I returned to Uganda last week after a wonderful learning experience and a memorable stay in Tanzania. Reflecting on the visits of the club, I realized how fortunate our district is to have such a diversified population from our two countries. My visit to Arusha and subsequently Dar es Salaam was full of appreciation for this picturesque country’s vast diversity of nature and indigenous cultures.
I spent my Friday 11th November 2022 with the Rotary Club of Mengo. Established in 1988, RC Mengo is one of the oldest Clubs in D9214, and our Past District Governor, O’wekitibwa Nelson Kawalya is its Charter President. I witnessed the change and impact Rotary is doing at community level while participating in three projects that RC Mengo is implementing in Mukoko, Kalungu district. We started off with a medical camp that attracted over 1000 patients from Mukoko and the surrounding villages. This successful, and highly attended medical camp is clear indication of how our services are very important to many communities, especially during this time when cost of living is high. Many people still require free quality medical care, and we should continue to extend critical health care as we support our governments towards disease free communities.
In addition to participating in medical camp, I was privileged to lay a brick on the foundation of Mukoko Community Health Center that the Club is constructing and also visit Mukoko Secondary School where the club has built two drainable ventilated improved pit latrines and installed a rainwater harvesting system. Our thoughtfulness will always be a treasure to many such communities. Thank you, RC Mengo.
I joined RC Kyengera later that evening for the Club’s Meat Carnival fundraiser for the construction of staff quarters at Buyanja Health Center III. This idea of fun for health improvement is one of the many simple but powerful ways Rotarians innovate to change the world.
I wrapped up the week by joining DGE Francisco Ssemwanga for his first “Meet and Greet” event for all incoming district leaders and President Elects in Uganda, hosted at PDG Ken Country home in Temangalo, Wakiso District. DGE Francisco communicated his vision for next Rotary year, and we discussed matters pertaining to the growth and development of our District. We have already started planning for the next Rotary Year at the district level, and I encourage all clubs to the same. It is time for PEs to start working with the Visionary club leaders to prepare for the next Rotary year.
Peace Taremwa
District Governor 2022 -2023