Happy Easter my Family of Rotary!
We are in the month of April, so only three months are left to the end of this Rotary Year 2020/21. This time might seem short, but there is so much we can do, and I urge you to keep your foot on the accelerator. As Rotarians, we have two choices to make from this point forward. We can choose to cross to the 30th June finish line; or we can decide not to reach that line. We should turn our sights to finishing the year on a high note. If your club has not yet completed its fundraiser for our Rotary Foundation, or made your contribution to PolioPlus, now is the time to do so. The Foundation is an excellent steward of our money and your generous contributions keep enabling Rotarians worldwide to “Do Good” in the world. It’s also not too late to invite a future Rotarian to one of your club meetings or social events! Remember, your spouse, children or “significant other” may be just the Rotarian that your club is looking for! Remember our mission of “Service Above Self” and give your time, talents and resources for humanitarian efforts.
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Exactly a year ago – all hell broke loose as the COVID-19 virus stealthily crept across the world. At the time – no one could have predicted the global crisis and scale of disruption that would be triggered by the virus. In the space of 12 months, there have been over 113 million infections worldwide and over 2.5 million lives lost, including members of our Rotary family. Beyond the dire consequences on people’s health, the pandemic has had a devastating impact on the global economy that is only comparable to the Great Depression of the 1930s. Many men and women have lost their jobs/businesses or seen their incomes cut; and it is estimated that between 119 and 124 million people have been pushed into extreme poverty.
COVID-19 has created the worst crisis to education and learning in a century. Many children in our communities are grappling with remote learning, or no schooling at all; and many more are now engaged in street vending in order to support their families. Media reports also indicate that many adolescent girls have been victims of defilement and are likely to drop out of school due to unplanned pregnancies. Staying at home due to unemployment or the need to look after children has also exacerbated stress and domestic violence. And I could go on and on, listing the negative impacts of this pandemic.
COVID-19 has created the worst crisis to education and learning in a century. Many children in our communities are grappling with remote learning, or no schooling at all; and many more are now engaged in street vending in order to support their families. Media reports also indicate that many adolescent girls have been victims of defilement and are likely to drop out of school due to unplanned pregnancies. Staying at home due to unemployment or the need to look after children has also exacerbated stress and domestic violence. And I could go on and on, listing the negative impacts of this pandemic.
As I was contemplating on my message for this month, I was reminded of one of my favorite prayers - the Peace Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi: “Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.” We are living in a world filled with conflict – in homes, workplaces and communities. And although these situations distress us, our responses to them are often wanting. Many times we find it easier to keep our distance; and other times, we inadvertently fan the flames, through our judgements. This month therefore gives us the opportunity to pause and reflect on how we view and build peace.
And this brings me back to the Peace Prayer. Rotary demands of us to be “instruments of peace” and provides us with the tools that we require to promote peace. Just like the Peace Prayer, the fourth Object of Rotary emphasizes understanding as a precursor to peace building. Understanding different cultures, value systems, aspirations and grievances in our communities, and co-creating solutions for them is Rotary’s approach to preventing and mitigating conflict. And what a great coincidence that we will later this month, welcome the pioneer Peace Fellows at the Makerere University Rotary Peace Centre, who are being trained to become catalysts of peace. One of the hallmarks of the peace programme is the social change initiative that Peace Fellows will undertake, after completion of their studies, to promote sustainable peace within their communities.
Happy New Year colleagues in Rotary!
We are now in a new year. This time normally brings new hope, dreams, and goals. I truly wish you and your loved ones an amazing 2021. I thank each one of you for the work you have done in the first half of the Rotary Year 2020-2021.
In December 2020, I completed all my official club visits in District 9211. This month is designated for Vocational Service. I am quite passionate about Vocational Service in Rotary, and the various Rotary Fellowships. I love the fact that we all have classifications in Rotary, and that each one of us brings something to the table. We each have a skill set that can be used to help the less fortunate through Rotary Projects. Our founder, Paul Harris, said, “Of all the one hundred and one ways in which men can make themselves useful to society, undoubtedly the most available, and often the most effective are within the spheres of their occupations.”
