also exploring partnerships that can help us scale our impact.
PP: What can club members expect to experience differently this year?
MR: You can expect an approach to leadership that is collaborative, respectful, and centered on people. We’ll stay close to the pulse of the membership—listening, adapting, and delivering in ways that matter. Every major initiative will be brought through the Club Assembly to ensure clarity, inclusiveness, and collective buy-in. The focus is on doing things with the Club, not to the Club.
MR: You can expect an approach to leadership that is collaborative, respectful, and centered on people. We’ll stay close to the pulse of the membership—listening, adapting, and delivering in ways that matter. Every major initiative will be brought through the Club Assembly to ensure clarity, inclusiveness, and collective buy-in. The focus is on doing things with the Club, not to the Club.
PP: Are there any signature events or flagship projects planned for your term?
MR: Yes—Run for the Nile will be our signature event and key fundraiser. It’s designed to mobilize resources that will directly fuel our service projects. We are aligning it closely with our overall strategy so that all service activities link back to this effort in a unified, impactful way. We’re also in conversations with other Clubs and District leadership to explore ways it can grow into a District-wide platform for shared visibility and joint fundraising.
MR: Yes—Run for the Nile will be our signature event and key fundraiser. It’s designed to mobilize resources that will directly fuel our service projects. We are aligning it closely with our overall strategy so that all service activities link back to this effort in a unified, impactful way. We’re also in conversations with other Clubs and District leadership to explore ways it can grow into a District-wide platform for shared visibility and joint fundraising.
PP: How do you plan to make this Rotary year more inclusive and vibrant for all members?
MR: Inclusivity starts with deliberate decisions—and we’ve made them. Our Membership Committee has been carefully selected for competence and commitment. We’ll also continue to strengthen the Family of Rotary, expanding its role in enhancing cohesion and connection within the Club. Buddy Groups will be more empowered to serve as smaller communities of care, interaction, and leadership within the larger Club structure.
MR: Inclusivity starts with deliberate decisions—and we’ve made them. Our Membership Committee has been carefully selected for competence and commitment. We’ll also continue to strengthen the Family of Rotary, expanding its role in enhancing cohesion and connection within the Club. Buddy Groups will be more empowered to serve as smaller communities of care, interaction, and leadership within the larger Club structure.
PP: What role do you see young professionals and new members playing in the club this year?
MR: A very central role. Several key responsibilities are already being handled by members who’ve been with us for less than a year—including the colleague helping us integrate AI into our Club’s digital workflows. Newer members bring fresh energy, curiosity, and creativity. We’re blending that with our Club’s 33-year tradition to build something that is both grounded and forward-looking.
MR: A very central role. Several key responsibilities are already being handled by members who’ve been with us for less than a year—including the colleague helping us integrate AI into our Club’s digital workflows. Newer members bring fresh energy, curiosity, and creativity. We’re blending that with our Club’s 33-year tradition to build something that is both grounded and forward-looking.
PP: How will you encourage club members to take ownership of service and leadership?
MR: By creating space for collaboration, consensus, and continuity. When members are part of decision-making, they naturally take ownership of the outcome. That’s why we’ll regularly consult the Club through the Assembly and ensure clarity around our direction. I’ll lead by example—but always as part of a team.
MR: By creating space for collaboration, consensus, and continuity. When members are part of decision-making, they naturally take ownership of the outcome. That’s why we’ll regularly consult the Club through the Assembly and ensure clarity around our direction. I’ll lead by example—but always as part of a team.
PP: What excites you most about the journey ahead as Club President?
MR: I’m excited about the opportunity to shape culture, deepen engagement, and create systems that last. I look forward to leading a team that works from a place of trust and respect, and to serving in a way that energizes others to step forward.
MR: I’m excited about the opportunity to shape culture, deepen engagement, and create systems that last. I look forward to leading a team that works from a place of trust and respect, and to serving in a way that energizes others to step forward.
PP: How do you balance Rotary leadership with your personal and professional life?
MR: For me, balance comes from structure and support. I prioritize well, plan ahead, and lean on a strong team. I also make time for things that replenish me—family, faith, rest, meaningful work, and play. It’s not about having perfect balance all the time, but about making space for what matters most.
MR: For me, balance comes from structure and support. I prioritize well, plan ahead, and lean on a strong team. I also make time for things that replenish me—family, faith, rest, meaningful work, and play. It’s not about having perfect balance all the time, but about making space for what matters most.
PP: What legacy would you like to leave by the end of your term?
MR: That we became more connected, more visible, and more intentional. That we remained a Club of excellence, with a culture that values people as much as projects. If we do that well, then our legacy will take care of itself.
MR: That we became more connected, more visible, and more intentional. That we remained a Club of excellence, with a culture that values people as much as projects. If we do that well, then our legacy will take care of itself.