PP SUSAN MATOVU
Welcome back to our Past Presidents' lounge where we learn about which moments and events made our past leaders who they are today. This week we had an interesting interview with PP Susan Matovu, known to the club as Senga Sue and she shared her personal journey in the club as President.
Please tell us a little bit about yo
urself.
urself.My name is Susan Matovu. My Rotary journey started as a member of the Rotaract Club of Kampala City, then later as a Rotarian in 1997 so it feels like I’ve been part of the Rotary fraternity forever! I was President of this Club for the year 2006/2007. Interestingly, three other Rotaract OG's and OB's of the Rotaract Club of Kampala City were Presidents in the same year – RC Ssese Islands, RC Kampala and RC Kampala North.
The theme was ‘Lead the Way’ under RI President Bill Boyd who also handed me my initial Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) recognition and ignited my passion for the Rotary Foundation (TRF). I’ve since grown all the way to Major Donor. My Governor was Tusu and Assistant Governor Peters Musoke. I’ve attended 10 Rotary International Conventions and several District conferences. In my other life I’m a lawyer and I spent close to 25 years of my working life with Total Group until I retired at the beginning of 2018. I took office with a seven week old baby who is now 14 years. In my private time I love travelling, languages, investments, reading, listening to music and sleeping.
Tell us about some of the important moments/decisions in the Club that defined your year as Club President.
The Club was doing well but not really reaching its full potential. We therefore decided to move our service projects to the next level by initiating a matching grant like other big clubs were doing. The Club submitted an application for the Adopt a Village project in relation to our then existing Jjanyi project tapping from giants in this area particularly Rotarian Matthew Kibuuka of Rotary Club of Muyenga. The project came to fruition and did well for many years to come under the able leadership of subsequent Presidents.
How would you describe the Club membership then? How many? How did you ensure that you attracted and encouraged new members to participate?
The membership was still small compared to today, about 25 active members. It was a close knit group of mostly young (yes, young) working people quite early in their careers and encountered some challenges of young families, further studies and job mobility. The idea of twinning was introduced to provide accountability partners who would follow up and prod each other to attend fellowships, projects and other club activities. SMS reminders were sent prior to board and other meetings. A satisfaction survey was carried out to gauge the club temperature and regrettably a few members were terminated. We had a cross-generational fellowship with our parents Rotary Club of Kampala Kyambogo and our offspring Rotary Club of Kajjansi. We had home hospitalities and plenty of fun which enhanced our bond. Even people who ceased to be members still attended Club activities. Kampala South has always been known as a fun loving club. I think we knew each other by name; obviously it was easier with a smaller number.
Which projects did the Club carry out during your year, any key achievement?
We had some running projects like Sports Gala, Send a Cow and Lira Rocket stove which continued. However, as mentioned before, the Adopt a Village Jjanyi project was the major one. For a change, the Club was encouraged to benefit from TRF funds instead of using funds raised from internally from members and business partners. The club in-house fundraising success made us delay to explore funding opportunities available within Rotary.
Do you have any key word of wisdom to the members/ Rotarians/readers?
I deplore stress and negativity so my mantra is ‘Don’t sweat the small stuff!’ This is in both my personal and Rotary life. Leading adult volunteers and leaders in their own right needs a lot of patience and persuasion. I worked with a great team of friends which made my year of service enjoyable. Several years later, I’m still an enthusiastic member of the Rotary Club of Kampala South and I am proud that the club has grown from strength to strength each year.