Rotary Club of Muyenga installs new president, vows greater impact

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The Rotary Club of Muyenga has ushered in a new leadership team, reaffirming its commitment to transformative community projects.

A colourful installation ceremony was held on Saturday (June 7) at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala, where Edward Katimbo Mugwanya handed over leadership to incoming president Alex Bwomezi Mugume.

Rotarians rise the glasses to a toast to good health during the installation of a new president of the Rotary Club of Muyenga

The high-profile event attracted guests from government ministries, the Judiciary, diplomatic missions, and the business community.

“Together with a dedicated team of volunteers, the installation committee has crafted an evening that honours tradition while embracing the future,” said Kenneth Mugisha, past district governor and chair of the installation committee.

PDG Emmanuel Katongole (left), and Rotary District 9214 Governor Christine Kyeyune Kawooya (M) during the installation ceremony.

Shortly after receiving the Rotary chain of authority and other instruments from the Governor of the Bank of Uganda, Michael Atingi-Ego, who served as chief guest, Mugume announced a new chapter of service and leadership at one of Africa’s leading Rotary Clubs.

“In the Rotary Year 2025–2026, our goal is to increase our impact through strategically driven partnerships. Our flagship projects will focus on maternal and child health care as well as education,” emphasized Mugume.

From left, Bank of Uganda Governor Michael Atingi-Ego, his deputy, Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba, and the newly installed president of the Rotary Club of Muyenga, Alex Mugume

Katimbo and his outgoing leadership team were praised for their impactful service. Their accomplishments, Mugume noted, have left a strong legacy in the club’s history.

Globally, Rotary clubs transition leadership at the end of June each year. The Rotary Year 2025–2026 will begin in July across over 34,000 clubs worldwide.

It was a night of celebration

Rotary International’s mission is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance global understanding, goodwill, and peace through a fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.

The function recognized both state and non-state organisations, including the Bank of Uganda, the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), and the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU).

Cutting the cake.

Club presidents and their executive teams develop leadership strategies under sub-themes that align with a broader annual theme declared by the Rotary International President.

For 2025–2026, Rotary International president Mário César Martins de Camargo has adopted the theme “Unite for Good”.

From left, internal affairs state minister Gen. David Muhoozi, BOU Deputy Governor Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba and Alex Mugume, the new president

He has encouraged members to leverage their networks to create positive change.

Shortly before relinquishing the presidency, Katimbo expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead Africa’s largest Rotary Club.

“It has been an honour and privilege to serve as president of the mighty Rotary Club of Muyenga,” he said, before listing the achievements of his one-year term.

Some of the Rotarians who attended the installatuion at Speke Resport Munyonyo. Right is Margaret Naimanye and husband Eng. Andrew Naimanye (second right).

Among the notable milestones was the successful completion of a $1.2m (sh4.9 billion) malaria global grant project in Katakwi and Soroti districts.

“We also implemented a $71,129 (sh257 million) global grant for Kabule Health Centre in Mityana district and initiated another worth $73,200 (sh264 million) to equip the Kabule maternity ward in partnership with the Rotary Club of Rossmoor.

"I express deep gratitude to Rotary International Director Nominee (RIDN) Emmanuel Katongole, who generously contributed $10,000 (sh36 million) towards this project,” Katimbo said.

From left, BOU's Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba (Deputy Governor), Michael Atingi-Ego (Governor), and Vision Group's Deputy Editor-in-Chief and member of the Rotary International communications committee Felix Osike share a light moment

Katimbo further reported that the club raised $81,207 (sh293.9 million) for The Rotary Foundation, including $26,535 (sh96 million) for the Annual Fund, $16,272 (sh58.8 million) for Polio Plus, and $38,100 (sh137.9 million) for the Endowment Fund.

An additional $20,000 (sh72.3 million) has been earmarked for future projects.

Next Media CEO Kin Kariisa (left) and Vision Group's Deputy Editor-in-Chief Felix Osike

'Happy, satisfied man'

“I leave a very happy man, a very satisfied man," said Katimbo.

"You know, serving you Rotarians is no mean achievement. I found the club in a good state, and I am leaving it in even better shape."

Members of the board of the Rotary Club of Muyenga.

