Rotary International President Concludes Transformative Visit to Uganda
By Rtn Sylvia Nankya
Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick concluded her impactful week-long visit to Uganda, celebrating the country's remarkable contributions to Rotary’s mission in Africa. As part of her African Magic Tour 2025, Urchick’s engagements highlighted Uganda’s leadership in peacebuilding, youth empowerment, and community development.
In her final address to Uganda, Urchick expressed her delight at the tremendous growth of Rotary in Africa, calling Uganda a torchbearer for Rotary’s mission. She commended the past and present leadership of Rotary Zone 22 (Africa) for their dedication and thanked Rotarians and Rotaractors of Districts 9213 and 9214 for their warm reception, saying, "I am proud to call you all My Family of Rotary." Drawing from her Polish-Slavic roots, she signed off with "Dovidzenya," emphasizing that it was not goodbye but a hopeful promise to return.
Key Highlights of the Visit
On Friday, 10 January, Urchick participated in the Peace Symposium and Capstone event at Makerere University, home to Africa’s only Rotary Peace Centre. During her visit, the center graduated fellows of Cohort 7 and inaugurated the Passport Satellite Club. The club’s members include prominent faculty such as Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University. Urchick praised the Peace Centre for its work in providing scholarships, postgraduate training, and peace interventions across Africa.
Later that evening, she attended the 4th Rotary Africa Peace Concert at Nsambya Gardens, a vibrant hybrid event that brought together local and international artists, Rotarians, and peace advocates. The concert raised $239,000 for the Rotary Africa Peace Fund, which supports the Makerere Rotary Peace Centre. The event showcased the rich cultural heritage of Uganda and the broader African region through music and dance, emphasizing the role of art in promoting peace and unity.
On Wednesday, 8 January, President Urchick inaugurated the Rotary Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (RoWASH) Institute at Nkumba University, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing critical water and sanitation challenges in Uganda and beyond. The Institute will offer postgraduate and short courses on topics such as water quality, hygiene, environmental health, and WASH-related climate change. It aims to equip graduates with practical skills and knowledge to develop sustainable solutions for their communities.
Nkumba University has provided land, facilities, and resources for the Institute, while partners like the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) have contributed essential equipment, including 50 computers. Past District Governor Peace Taremwa emphasized that the Institute bridges the gap between community knowledge and academic teaching, supporting global and national development goals, such as Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the Africa Union Agenda 2063. This initiative aligns with Rotary’s commitment to creating lasting change by addressing the needs of millions who lack access to clean water and sanitation, thereby contributing to improved health, well-being, and sustainable development.
On Saturday, Urchick led a Peace Walk from Makerere University, rallying Rotarians, Rotaractors, and community members to promote peace and unity. The day culminated in a magical Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) event at Kaazi camping grounds. Addressing young leaders, she urged them to boldly add value to themselves by honing skills in writing, public speaking, and vocational disciplines. She also emphasized the ethical use of ICT and AI to drive innovation across diverse fields.
Celebrating Service and Impact
The Rotary International president visited some of Uganda’s flagship Rotary projects. On 7 January, she toured the Rotary Blood Bank at Mengo Hospital, addressing the nation’s critical blood shortage. On 8 January, she visited the Rotary Cancer Centre at Nsambya Hospital and launched the 2025 Rotary Cancer Run, which funds cancer awareness, treatment, and infrastructure development.
In addition, she presided over a membership conversation titled “A Journey of Rotary Membership: Inspiring Growth in Uganda,” and was the guest of honour at The Rotary Foundation Recognition Dinner. Here, she celebrated Uganda’s success in raising Shs2.5 billion (USD 645,000) in 2024, placing it as Africa’s second-highest contributor to The Rotary Foundation.
A Testament to Rotary’s Vision
Speaking about the visit, Past District Governor Kenneth Mugisha, chair of the organising committee, said, “President Urchick’s presence in Uganda reaffirms Rotary’s commitment to creating a more peaceful and equitable world. Her theme, healing in a divided world, resonates deeply with our efforts here.”
Urchick praised Uganda’s Rotarians and Rotaractors for their dedication, describing their work as transformative. She highlighted flagship programmes like the Rotary Cancer Run, the Mengo Blood Bank, and the newly established RoWASH Institute as global models of service that save lives and foster sustainable development.
About President Stephanie Urchick
A seasoned leader and the second woman to serve as Rotary International president, Urchick holds a doctorate in leadership studies. She has spearheaded numerous global initiatives, including building schools, installing water filters, and mentoring Rotarians worldwide. Her African Magic Tour 2025 reflects her dedication to Rotary’s Action Plan, a strategic roadmap for addressing global challenges.
Rotary in Uganda
Uganda is a regional leader in Rotary, with nearly 7,500 Rotarians and 4,300 Rotaractors across two districts, 9213 and 9214. The organisation has made significant contributions to health, education, and economic development, cementing Uganda’s role as a driving force for Rotary’s mission in Africa and beyond.