Rotary International District 9213 is committed to strengthening public health and eliminating preventable diseases across Uganda, according to District Governor Geoffrey Martin Kitakule.

“Rotary was built on the belief that when caring people unite, they can change the world. And nowhere is that more evident than in our work to reduce suffering, improve health, and ensure that families have the chance to live full and healthy lives,” Kitakule said.

He highlighted Rotary’s landmark achievement in the fight against polio, a campaign that began more than three decades ago and has transformed global health.

“More than three decades ago, we took on a challenge many believed was impossible: to rid the world of a crippling and deadly disease. We committed not only our resources but also our determination. We mobilized communities, partnered with governments, and worked hand in hand with the World Health Organization, UNICEF and the Gates Foundation. And because of that commitment, we have reduced polio cases by more than ninety nine percent, protecting billions of children and bringing us closer than ever to a polio free world,”Kitakule said.

He however stressed the need for continued vigilance.

He stressed,“We remain relentless in the final push because we know that as long as polio exists anywhere, it is a threat everywhere.”

Kitakule noted that Rotary’s health vision extends far beyond the eradication of a single disease. 

He emphasized the organisation’s enduring health initiatives within communities across Uganda. Rotary Family Health Days continue to bring essential medical care to areas that lack clinics, doctors or basic medicines. The organisation also supports the training of health workers, midwives and community educators, ensuring that every action taken has long lasting impact.

Rotary’s focus on maternal and child health remains strong. With emphasis on early intervention, safe childbirth and access to vaccines, the organisation is investing in healthier futures for mothers and newborns. Kitakule revealed that a recently approved grant worth five hundred thousand dollars under the “Empowering Families” project will bring renewed hope to thousands of Ugandan families.

He reaffirmed Rotary’s solid involvement in the fight against malaria, HIV and AIDS, tuberculosis and other preventable disease and noted that education remains at the centre of all these efforts. Kitakule applauded Rotarians for leading countless health education programs, including hygiene and sanitation training for schoolgirls and awareness campaigns on chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

“What truly makes our work unique is not just the scale of our efforts. It is the spirit behind those efforts. Because for every vaccination administered, every health center built or supported, and every life saved, there is the power of volunteers who believe deeply in our motto: Service Above Self,”he said.

Kitakule noted with a bold vision for the future.

He noted,“Rotary will continue to lead, to innovate and to inspire. We will strengthen healthcare infrastructure, expand access to clean water and sanitation, and together we will continue to light the way toward a world free from preventable disease. A world where every child grows up strong, every family thrives and every community has the opportunity to flourish because as we have seen, Rotary Eyamba.”

Rotary District 9213 now moves forward with renewed determination to transform lives and strengthen health systems across Uganda.

Stories Continues after ad

The Electoral Commission has confirmed the nomination of Brigadier General Emmanuel Rwashande as a valid candidate for the Lwemiyaga Constituency parliamentary race after dismissing a petition filed by incumbent MP Theodore Ssekikubo.

In a detailed statement by EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama, the Commission stated that after reviewing the complaint, responses, and verification reports, it found no grounds to nullify Brig Gen Rwashande’s nomination.

Ssekikubo’s petition, filed on 14 November 2025, alleged that Brig Gen Rwashande lacked the required academic qualifications and failed to submit the minimum number of supporters necessary for nomination.

But Justice Byabakama clarified that the Commission found no merit in the allegations.

“Brig Gen Rwashande Emmanuel submitted the requisite qualifications for his nomination,” Justice Byabakama stated.

According to the Commission, the candidate presented a Diploma in Defense and Strategic Studies from the National University of PLA (2007), a Company Commanders Course, and a Diploma for Senior Army Command Course from Nanjing Army Command College, all of which were equated by the National Council for Higher Education.

The EC also verified the list of supporters submitted during the nomination and declared them valid.

“Brig Gen Rwashande Emmanuel complied with the requirement of a minimum of ten names supporting his nomination, in line with Section 28 of the Parliamentary Elections Act,” Byabakama noted.

One of the issues raised in the petition involved discrepancies in the dates of the oath taken by one of the supporters. However, the Commission said the matter had been satisfactorily clarified.

“The discrepancies in relation to commissioning the oath authenticating the statement were explained in the affidavit sworn by His Worship Wananda Richard,” the statement reads.

After evaluating all evidence and submissions from both legal teams, the EC ruled in favour of the army officer.

Justice Byabakama noted,“Accordingly, the Commission, under MIN.COMP/058/2025, upheld the decision of the Returning Officer nominating Brig Gen Rwashande Emmanuel.”

The decision clears Brig Gen Rwashande to continue his bid to unseat Ssekikubo in the hotly contested Lwemiyaga parliamentary race.

Stories Continues after ad

Residents of Kamwokya and nearby communities turned up in huge numbers on Saturday as the Treasure Life Youth Centre hosted a free medical camp that offered vital health services to thousands of people.