Soon after I became Governor Nominee – I began considering ways in which I could make a difference during my tour of duty. While many ideas came up, none had the novelty I was looking for, however, a few months down the road and after a bad period when we lost a number of Rotarians in quick succession to non-communicable diseases, it occurred to me that Rotarians were in need of help. And that my friends, was the genesis of the Fitness and Nutrition (FAN) Initiative that we launched at the beginning of this Rotary year. I strongly believe that you cannot give what you don’t have; and that it makes no sense to wear ourselves out caring for everybody else’s health, except our own! And therefore as we commemorate the Disease Prevention and Treatment month, I applaud all the clubs and Rotarians in D9211 that have actively adopted FAN; and those that have made healthy food, regular hydration, fresh air, adequate sleep, fitness, and exercise a part of their routine.
A week ago, we commemorated the World Polio Day and I would like to applaud the District Polio Team and all the Rotary clubs in Tanzania and Uganda who organised special events to mark the day. This year was extra special following the recent achievement of a monumental milestone – the declaration of a Polio Free Africa.
Ending Polio remains Rotary’s number one priority and since 1985, Rotary has contributed more than US$2.1 billion towards this cause. As the contributors of these funds, we have every right to be proud of being part of the effort that has reduced the number of reported polio cases in the world by 99%. But this is not the moment to let our guard down. We must remain vigilant in ensuring that every child receives the vaccine until Polio is completely wiped off the face of the earth.
Poliomyelitis, or polio, is a paralysing and potentially fatal disease that still threatens children in some parts of the world. The polio virus invades the nervous system and can cause total paralysis in hours. It can strike people of any age but mainly affects children under five. Polio can be prevented by vaccines, but it is not curable. Unlike most diseases, polio can be eradicated.
PolioPlus
For more than 30 years, Rotary and our partners have driven the effort to eradicate polio worldwide. Our PolioPlus program was the first initiative to tackle global polio eradication by vaccinating children on a massive scale. As a core partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), Rotary focuses on advocacy, fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and awareness-building. Rotary members have contributed more than US$2.1billion and countless volunteer hours to protect more than 2.5 billion children in 122 countries from this paralysing disease. Rotary’s advocacy efforts have played a role in decisions by governments to contribute more than US$10 billion to the effort.
Rotary Uganda has noted with concern the use of it's name on Rtn. Edward Basaliza's campaign posters. We wish to state that Rotary as an organisation does not engage itself in political activites and, therefore, it's signage and name should not be associated with any political party or candidate.
Mr. Basaliza has therefore been advised to remove the Rotary name from his posters immediately.
Juliet Kyokunda
District Executive Secretary
Fellow Rotarians
We are in the second quarter of our Rotary year. No doubt, the first quarter was hectic and challenging as we all tried to amidst the new normal to implement the brilliant ideas we had planned at District, club and personal level. It has been extremely rewarding as I continue to visit clubs and see all the marvelous work Rotarians do across our District. I hope you are equally as proud and carry a sense of satisfaction that you are giving your best.
I appreciate the fact that each one of us is gifted in various ways to make a difference. Todate, I have visited more than half of the clubs - seeing clubs and projects in varying sizes and impact. No matter the size, each project has left an indelible mark on me, and the communities where they are implemented.
It is truly amazing to witness, firsthand, our outstanding projects. We should better promote our good work so that more people will know about Rotary and desire to lend their support. The more help we get, the better placed we are to address the needs of our communities.
Dear Presidents and Fellow Rotarians,
Congratulation to clubs who earned the Rotary Citation, the most significant award a Rotary club can achieve, for 2019-20. During a year that was challenging for many Rotarians around the world and particularly in our District, these clubs demonstrated a commitment to achieve their goals, which ultimately helps strengthen Rotary and shape our future.
Congratulation to clubs who earned the Rotary Citation, the most significant award a Rotary club can achieve, for 2019-20. During a year that was challenging for many Rotarians around the world and particularly in our District, these clubs demonstrated a commitment to achieve their goals, which ultimately helps strengthen Rotary and shape our future.
My Family of Rotary
Paul Harris said: “If Rotary is to realise its proper destiny, it must be evolutionary at all times, revolutionary on occasion.” And how so right!! Just a few days ago – we had an incredibly successful virtual run - the first in the history of the Rotary Cancer Run. Who would have guessed that at a moment like this, the Cancer Run would evolve into a global event? Congratulations to the Cancer Run 2020 team for a job well done. Thank you for showing the world that in Rotary service, even a pandemic is not the limit!
