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Tag: Rotary Uganda

  • dfcu Bank and Rotary bring essential health screenings and treatment to communities most in need

    dfcu Bank and Rotary bring essential health screenings and treatment to communities most in need

    Kampala: In a powerful display of purpose and partnership, dfcu Bank and Rotary Uganda delivered free, lifesaving medical services to more than 1,600 people in Bweyogerere, Mukono, and Ibanda districts.

    The outreach was held at Kirinya Church of Uganda Primary School in Bweyogerere Division, at Namakomo Village in Mukono, and at Kikyenkye Health Centre III in Ibanda.

    This intervention is part of a landmark three-year, UGX 1 billion commitment by dfcu Bank to strengthen preventive health in underserved parts of Uganda, working hand in hand with Rotary Uganda to make crucial medical care more accessible. The November outreach builds on a strong foundation of earlier 2025 health camps. In October, dfcu and Rotary launched their first major camp under this partnership at St. Paul Church, Okuvu, in Mbuya.

    The event; marking the debut of “dfcu Humanity Day”, attracted more than 2,000 people from Mbuya, Kinawataka, Banda and surrounding communities, who received free screening, diagnosis and counselling for HIV, malaria, non-communicable diseases, reproductive-health concerns, eye and dental issues, and sickle-cell awareness.

    In early November, dfcu and Rotary hosted a medical camp at Kasenyi Landing Site in Wakiso District, reaching over 1,000 residents even amid heavy rains. The camp offered cancer screening, HIV testing, diabetes and blood-pressure checks, child immunisations, dental services, deworming and general medical consultations—demonstrating the partners’ resolve to serve highly marginalised, high-risk fishing communities.

    At the Ibanda camp this Saturday, families accessed general medical consultations, dental and optical care, nutrition counselling, mental-health awareness sessions, and proactive disease screening, including for sickle-cell anemia and cervical and prostate cancer. The outreach also included a blood-donation drive, reflecting the holistic and preventive nature of the initiative.

    Azairwe Pauson Rutugutsa, dfcu Branch Manager in Ibanda, emphasized the camp’s community value: “Today, we have identified and screened for a wide range of health conditions, including HIV, malaria, and eye challenges, as well as reproductive-health needs. dfcu’s purpose is not only to transform businesses, but to transform lives, and this health camp is a powerful expression of that promise.

    The health of our communities is an asset, and we are honored to support initiatives that enhance it.”Adding to this, Helena Mayanja, Head of Corporate Affairs & Sustainability at dfcu Bank, highlighted the role of sustainability in dfcu’s long-term health interventions:“These health camps are a reflection of dfcu Bank’s belief that inclusive development begins with healthy communities. By investing in prevention, early detection and timely referral, we are building a foundation for long-term wellness; especially in areas where access to quality healthcare is limited.”

    “Our partnership with Rotary Uganda is not a one-off gesture; it is a sustained commitment to improving lives, strengthening resilience, and ensuring that no community is left behind,” she added. Peace Flavia Lukabya, President of the Rotary Club of Bweyogerere–Namboole, emphasized the importance of early detection and referral: “This camp is more than treatment. We are raising awareness, offering screening, and referring participants who need specialized care. We prioritized sickle-cell and cervical cancer screening because detecting such conditions early can truly save lives.”

    Over the three-year span of the partnership with Rotary Uganda, dfcu will extend this outreach to multiple locations across the country, bringing consistent, high-impact healthcare services to communities where the Bank operates.Through this initiative, dfcu Bank is living its purpose; “Transforming Lives and Businesses in Uganda” by driving sustainable, preventive health outcomes for the country’s most vulnerable populations.

  • East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Ltd. and Rotary Uganda Launch Green Schools Initiative at St. Kizito Primary School

    East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Ltd. and Rotary Uganda Launch Green Schools Initiative at St. Kizito Primary School

    Kyotera District: The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Ltd., in partnership with Rotary Uganda, has today officially launched the EACOP Green Schools Initiative at St. Kizito Primary School, Kasasa Sub County, Kyotera District as part of EACOP’s Social Economic Investment Programme.

    The initiative aims to transform learning institutions along the EACOP route into models of sustainability and environmental stewardship.

    This launch follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between EACOP Ltd. and Rotary in August 2025 to support the implementation of the Green Schools Initiative across ten districts along the pipeline corridor including Hoima, Kikuube, Kakumiro, Mubende, Kyankwanzi, Lwengo, Kyotera, Rakai, Sembabule, and Gomba.

    The EACOP Green Schools Initiative seeks to empower young learners with practical knowledge and lifelong values that promote environmental conservation.

