During the incoming district governors meeting at the Rotary International Assembly on 8 January, the then Rotary International President-elect Stephanie Urchick announced that the 2024-25 presidential theme would be The Magic of Rotary and called on members to recognize and amplify the organization’s power to save lives.
She said, “Don’t misunderstand me – we are not going to end polio or bring peace to the world by waving a wand and saying some funny words.” “It’s up to you. You create the magic with every project completed, every dollar donated, and every new member.”
The new RI President Urchick, a Rotary Club of McMurray, Pennsylvania, USA member, said she saw the magic of Rotary on display while helping install water filters in the Dominican Republic. Two boys looked on as dirty water entered the filter, then ran out clean at the other end. “One of the boys grabbed my sleeve and said, ‘Show me the magic again,’” she said. “Obviously, the water filter wasn’t magic. We worked hard to transport those filters, install them, and work with community leaders in the area to maintain them. But those boys knew easy access to clean water would change their lives. Knowing I played a small part in that certainly changed my life.”
She wants us to change the world by embracing The Magic of Rotary, which is at its best when we foster a sense of inclusion and belonging in our clubs, which the RC Kampala South has embarked on more intentionally to get her members more involved and participate in various activities over the last month and into this one.
The new Rotary Year 2024/25 was a great day at our Rotary Club, starting with the District Governor attending a meeting with the Club's Executive Committee.
It was an evening full of excitement and expectations as the District Governor, Anne Nkutu, made her maiden official visit to a club, the Rotary Club of Kampala South, and installed the 33rd President – Dr. Samuel Sewagudde. The shrieks of excitement, the wows of surprise, and the aahs of meeting long-lost friends were so telling. The Rotary Club of Kampala South has recently etched out a tradition of being one of the first to host the District Governor as they commence their tour duty. So it's always the 1st Monday in July when the club coincidentally holds its installation of the Club President.
The Immediate Past President expressed her emotional appreciation to members of the board who served with her in the year gone by. She promised to serve diligently in her role as a Learning Facilitator and member of the club.
During the citation of President Dr. Samuel Sewagudde, it was clear that he stands out as a man of many talents. He is well-read and holds, amongst others, a Master of Science Degree in Agricultural Production Chain Management and an international Diploma in Poultry Husbandry, both from universities in Holland. He is a proud alumnus of Busoga College Mwiri and Kibuli Secondary School.
Rotary Kampala South, in partnership with RC Rheinfelden-Fricktal (D1980) & Rct Kampala South, launched this project on Friday, 12th July, in Kyaka II at the Adapt Plus premises, where environmental cleaning equipment was handed over.
The objectives of the Global Grant 2230778 are to:
Enhance appropriate solid waste management by applying the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) in trading centers.
Enhance the capacities and competencies of community groups through training in group dynamics, record keeping, practical community engagement skills, and the 3R principles.
Establish and create linkages between community groups and business entrepreneurs in sustainable solid waste management.
Promote household-level appropriate solid waste management by sorting and using household-level rubbish pits.
On Saturday, the 27th July, we held a medical camp targeting pregnant women & mothers, children, and adolescents. It was carried out in partnership with the Rotary Club of Taipei East (D3522) and funded through a Global Grant GG2230735 worth US$ 122,620
The objectives of the particular project are to:
To improve the health status of women and children through improved access and quality of Reproductive and Child Health services
To promote positive health-seeking behavior among the community, particularly in the reproductive age group.
To improve the status of Ante Natal Checkups and Post Natal Checkups and promote institutional deliveries amongst target groups.
To educate approx. 10,000 adolescent girls and boys through Family Life Education in Middle and secondary schools in project areas
To promote menstrual health
The immediate impact resulting from the activities this Saturday included:
Close to 100 women received medical care services, which included ultrasound scans, blood checks, HIV testing & counseling, and general body checkups.
Mental health sessions for adolescents and women, including 36 students from St. Peters Bukalagi Technical Institute, where 23 boys and 13 girls, aged between 15-25, received talks from mental health practitioners from Rotary Kampala South and Rotaract Mulago.
Menstrual Health Hygiene Talk to 105 girls was held in two groups for girls aged 9 to 20.
Optical care services through issuing reading glasses for adults & children aged 6 to 83.
Participation
We had a good representation of medical students and doctors from the Rotaract Club of Mulago.
The camp was better focused on mothers, children, and adolescents as a core focus of the grant. A few men received medical services. We engaged younger members at the camp from 4 years, school-going children (boarding section), and community members.
We were joined by the Rotary Club of Kabulasoke Gomba, including the President, who could be the critical person given the proximity to this facility when called upon.
Other Rotary partners involved in the day's activities were members from the Rotaract Clubs of Kampala South and Makindye.
A power outage at the facility hindered the Cutuna Software team's support, rendering their presence ineffective for the day's activity.
Fewer numbers of pregnant women showed up than anticipated to benefit from the camp (100 Mama Kits had been purchased for them).