Talking of evolution, September is the month Rotary has designated for Basic Education and Literacy, precisely because of its transformative nature. As Rotarians we envision a world where all children have access to education, the opportunity to realise their full potential, and to pursue their dreams. And I am so proud of the contributions that Rotarians have made over the years through the construction of classrooms, provision of scholastic materials, scholarships and mentorship programmes i.e. Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), and Youth Exchange.
Dear Rotary Family,
July was a whirlwind of activities for me as I visited 40 Rotary Clubs in the Kampala, Central and Western regions. While I greatly enjoyed making acquaintance with the different clubs and Rotarians, I was saddened by the missed opportunity to meet many of you due to the need to observe the COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures. Nonetheless, I believe we shall meet some time soon.
One of my preliminary observations has been the variance between clubs in terms of culture and traditions. While some clubs are formal and traditional, others are a hybrid. I believe that in this fast changing world, we need to continuously embrace change, including our meeting formats in order to remain responsive to the needs and character of our membership. There are no fixed rules of what is right or wrong in terms of Rotary rituals and traditions as long as the Rotary values are upheld. Infact the more diverse our clubs are, the more opportunities we create for people from diverse backgrounds to join our clubs; and the more opportunities we create for Rotary service.
My Family of Rotary
“The past is the beginning of the beginning and all that is and has been is but the twilight of the dawn. H. G. Wells
Welcome to our year of service 2020-21 when Rotary Opens Opportunities!! I am so delighted to recommit myself to the duty ahead of us of steering District 9211 into the highest level of service, and I am sure that you too are ready to roll with me! Let us rock!
Every year, July 1st is always an exciting time for the Rotary Family inclusive of Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors, Members of Inner Wheel and our partners. We have just completed a most amazing year of service 2019/20 under the leadership of my dear friend and mentor now Immediate Past District Governor (IPDG) Francis Xavier Sentamu accompanied by his lovely spouse Rtn. Brenda Sentamu and the Xs young generation. Thank you IPDG Francis for a most successful year despite the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease) that impacted on our operations, meetings, trainings, and other events. The splendid work done by the Connecting Presidents and leaders will always be remembered as it is the foundation upon which we spring as Opportunity Leaders.
My Family of Rotary:
I welcome you back from the first ever Virtual District Conference and Assembly in D9211. I commend the 95th District Conference and Assembly Chair, PAG David Balaka and his team for the great work in ensuring that we have a memorable 95th Virtual District Conference and Assembly.
This is my last monthly message as your District Governor. At midnight on June 30, 2020, I turn the District Governor instrument of power to District Governor Elect Rosette Nayenga Nabbumba and will head back to my Rotary club and embrace my immediate Rotary family and get back to work in my club and my community. I will miss many things as experienced in my Governorship like official club visits, installation ceremonies, Fundraising events, charity walks, Foundation dinners, Interact Club charters, District Rotaract meetings, new member induction ceremonies, District Conference Committee meetings and numerous conference calls.
My Family of Rotary
As a former Rotaractor, youth engagement is close to my heart. And you can therefore imagine my delight when Rotary International elevated Rotaract to full membership status. And the Rotaractors have not disappointed. Within our own district, Rotaractors have contributed more than $5,000 to TRF, in addition, 6 Rotaract Clubs have applied and obtained district grants from the Rotary Foundation. And as a result, they are now firmly in the driving seat, initiating and implementing projects that they are passionate about, at scale. I would therefore like to congratulate DRR Jakob, his team and the concerned clubs on these achievements and the remarkable growth in membership through the addition of 32 new Rotaract/Interact Clubs.
The Rotary District 9211 Governor Francis Xavier Sentamu in the company of other Rotary District leaders has today handed over to the Prime Minister of Uganda Rt.Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda items worth UGX 800 million for use by the government and, through Rotary clubs, hospitals and health centres around the country in the fight against Covid-19 pandemic.
Rotary District 9211 which covers Uganda and Tanzania has so far raised the equivalent of USD 323,879 from Rotary clubs in both countries, the Rotary Foundation and other Rotary partners in response to the appeal made by the Presidents of both countries to mobilize resources in support of government efforts to fight the pandemic.
The Rotary District 9211 which covers Uganda and Tanzania has responded to the COVID-19 crisis by offering to partner with the respective Ministries of Health and the National Task Force both in Uganda and Tanzania. In Uganda, this process has been finalized and in Tanzania, discussions are already underway.