    Among the activities shall include installation of solar systems, establishment of school green spaces with fruit and vegetable gardens, proper waste management, installation of sanitation and hand washing facilities, rainwater harvesting systems & conduct awareness programs on environmental, health, sanitation, and safety.

    Speaking during the launch event, Mr. JB Habumugisha, Deputy Managing Director of EACOP Ltd., emphasized the importance of fostering environmental stewardship among young people.

    “The EACOP Green Schools Initiative represents our commitment to sustainable development and environmental responsibility. By integrating green practices in schools, we are not only addressing immediate community needs but also nurturing a generation that will champion environmental protection and sustainable living.”

    Representing Rotary Uganda, Mr. Geoffrey Kitakuule, Governor of Rotary District 9213, reaffirmed Rotary’s dedication to environmental sustainability: “This partnership with EACOP is a clear demonstration of Rotary’s mission to protect the environment and promote community well-being. Working with schools allows us to reach the future custodians of our planet young people who can lead lasting change in their communities.”

    Ms. Christine Kyeyune Kawooya, Governor of Rotary District 9214, added: “Through initiatives like this, we are empowering children and teachers to become advocates for a cleaner, greener, and healthier environment. The Green Schools Initiative is not just a project, it’s a movement towards a sustainable future.”

    The launch event brought together representatives from EACOP Ltd., Rotary Uganda, local government leaders, and school administration, who commended the collaboration for its practical impact on education and environmental conservation.

  • dfcu Bank and Rotary Uganda Bring Medical Care Closer to Kasenyi Families

    dfcu Bank and Rotary Uganda Bring Medical Care Closer to Kasenyi Families

    Kasenyi: Even as rain poured down on Saturday morning, hundreds of residents at Kasenyi Landing Site gathered to receive much-needed medical attention. By the end of the day, more than 1,000 people had benefited from a wide range of essential health services in what became a powerful display of community resilience and care.

    The medical camp was organized under a UGX 1 billion initiative by dfcu Bank, in partnership with Rotary Uganda, aimed at delivering preventive healthcare to underserved communities across Uganda over a three-year period.

    Residents received a full range of free services, including cancer screening, HIV testing and counselling, diabetes and blood pressure checks, dental care, child immunization, deworming, and general consultations.

    “Today, we’re not just offering treatment; we’re extending knowledge, dignity, and hope,” said Annet Namuddu, Branch Manager of dfcu Abayita Ababiri Branch.“By bringing healthcare closer to the underserved population of Kasenyi Landing Site, we are living our purpose of Transforming Lives and Businesses in Uganda.”

    The need in Kasenyi is profound. Ashe Kitandwe, President of the Rotary Club of Lungujja, noted that the site was carefully chosen after research revealed serious healthcare gaps.

    “Kasenyi faces the challenges common to many fishing communities including; high mobility, few health facilities, and a high risk of disease,” he said.

    “Today’s turnout shows both the urgency of the need and the impact that partnerships can have when they bring health within reach.”

    Fishing communities like Kasenyi are among the most vulnerable in Uganda, often recording higher rates of diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV compared to inland populations. For many, poverty and distance make access to basic healthcare nearly impossible.

    The Kasenyi outreach marks another milestone in dfcu Bank and Rotary Uganda’s mission to take health services where they are needed most, the heart of Uganda’s underserved communities. Over the next three years, similar camps will continue to reach thousands across the country, one community at a time.

  • Old Mutual Life Assurance Uganda Partners with Rotary Uganda to Launch Affordable Digital Group Funeral Cover for Rotarians in District 9213 and 9214

    Old Mutual Life Assurance Uganda Partners with Rotary Uganda to Launch Affordable Digital Group Funeral Cover for Rotarians in District 9213 and 9214

    Old Mutual Life Assurance is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Rotary Uganda to provide an affordable, simplified, and fully digital Group Funeral Cover tailored specifically for Rotarians in District 9213 and District 9214. This partnership underscores Old Mutual’s continued commitment to enabling financial well-being for communities across Uganda.

    The Group Funeral Cover has been designed to provide Rotarians and their families with critical financial support in the unfortunate event of bereavement. With annual premiums ranging from just UGX 95,000 to UGX 250,000, the product ensures every Rotarian can access affordable protection that provides peace of mind and financial stability.

    In line with Old Mutual’s digital transformation agenda, this product is fully digitized, allowing Rotarians to onboard, purchase, and make claims conveniently through multiple self-service channels. Members can access the service by dialling *228#, sending a message to the official WhatsApp line on 0709 460 552, or through a secure online platform — ensuring instant access and ease of use, anytime and anywhere.

