Tales of Kampala South
The art and power of storytelling to communicate Rotary values and norms could be felt on Monday as the different presidents including PP Jenny, Anthony, Ebert, Michael and Paul narrated their experiences over the years in Rotary. The wealth of knowledge that was passed on to the new entrants of the Rotary norms that have now become a culture to many were shared in a light hearted manner through storytelling.
A common theme that was evident and difficult to miss as they took turns sharing was their passion for the club of Kampala South and Rotary in general.
Tales were told of the birthing of Kampala South as a chattered club from a small Chinese restaurant in Najanankumbi, to Kajjansi, to little flowers at Bat valley and eventually 1995 to conference centre in the Addis room with short periods of fellowships at Serena hotel the Subway& blue Africa before Hotel Africana where we fellowship to date, with a few new members being sent to boost it from with a from rotary club of Kampala City.
They shared history on they carried out their daily administrative tasks during a period where only six members of the club had Celtel lines and phones in 1995, communication was made over office landlines. What worked for them at the time was it being a closely knit club where members continuously endeavoured to fellowship in different ways.as they shared as though it was only yesterday.
The composition of the Club has risen in both membership and diversity, from being a club that was about to be closed for having numbers below the required rotary numbers to over a hundred members today. When asked about what the secret to the success of the club was, the presidents indicated that Rotaract has been one of the main sources of energy for the Rotary Club of Kampala South.
In order to increase youth membership, participation and vibrancy in the club a number of baby clubs were started including the Rotaract club of IUEA, Maisha, Kampala springs. In order to ensure that the rotary brand was not only recognised at rotary level but also at the lower levels, the mantel of certain activities and projects has also been passed on which required a more active generation including the annual sports gala now run by the Rotaract club of Kampala south.
As they heartily shared their vivid experiences which could have had one inching closer to a fireplace or nearly falling off a stool trying to get closer to the narrator had it been around an actual physical fireplace and in a different setting, with wide range of pictures displayed across the screen, they shared on the various innovative ways they have tried to revive the club including trying out lunch fellowships, which they had for year.
Over the years relationships the development of very strong bonds and friendships within the club have been realised which are, centered on fun and service through projects.