Polio (Poliomyelitis) is a paralyzing infectious killer disease that commonly affects children under the age of 5. It is transmitted through contaminated water.
The End Polio Now Campaign and the eradication of Polio are significant efforts by Rotary. In 1979, Rotary began its fight against Polio with a multi-year project to immunize 6 million children in the Philippines. In 1988, with the World Health Organisation (WHO), Rotary launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Before this initiative, Polio paralyzed more than 1000 children daily or 350,000 children annually.
Thanks to the efforts of Rotary International and its partners, more than 2.5 billion children in 122 countries have been immunized against Polio, reducing polio cases by 99.9 percent worldwide. The disease is only still endemic in two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The "plus" in Polio Plus refers to added benefits of the programme, such as improving access to clean water, bed nets, or additional medical treatment.
For one to be a Polio Plus Society Member, US$100 is donated annually to the Polio Plus Fund of The Rotary Foundation until Polio is eradicated or the donor can no longer make donations. These contributions collectively help fund polio vaccination, planning by technical experts, large-scale communication efforts to make people aware of the benefits of vaccination, and support for volunteers who go door to door. It costs an average of $3 to protect a child against Polio fully, and your donation will protect a child from Polio.
As long as Polio still exists anywhere in the world, children everywhere remain at risk.
If you missed any of our Monday meetings during July, as shown by the fliers below the August Calendar, look out for what we have lined up for the Membership month.
We look forward to hosting you at Hotel Africana in Kampala every Monday from 6 pm to 7 pm (local time). You can also log into our meeting virtually through the Zoom Media platform.
We may be the biggest club in the D9213, but we realise that Rotary is more than just a club; it is a worldwide network of over 1.2 million neighbors, friends, and leaders who come together to create lasting change. As a result, we are always seeking out more individuals with a passion to serve humanity and better the communities around us. It is always exciting to have people interested in joining this Rotary family, and here are four potential inductees interested in joining a diverse group of people united by a common goal: to advance goodwill and peace around the world.
Name: Comfort Sarah Akiiki Hobbies: Traveling, Playing soccer& Playing basketball. Occupation: Humanitarian Services Sponsor: Rtn. Samuel Sewagudde Former Rotaractor
Name: Catherine Kemigisa Hobbies: Reading, Traveling, Sports & Charity. Occupation: Banking Services Sponsor: Rtn. Carol Nampijja Company: Stanbic Bank Uganda
Name: Stephen Owere Field: Hospitality Services Occupation: Business Owner Sponsor: Rtn. Francesca Kakooza
During July, we celebrated sixteen outstanding individuals (eight ladies and eight gentlemen) who make our club diverse and vibrant with their unique abilities. Birthdays are a time for us to reflect on the year gone by and anticipate the year ahead. We wish all our July babies a lovely year ahead.
The Parliament of Uganda, on Tuesday 14th September 2021, tabled and passed a Motion commending the work of Rotary in Uganda, and appreciating the visit of Rotary International President Shekar Mehta. In a Motion moved by the Government Chief Whip, Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, he noted the international organisation’s humanitarian support in the health, education, water and environment sectors.
On 15th September, the Rotary club of Kampala South, the fastest growing club, was privileged to induct twelve members who had fulfilled the requirements for membership in a very exciting and extra ordinary induction ceremony. In the old tradition Southern style, members received their membership certificates and pins in a physical fellowship as was the norm pre-covid.
16th-19th September were busy days at the Rotary club of Kampala South, as members, guests and friends of the club went on a long journey to Kabale. They were hosted at Hawk's eye lodge, owned by Rotarian Parity Twinomujuni who doubles as a member and Past President of the club. On 16th September, Up to 1700 trees ( 1500 Pacula/Pine and 200 Avocado) were planted in Kitoma, Rwanyena on 4 acres donated by Kitoma Church.
On Friday 17th and Saturday 18th September 2021, bus-loads of well-wishers from the Rotary Club of Kampala South paid a visit to Grace Villa, in Kabale. Nestled in a cove within Makanga Hill is this warm, loving home for girls who are rescued from abuse, abandonment, early marriages, child trafficking, and more. The mantra they inspire with is: “We Rise by Lifting Others” That motto seemed to resonate perfectly with the visitors led by their President Charles “CO” Odaga. Introducing the family of Kampala South, (one by one by name!!!) CO expressed the support that is embedded at the very core of Rotary, which is about making our communities better.
The week of the 12th to 17th of September must have been normal for everyone else but me – it could not start and end any faster than I wanted. I went in on Monday and it was as Monday as I expected it. I blinked and it was Thursday, my last day of work for the week. I have heard people say the weekend starts on Thursday but for a person whose work week ends on Saturday, I had never had the luxury or pleasure. You can imagine how it must have felt – exhilarated. What, you might wonder, was the reason for this excitement? Two words – Hawk’s Eye. Will get to that in a moment. To paint a picture of how ready I was for this weekend, I went to work with a packed suitcase - ready not to return home to pack at the last minute to avoid regrettably forgetting anything or even forgetting to go pick up the whole suitcase altogether. My plan was simple, leave work and head out into the weekend.