    This initiative is more than a product launch — it marks the beginning of a broader collaboration between Old Mutual Life Assurance and Rotary Uganda. As part of this partnership, Old Mutual has also committed to actively supporting several Rotary initiatives, including the rotary cancer run, basic literacy program, financial literacy campaigns, and tree planting projects. These initiatives align with Old Mutual’s purpose to be a force for good for the community.

    Speaking at the official announcement, Patrick Kimathi, Managing Director of Old Mutual Life Assurance, remarked, “We are proud to partner with Rotary Uganda as a key strategic partner in helping us achieve our sustainability goal to build strong and prosperous communities, running a sustainable business and protecting the planet. By working hand in hand, we’re not just providing financial protection to Rotarians; we’re also creating lasting impact through shared values and meaningful action.”

    Anne Nkutu, Rotary Uganda’s District Governor for 9213, which covers Uganda added, “Rotary stands for service above self. This partnership with Old Mutual Life Assurance is a reflection of our shared values — community, dignity, and impact. The Group Funeral Cover provides our members with a dignified solution that brings peace of mind while strengthening the bonds of solidarity across the Rotary fraternity.”

    By bringing together Rotary Uganda’s trusted grassroots network and Old Mutual’s legacy of insurance expertise and digital innovation, this partnership is set to redefine how Rotarians experience protection, convenience, and community support

  • Rotary Uganda Unveils the 4th Edition of the Africa Peace Concert in a Bid to Raise $500,000 towards Peace Building and Conflict Transformation

    Rotary Uganda Unveils the 4th Edition of the Africa Peace Concert in a Bid to Raise $500,000 towards Peace Building and Conflict Transformation

    Kampala: Rotary Uganda in association with the Rotary Foundation has today launched the 4th Edition of the Africa Peace Concert, a vibrant and hybrid musical event set for 10th January 2025.

    The Africa Peace Concert aims to raise $500,000 towards peace building and
    conflict transformation while connecting artistes with fans beyond traditional
    venues.

    Funds collected will facilitate the sustainability of the Makerere Rotary
    Peace Centre which is the first of its kind in Africa. The Makerere Rotary Peace
    Centre was inaugurated in February 2020 and has since become a beacon of
    hope and education for peace building and conflict transformation.

    Every year, Rotary awards up to 151 fully-funded fellowships to dedicated
    leaders from around the world to study at one of its peace centers. The fellows
    receive comprehensive training, networking opportunities, and practical
    experience to become leaders and catalysts for peace, working in various sectors such as national governments, NGOs, the military, law enforcement, peace education, media, and international organisations.

    The center has so far awarded 131 social initiatives.
    “We are excited to bring together artistes, peace advocates, and the global
    community through the Africa Peace Concert to support this transformative
    initiative,” Joseph Nuwamanya, Chairman of the Africa Peace Concert 2025, told a media briefing today. “This concert not only celebrates African culture and talent but also provides a platform to champion peace and conflict resolution across the continent.” He added that the funds raised will go directly to support the Makerere Rotary Peace Centre, enabling it to “continue fostering important community social change initiatives.”

    Since its establishment, the Makerere Rotary Peace Centre has welcomed 110
    peace fellows from 43 countries with its seventh cohort comprising 21 fellows
    from 11 countries, including Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Argentina,
    and Australia, among others.

    At the Centre, the fellows undertake a rigorous ten-week onsite programme, which includes community field visits that provide them with first-hand experience of the challenges and opportunities in the affected areas. These interactions have inspired the fellows to develop and pilot community social change initiatives addressing themes on youth, conflict, and development; strengthening resilience in communities; diversity and inclusive participation; education; economic empowerment; climate change; food security; women and trafficking; women and girl child empowerment; refugee reintegration; local leadership and domestic violence prevention; media and peace journalism According to the Report of the UN Secretary-General on the Promotion of Durable Peace and Sustainable Development in Africa (2024), Africa continued to face complex peace and security challenges in 2023, marked by an increase in armed conflict-related incidents and fatalities. On progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, the report also recorded that Africa made limited progress towards the achievement of the SDGs, in particular those central to human welfare and development, such as those relating to poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality, water and sanitation, energy and sustainable cities.
    “Through the Africa Peace Concert, we aim to raise awareness and support for
    the inspiring work being done at the Makerere Rotary Peace Centre,” said
    Nuwamanya.

    The 3rd African Peace Concert 2023 donation to the Peace Center was $234,555. “We challenge ourselves to raise more this year,” Nuwamanya said. “By supporting this initiative, individuals and organizations are not only investing in education and leadership development but also in the transformation of lives and livelihoods across the continent.