The departing Rotary leader also highlighted that the club will now host the Rotary International Director for Zones 21 and 22 (Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe), effectively becoming the “campus of Rotary in Africa.”

Guests who attended the installation.

Katongole, who presided over the installation ceremony alongside District 9214 Governor (Uganda and Tanzania) Christine Kawooya, hailed Katimbo’s leadership as a “remarkable year of impact.”

Some of the members of the Rotary Club of Muyenga and their friends pose for a photo at the event.

“To all our past presidents and esteemed members, your unwavering support and collective spirit have kept the Rotary Club of Muyenga at the pinnacle of Rotary excellence.

The district governor 9214, Christine Kawooya Kyeyune (M) and veteran singer Halima Namakula (left), join the Rotarians in a group photo.

"Our efforts culminated in well-deserved accolades at the 100th district conference in Dar-es-Salaam — a testament to the strength and unity we embody as a club,” said Katongole.

The new Preisident of the Rotary Club of Muyenga looking on as his wife sings at the function where he was installed president.

“Today we usher in a new chapter under president Alex Mugume and his board,” added Katongole, praising Mugume’s longstanding commitment to Rotary service.

He also acknowledged the Rotary Foundation’s critical role in financing transformative community projects and peace centres, including the Makerere University Rotary Peace Centre.

Veteran singer Halima Namakula entertaining guests

'Raising the bar'

Incoming governor Kawooya, a member of the Rotary Club of Muyenga Tank Hill, pledged a district-wide focus on maternal health in the new Rotary year.

She expressed confidence in Muyenga’s continued leadership.

L-R: State minister for internal affairs, Gen. David Muhoozi, Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba, new president of the Rotary Club of Muyenga, Alex Mugume, PDG Emmanuel Katongole and Bank of Uganda governor, Michael Ating-Egi in a group photo.

“I am confident that you will continue to raise the bar, elevate our district, and nurture our sibling clubs with steadfast dedication,” she said, quoting former American professional football coach Vince Lombardi: "People who work together will win, whether it be against football defences or problems of modern society."

Christine Kawooya Kyeyune, the district governor pinning Bank of Uganda Governor Michael Atingi-Ego

Kawooya urged members to embrace innovation, especially in building partnerships, to exceed expectations and grow membership.

“We are going to look at innovation to grow our membership and secure more projects,” she said, adding that the full strategic direction would be unveiled on July 9 at the official launch of the Rotary Year 2025–2026.

Rotariana taking selfies.

Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba, past club president and Deputy Governor of the Bank of Uganda, commended Mugume’s Rotary journey as embodying the spirit of service and leadership.

Nuwagaba emphasized that effective leadership hinges on building partnerships between duty bearers and rights holders.

Justice Stella Alibateese (middle) of the court of appeal congratulating Alex Mugume (left), as the Bank of Uganda governor, Michael Eting-Ego looks on.

In his remarks, Bank of Uganda Governor Atingi-Ego said: “Tonight we mark a significant milestone after officially welcoming President Alex Mugume to the leadership of the Rotary Club of Muyenga for the year 2025–2026. President Alex, your journey in Rotary is a beautiful reminder that connections unite purpose.”

PDG Katongole (right), handing over gifts to DG Christine Kyeyune Kawooya for the bank of Uganda governor.

He thanked Nuwagaba for introducing him to the club, describing their connection as one rooted in shared values and a commitment to service.

“Our primary goal is to manage our collective strength through meaningful partnerships that deliver real, lasting change."

PDG Katongole (left), with immidiate past president of the Rotary club of muyenga, Edward Katimbo Mugwanya before he handed over instruments of power to the new president Alex Mugume.

Atingi-Ego said Bank of Uganda is integrating environmental, social, and governance principles to support economic transformation and long-term sustainability.

Rotarians singing for the audience.

'Dependable partner'

Internal affairs state minister Gen. David Muhoozi and Luwero Triangle state minister Alice Kaboyo, who is preparing to join Rotary, both praised the organization for its unifying philosophy.

“It's philosophy of service above self is something we want to associate with," said Muhoozi.

Katongole handing over instruments of power of the new president Alex Mugume.

"In terms of development, it is a reliable and dependable partner. So, I want to commend you, the Rotary family, for the commendable work you do to complement the government."