Kikandwa Health Centre III, located about 50 kilometers along the Gayaza-Kayunga road, was constructed by the Rotary Club of Kampala South, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Des Moines AM, Drake University and Shining City foundation. The health facility has been in existence for seven years and boasts of an outpatient, maternity and pediatric blocks. On 21 August 2021, the Rotary Club (RC) of Kampala South had a project visit to the facility, led by Change maker President Charles Odaga. The club members were joined by the President of the Rotary Club of Kayunga, guests and the community members.
In June 2021, the Club lost its strong pillar, the Late Aggrey Kankunda (AK). Aggrey loved and served Rotary International with a passion above self. At the peak of his Rotary leadership Journey having been appointed as the District Governor Nominee Designate (DGND) for the Rotary Year 2021 in the Rotary District 9213, his life was suddenly cut short. He had tremendous plans for his Rotary Year (2023-2024).
1. What do you enjoy the most about Rotary and your club in particular?
The warmth, welcoming nature and giving spirit of the Rotarians in Kampala south is one that resounds commitment, further on the level of ingenuity and creativity exhibited in execution of all club activities is one beyond and above to be proud of.
2. How do you spend your leisure time outside of your Rotary activities? Examples?
Huge fun of wildlife and scenery, often drawn into appreciating these on top of interactions and hanging out with colleagues to share a light moment when time allows.
There are reportedly 132 lions within the Kidepo Valley National Park. That is a very big number of lions in one place. Granted, the park is over 1,442 square kilometres, but it is unlikely that these cats are evenly distributed. They are mostly hunting their next meal. A meaty meal.
Don’t look for big things, just do small things with great love…the smaller the thing, the greater must be our love. Mother Teresa
On Saturday 20th November, the Rotaract club of Kampala South held the sixth phase of the Nyakijumba project. The club has been supporting Nyakijumba Primary School for the past years and this year they still extended the support.The club partnered with the World of Rotaract to carry out a reading session with the children.
Ready for Lift Off?!! We are …. On behalf of the Host Organization Committee, we cannot wait to welcome Rotarians and guests to Houston and the great State of Texas for the 2022 Rotary International Convention.
Fred Muduuli, Allan Kalyesubula, Innocent Ndawula,Miriam Wegoye , Violet Kasande, Karo Tushemereirwe, Richard Mayebo,Peter Odeke, Francesca Kakooza, Stanley Musiime and Faridah Namutebi
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
Emmanuel and Barbra Njuki, Charles and Jayne Odaga, Francesca and Mr. Kakooza
During the incoming district governors meeting at the Rotary International Assembly on 8 January, the then Rotary International President-elect Stephanie Urchick announced that the 2024-25 presidential theme would be The Magic of Rotary and called on members to recognize and amplify the organization’s power to save lives.
The Parliament of Uganda, on Tuesday 14th September 2021, tabled and passed a Motion commending the work of Rotary in Uganda, and appreciating the visit of Rotary International President Shekar Mehta. In a Motion moved by the Government Chief Whip, Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, he noted the international organisation’s humanitarian support in the health, education, water and environment sectors.
On 15th September, the Rotary club of Kampala South, the fastest growing club, was privileged to induct twelve members who had fulfilled the requirements for membership in a very exciting and extra ordinary induction ceremony. In the old tradition Southern style, members received their membership certificates and pins in a physical fellowship as was the norm pre-covid.
16th-19th September were busy days at the Rotary club of Kampala South, as members, guests and friends of the club went on a long journey to Kabale. They were hosted at Hawk's eye lodge, owned by Rotarian Parity Twinomujuni who doubles as a member and Past President of the club. On 16th September, Up to 1700 trees ( 1500 Pacula/Pine and 200 Avocado) were planted in Kitoma, Rwanyena on 4 acres donated by Kitoma Church.
The week of the 12th to 17th of September must have been normal for everyone else but me – it could not start and end any faster than I wanted. I went in on Monday and it was as Monday as I expected it. I blinked and it was Thursday, my last day of work for the week. I have heard people say the weekend starts on Thursday but for a person whose work week ends on Saturday, I had never had the luxury or pleasure. You can imagine how it must have felt – exhilarated. What, you might wonder, was the reason for this excitement? Two words – Hawk’s Eye. Will get to that in a moment. To paint a picture of how ready I was for this weekend, I went to work with a packed suitcase - ready not to return home to pack at the last minute to avoid regrettably forgetting anything or even forgetting to go pick up the whole suitcase altogether. My plan was simple, leave work and head out into the weekend. 
Don’t look for big things, just do small things with great love…the smaller the thing, the greater must be our love. Mother Teresa
Rotary Club Of Kampala South