    So, we invite everyone to join us for this vibrant event and to be part of a global movement for peace.”

    The concert will feature a dynamic line-up of live performances combined with
    messages of peace, hope and unity from renowned artists across Africa,
    broadcasting to a global audience in real-time. A ticket goes for $100 of which
    part will go to the cause.

  • Rotary Uganda kicks off Mass Vaccination Drives Across the Country

    Rotary Uganda kicks off Mass Vaccination Drives Across the Country

    Rotary Uganda, the renowned fellowship of philanthropists drawn from all fields of life, today kicked off a mass COVID-19 vaccination drive to take place countrywide all through the weekend.

    Rotary District Governor Elect, Rotarian Peace Taremwa, announced today that close to 100 Rotary Clubs countrywide would work with the Ministry of Health, Private Sector Foundation Uganda, Uganda Health Federation and Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, to administer COVID-19 vaccines through the Rotary infrastructure.

    “The most important thing to do now is to go and get your jab. The reasons are very simple. Life is the most important aspect anybody can have. As Rotarians our vision is to be people of action. Two weeks is enough for everybody to get vaccinated. Vaccines are already at the districts and the vaccination centres have been identified. We start tomorrow,” he announced, at the Coca-Cola stand at the UMA Showgrounds in Lugogo.“We must have everybody vaccinated because the economy must open. If you want to keep alive, please respect some of these interventions that have been developed by our friends the scientists. As Rotary we felt it was important to join the vaccination drive. Now I call upon all Ugandans to respond – come and get vaccinated,” he stressed.

    The vaccination drive will leverage the widespread Rotary network across the country to reach Ugandans in all corners.

    The Rotary Club of Sonde, in Mukono, kicked off with vaccination in Namanve at the Coca-Cola Plant, receiving people from across Mukono district.

    PSFU Executive Director, Stephen Asiimwe, said the private sector was keen on vaccination because of the impact of the pandemic on the economy.

    “As the private sector this is not the first time we are doing this and so we thank Rotary Uganda for joining in. We believe that an unhealthy country leads to an unhealthy economy. We have lost so many people, our businesses have been hit and the economy has been hit. We do not want to enter the new year without a critical mass being vaccinated,” he said.

    Simon Kaheru, Public Affairs and Communication Director at Coca-Cola Beverages Africa in Uganda, and head of the PSFU Technical Committee on COVID-19, said more individual private sector companies would be joining in to support the drives countrywide.

    “We need to stress that the only way the economy can be reopened and stay open is if we get vaccinated. All Ugandans should learn from what countries in the developed world have done – after vaccinating the majority of their people they opened up their malls and businesses, their stadia, concerts and nightclubs. Let’s do the sensible thing and get vaccinated so we can get close to normal lives,” he said.

    Dr. Daniel Ayen Okello, KCCA Director of Public Health and in-charge of Vaccination, represented the Ministry of Health at the event and pledged to provide all vaccines and personnel necessary. “We are always happy when we get partners to come on board to support the vaccination programme. In order for us to be safe when we re-open we need a critical mass. The private sector sometimes speaks better to the people and communities. Rotary is community based, PSFU is an association of associations and Coca-Cola has its distribution network and loyal customers – we need all hands on deck,” he said.

    “We have seen that we can actually vaccinate over 500,000 people in a two-day period when we pull together and run a mass campaign like this countrywide, so we know this new initiative will work wonders in getting us to the critical numbers,” Dr. Okello said.

    The Government of Uganda continues to prioritise COVID-19 vaccination as a strategic intervention to control the pandemic including the effects posed by the new Omicron variant.

    Dr. Okello said over 7.8 million people had been vaccinated as of today, meaning that 50% of the target population could be reached by the end of the year if the mass drive is taken seriously.

    While COVID-19 vaccination is being accelerated, it’s important that people still adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including the mandatory use of face masks when in public, maintaining good hand washing practices at all times, avoiding crowds and keeping a distance of 2 meters from each other.

    To date, the Government has received a total of 17,131,090 doses through donations and direct procurement by the Government of Uganda; of which 10,523,853 doses have been distributed countrywide. The distribution of the remaining 6,607,237 doses is ongoing.

  • Stanbic Bank joins Rotary in drive to raise US $ 100,000 for Mengo Blood Bank

    Stanbic Bank joins Rotary in drive to raise US $ 100,000 for Mengo Blood Bank

    Stanbic Bank Uganda has joined hands with Rotary Uganda in the Rotary Blood Bank programme to raise US$100,000 to purchase ultra-modern blood-processing equipment for the Rotary Blood Bank at Mengo Hospital through.

