Blog Post

By Rtn Peter Nyanzi

In a colourful handover ceremony on May 27 at Ndere Cultural Centre, Rotarian Charles Owekmeno officially assumed office as the 14th President of the Rotary Club of Kampala-Naalya, taking over from outgoing President Sylvia Jagwe Owachi.

 The event marked the beginning of a new chapter filled with ambition, energy, and a deep commitment to impactful community service.

A Personal and Historic Milestone

For President Owekmeno, the significance of the moment was not just about ascending to leadership, it was also deeply personal.

“There’s something special about the number 14,” he noted, reflecting on both his position as the 14th president of the club and his milestone 40th birthday this year. The alignment, he said, symbolized a season of purpose and transformation.

Expressing gratitude to his fellow Rotarians, he lauded the legacy of leadership left by the club’s past presidents, singling out Charter President Dr. Francis Lakor for setting a firm foundation.

 “You will visit many Rotary clubs, but you wouldn’t find one where all the past presidents are as extraordinary and simply amazing as those of our club,” he said with pride.

Owekmeno also paid tribute to the District Governor, Anne Nkutu, whom he described as an exemplary leader.

“I told her I want to end my presidency the way she is ending hers with a smile,” he remarked, highlighting her positive influence on the club and the district.

He further acknowledged his incoming board, whose dedication and unity, he believes, will be central to achieving this year’s goals.

“I am honored that you’ve agreed to serve with me. This year, we’re going to be united in making the difference our communities desire.”

A Year of Discovery, Ambition, and Action

Describing the club’s 14th year as symbolic of adolescence, a time of growth, exploration, and bold experimentation, President Owekmeno challenged members to embrace innovation and go big.

 “Let’s express ourselves as adolescents. Let’s explore new territories. But most importantly, let’s do big things,” he said.

Chief among them is a reimagining of the club’s annual Women in Rotary event. Traditionally held as a Red Carpet Dinner event, the 2026 edition will take the shape of a high-energy Women in Rotary Concert, scheduled for March 7. The event, which will double as a fundraising platform, is being organized in partnership with Sauti Media, the team behind the acclaimed Icon Awards.

Proceeds from the concert will go toward constructing a new classroom block at New Hope Primary School in Kamuli District, where children currently study in unsafe and muddy structures.

“This is unacceptable in our generation,” President Owekmeno emphasized. “We must do something meaningful for these children.”

This Rotary year will also see the club deepening its collaboration with sister clubs under the theme “Unite for Good.” With the Rotary Club of Kampala, Kampala-Naalya will support a transformative project at the Masaka School of the Deaf. Meanwhile, a partnership with the Rotary Club of Kampala Central will yield the first-ever Rotary Green Festival in Uganda, championing environmental sustainability and climate action.

On October 10, World Mental Health Day, the club plans to launch a long-anticipated Mental Health Project in the Acholi Quarters community.

The initiative aims to raise awareness and support mental well-being, an area that continues to receive limited attention in many underserved communities.

At the core of President Owekmeno’s message was a heartfelt appeal to fellow Rotarians to reconnect with their original passion for service.

“I hope that my presidency brings back two things: the smile you had the day you joined Rotary, and the passion you felt for serving your community,” he said.

With clear plans, strong partnerships, and an inspired team, President Charles Owekmeno is setting the Rotary Club of Kampala-Naalya on a path of high impact and visibility.

“Ambition is what drives us to go to the next level,” he concluded. “So let’s do it, together.”