SERVING ABOVE SELF; MY EXPERIENCE
I was first introduced to Rotary by a friend and Rotarian, Mrs Gudula Basaza of the Rotary Club of Kololo. That was way back in 2005. My understanding of Rotary then was an association of successful professionals meeting to share experiences. PP Donnan Byabazaire then became my mentor and sponsor. He encouraged me to visit as many clubs as possible and took me through the ABC of Rotary, having been a very active Rotaract and President of Rotaract Club of Kololo. That is when I finally made up my mind to join Rotary and was inducted into the Rotary family on Monday, 23rd January 2006 at a fellowship presided over by PP Susan Matovu, who was President in 2006/2007.From then on, I got to learn that Rotary was “Service Above Self” and fun as part of the service. I served as attendance officer and was later served as secretary to President Parity Twinomujuni in 2007/2008. As secretary I learnt all the nitty gritty that goes with Rotary,and appreciated most how enriching Rotary was.
For instance, I learnt and mastered the rituals of every Rotary fellowship – the prayer, loyal toast, four-way test and objects of Rotary - which was later helpful when I became vice-president and had to stand in for President JackieNansubuga on occasions. As secretary, I also learnt about the need to have a schedule of interesting guest speakers at each fellowship and howto ensure that fellowship is inviting and exciting. I further appreciated the significance of keeping in safe custodythe various club documents and regalia and ensuring that club meetings and activities are on schedule. All this I must say,had to be done at a cost of finding the commitment and time, with no pay;the true spirit of “Service Above Self” that Rotary promotes in every avenue of service.
I later served as bulletin officer, vocational service director, vice-president and currently as president elect. In all these positions of service, commitment was paramount and finding the time to serve above self.
Inow appreciate the attributes I acquired of leadership, and the spirit of hardwork and commitment, as well asthe self-confidence that serving above self brings with it. In no other institution I believe, can such virtues been instilledat no costto the individual. In Rotary, they are earned once you serve above self.
I, therefore, urge all Rotarians to embrace the true spirit of Service Above Self in whatever capacities they serve while in Rotary as this brings with it the true qualities of leadership and rewards of commitment and hardwork in the form of building one’s self confidence and self-esteemmore than any paid occupation or vocation can ever do.
Esther Mwambu
President Elect, 2012/2013
Rotary Club of Kampala South