    The Uganda Rotary Blood Bank programme has over the past threeyears held concerts to raise funds towards building a first class fully-fledged facility that can test, process and pack safe blood.  Through the Annual Transformational Leadership Forum and concert and local fundraising drives among Rotary clubs and the community, US$856,000 was raised for construction of the building.  

    The Annual Transformational Leadership Forum and concert, whose theme is ‘United by Blood’, will take place next week on Friday 28thFebruary 2020.

    Speaking at the press conference, Stanbic bank’s Head of Communications – Cathy Adengo said, “We are pleased to be inpartnership with Rotary Uganda for the third year in this noble cause. I’d like to applaud Rotary Uganda and the Mengo Hospital for all efforts made so far to establishing a world class blood bank that is supporting many Ugandans have access to blood when required. We are also pleased to make a contribution of UGX 25 Million towards the purchasing of blood processing equipment that help the blood bank run for efficiently and save many more lives.”

    The equipment to be purchased, as total a cost of US$100,000, will complete the blood processing cycle. It includes the Automatic Blood Grouping machine, which determines the donated blood groups.  The second, is the Floor Standing Centrifridge 6000i for component preparation, which separates blood into different components like platelets, plasma and packed red cells among others.

    Purchase of this equipment will be an additional boost to the recently acquired transfusion transmissible infection testing machines, and will go a long way in making the Mengo Rotary Blood Bank a fully-fledged facility that will serve as a backup to the national blood transfusion services.

    The Transformational Leadership forum will feature an array of prominent and inspirational internationally acclaimed speakers including H.E. Dominic Barton, Canada’s Ambassador to China; Professor PLO Lumumba from Kenya; Nabou Fall, a renownedauthor and blogger and President of the Women’s Investment Club in Ivory Coast; and Mr. Edgar Kasenene a leading business executive and digital transformation advocate across Africa and Europe.

    Each of these personalities will address the participants on topics ranging from transformational leadership, internationalcollaborations, public private partnerships, innovation, and the Africa Free Trade Agreement. In addition, there will be a discussion on Africa’s role in the global corporate world by a rich panel of discussants.

    The Leadership forum will be followed by a dinner and concertfeaturing renowned local artistes. The function is expected to attract about 200 people among them corporate organisations. Main sponsors for the Forum include Stanbic Bank and MTN Uganda, which will have each contributed Ushs 25 million.

    According to World Health Organization standards (WHO), Uganda needs at least 350,000 units of safe blood annually yet only 250,000 units of blood are collected. This leaves a deficit of approximately 100,000 units of blood annually. This critical blood shortage affects services and puts patients’ lives at risk.

    In all, about US$700,000 is needed to cater for extra equipment to transform it into fully fledged Blood Bank independent from the National Blood Bank.

  • UBL partners with Rotary Uganda to restore 200 hectares of Forest Reserves

    UBL partners with Rotary Uganda to restore 200 hectares of Forest Reserves

    Uganda Breweries Limited through its Water of Life initiative has signed a partnership with Rotary Uganda to jointly restore 200 hectares of forest reserves within Lake Victoria water catchment areas.

    Forest reserves serving as water catchments for Lake Victoria have for a number of years been under massive deforestation as the indigenous trees were cut down by residents for timber, firewood, charcoal, and land for agriculture.

    The partnership to restore 200 hectares of forest reserves was signed by the Uganda Breweries Managing Director Mark Ocitti, and Rebecca Mutawe, the Rotary Uganda Country Chairperson at the UBL head office in Luzira, Kampala.

    The project worth UGX 245,000,000 will see the two entities continuously plant trees in different forest reserves in partnership with National Forestry Authority (NFA) to ensure that the trees are well maintained, monitored and protected against illegal activities. Planting will be done annually for the next 5 years.

    Speaking during the signing of the partnership, Mark Ocitti said, “We are proud to partner with Rotary on this project that will contribute towards reforestation and also support the communities around Lake Victoria catchment areas. UBL largely depends on Lake Victoria as the water we use in our production processes comes from the lake. We therefore need to ensure that the water levels and quality are maintained and improved.”

    Rotary Uganda & Tanzania District Governor, Kenneth Wycliffe Mugisha said there is need for corporations and individuals to come together to support Rotary’s tree Planting initiatives around the country.

    This forest protection initiative is just one of the many environmental projects that Uganda Breweries Limited implements across the country. Uganda breweries previously restored 109 hectares of forest cover in Navugulu Forest Reserve in partnership with the National Forestry Authority (NFA) and World Wide Fund (WWF), allowing for the forest to serve its purpose as a catchment for Lake Victoria.