District Governor Francis Xavier Sentamu announced on Thursday that Rotary will contribute Personal Protection Equipment, Test Kits, and Wash Facilities, all valued at US$263,000. Rotary District 9211 through its 168 clubs in Uganda and Tanzania will also contribute enormously to create awareness of the government guidelines for the control of the Covid19 spread.
When the Covid19 crisis broke out in the region, District Governor Sentamu set up a Covid19 Emergency Response Committee to mobilize over 5000 Rotarians and Rotary partners in the district into raising and contributing to the national efforts in both countries. “I continue to call upon Rotarians, Rotaractors and partners to contribute generously to raise more funds for this effort,” he said.
District Governor Sentamu however appealed to Rotarians to stay safe by abiding to their national guidelines while working remotely online to mobilize resources and respond to the needs of the communities around them.
A few groups of Rotarians that have been authorized by the Uganda National Task Force will distribute the donated items, including educating the communities on staying safe to avoid Covid19. In Tanzania, the way forward on the distribution of these items is being co-ordinated with the National task force.
My Family of Rotary,
You will agree with me that we are going through an unprecedented period of uncertainty and the last couple of weeks have triggered a roller coaster of emotions: anxiety; fear; confusion; panic; and even anger. Just last week, we lost two great Rotarians in Uganda: President Ann Muhangi of RC Acacia Sunset and Rtn Charles Okolong of RC Bweyogerere-Namboole. The pain of these losses and those of other friends and relatives has been aggravated by our inability to stand with families and bid our loved ones farewell in the way we normally do.
The other week, Rotary leaders arrived at the painful decision of cancelling the RI Convention in Honolulu; and we quickly followed suit with the cancellation of our eagerly awaited 95th District Conference and Assembly. It was a difficult decision but the health and safety of our members remains paramount. While we will not enjoy the fruits of their labor, I would like to take this opportunity to recognise all the members of the DCA committee for their commitment to delivering what would have been a sterling DCA.
How time flies! We are already approaching the end of the third quarter of this Rotary year. And yet much remains to be done. This month alone has so many different activities and each requiring our undivided attention. It is the Rotaract month and as a former Rotaractor, I am delighted by the on-going efforts to bridge the gap between Rotaractors and Rotary. I am glad that we all finally recognize that this requires a two-way collaboration and that there is so much to learn from the Rotaractors.
My Fellow Rotarians, Rotaractors, and friends,
The health and wellbeing of the family of Rotary and the population we serve is always of paramount importance to us and am making this communication with a heavy heart but knowing its the right thing to do.
95th District Conference and Assembly
It is with regret that I have to communicate bad news to you in relation to that the 95th DCA of D9211 to be held in Mbarara, Uganda. A special team of District 9211 mandated to assess the situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and recommend the best possible options, has concluded that the 95th DCA must be cancelled. The team’s primary aim was to ensure the safety of the Rotary family and the community at large. In addition, the team also took into consideration the latest government advisories related to meetings and travel restrictions. The team did consider the option of postponement but concluded that there isn’t sufficient predictability of the pandemic currently developing in our region and hence concluded that it was not a viable option.
It was 115 years ago this month that Paul Harris and three of his friends founded the first Rotary club. His goal was simple: to create an oasis of friendship amid a city of strangers, with those who shared his values. The world has changed greatly since 1905. However the values that bound Paul Harris and his friends: service, fellowship, diversity, integrity and leadership have endured and have attracted millions more. Today, Rotarians in every part of the world,
are engaged in service and are demonstrating leadership by tackling challenges in their communities and improving lives.
are engaged in service and are demonstrating leadership by tackling challenges in their communities and improving lives.
Happy Easter my Family of Rotary!
We are in the month of April, so only three months are left to the end of this Rotary Year 2020/21. This time might seem short, but there is so much we can do, and I urge you to keep your foot on the accelerator. As Rotarians, we have two choices to make from this point forward. We can choose to cross to the 30th June finish line; or we can decide not to reach that line. We should turn our sights to finishing the year on a high note. If your club has not yet completed its fundraiser for our Rotary Foundation, or made your contribution to PolioPlus, now is the time to do so. The Foundation is an excellent steward of our money and your generous contributions keep enabling Rotarians worldwide to “Do Good” in the world. It’s also not too late to invite a future Rotarian to one of your club meetings or social events! Remember, your spouse, children or “significant other” may be just the Rotarian that your club is looking for! Remember our mission of “Service Above Self” and give your time, talents and resources for humanitarian efforts.
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