The outreach was organised by the Rotary Club of Kitante working closely with the Rotary Clubs of Kampala City and Kyaddondo. By mid-morning, long queues had already formed as parents, youth, children, and the elderly waited calmly to receive medical attention. Organisers estimated that the turnout exceeded one thousand people, making it one of the biggest community health events the area has seen.

District 9213 Governor Geoffrey Martin Kitakule applauded the three Rotary Clubs for their dedication to improving lives in Kamwokya. He said the camp reflected the spirit of teamwork that Rotary encourages and noted the lasting impact the organisation continues to make in vulnerable communities.

Speaking to residents, Kitakule said the camp was created to bring essential health services closer to those who need them most.

“We are here at this centre as Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Kitante, Kampala City and the Club of Kyaddondo to run a health camp that will benefit more than one thousand people and make a real difference,” he said.

Kitakule also highlighted Rotary’s ongoing support to the Kamwokya Christian Caring Community Health Centre. He noted that the facility had significantly improved its capacity over the years.

“When we began supporting this health centre, it could only handle one birth at a time. Today it can manage six or seven. This incubator will help save the lives of babies born with complications and support mothers who need urgent care,” he added.

He further appreciated partner organisations for joining the cause, saying, “We thank all our partners who came together with us, Housing Finance Bank, C Care and many others, more than ten partners who have supported this effort.”

Rotary Club of Kitante president Maximilia Byenkya emphasised the importance of collaboration and the wide range of services offered at the camp.

“Today we have our annual medical camp in partnership with the Rotary Clubs of Kampala City and Kyaddondo. We are offering general checkups, dental care, eye services, HIV testing and counselling, screening for hepatitis B, sickle cell tests and many laboratory services,” she said.

She noted that the combined strength of the three clubs enabled them to reach a larger number of people.

“Because we are three different Rotary Clubs, we expect more than one thousand patients to be attended to today,” she added.

Byenkya highlighted this year’s Rotary theme, saying, “This year we are guided by the theme Unite for Good. When you combine resources and ideas, you achieve more and give more.”

She explained that Kamwokya was chosen because of the community’s overwhelming needs. “Kamwokya is a ghetto with many people who lack essential services. That is why we continue to work here. The people are poor, they do not have money and they need these services,” she said.

Rotary Club of Kyaddondo president Stella Arwako praised the unity of the three clubs, saying the partnership made it possible to serve even more residents. 

“This collaborative effort allows us to reach many more people. I thank the locals for turning up for this medical camp,” she said.

Kamwokya Church Zone chairman Joseph Kato thanked Rotarians for their consistent support to the community.

“I welcome you to our village and thank you for everything you continue to do in Kamwokya, including educating our children and skilling the youth. We remain committed to working with you,” he said.

During the camp, the Rotary Club of Kitante, working with Octopas Medical Facility, donated an infant incubator to KCCC to support premature babies and newborns requiring specialised care. The equipment will serve families who cannot afford advanced medical treatment.

More than ten partners powered the outreach, including C Care, Reproductive Health Uganda, NBS, Afro Mobile, National Lab, Housing Finance Bank, Mengo Blood Bank, IDI and Square.

The day-long medical camp not only provided treatment but also restored hope to families in Kamwokya, where access to basic healthcare remains a daily struggle. Through compassion and partnership, the Rotary Clubs reaffirmed their mission of building a healthier and more resilient community.

Stories Continues after ad

Speke Resort Munyonyo has become the center of Africa’s scientific community as more than 10,000 PhD holders, innovators, and top researchers gather for the 20th Technical and Advisory Meeting of the Africa Centers of Excellence (ACE). 

The prestigious four-day conference, running from December 8-11, marks one of the continent’s most influential platforms for advancing research, postgraduate education, and innovation.

The meeting was officially opened this morning by Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Kadaga, who hailed the ACE program as a pillar in strengthening Africa’s knowledge-driven future.

“This gathering reflects our continent’s commitment to building a competitive scientific workforce capable of transforming our development agenda,” Kadaga said during her opening remarks.

Unlike previous editions, this year’s conference places emphasis on developing Africa’s human capital, bridging the gap between universities and industry, and ensuring that scientific breakthroughs translate into real-world solutions.

Established in 2016 by the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) in partnership with African governments and the World Bank, the ACE initiative supports advanced postgraduate training and applied research across priority areas such as Agriculture, Health, Education, Industry, and Applied Statistics.

Program documents shared at the conference highlight that ACE II has so far nurtured over 9,500 Master’s and PhD students across 29 specialized centers in eight African countries. Women account for more than a third of this enrollment, signaling steady progress toward gender balance in science and research fields.

The initiative has strengthened institutions in 18 universities, forming regional hubs designed to tackle Africa’s most pressing development challenges through innovation-driven solutions.

As delegates convene in Munyonyo, discussions are expected to focus on boosting research partnerships, commercializing scientific output, and positioning African universities at the heart of socio-economic transformation.

Uganda’s hosting of this milestone 20th anniversary meeting further elevates its profile as a rising regional hub for academic excellence, research collaboration, and high-level scientific dialogue.

Stories Continues after ad