The Rotary Club of Kigo Seven Lakes Golf has installed its fourth president, Maria Odido, who will steer the club through the 2026/27 Rotary year following a formal handover ceremony in Kigo.
The event marked the end of outgoing president Kin Kariisa’s one-year tenure, which began in July 2025 and is being credited by members for strengthening the club’s service footprint and institutional growth.
Kariisa officially handed over leadership instruments to Odido, ushering in a new chapter for the club anchored in Rotary’s guiding principle of “Service Above Self.”
Kariisa leaves office with what members described as a transformational legacy, having overseen a series of community projects and organizational milestones that elevated the club’s profile within the Rotary movement.
Among the flagship projects completed during his tenure was the construction of modern Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities at Kigo Prisons Primary School, which improved sanitation conditions for pupils and staff.
He also championed the construction of the Mama Kariisa Maternity Ward, a project he has previously linked to personal gratitude to his mother.
Speaking during the ceremony, Kariisa urged the incoming leadership to preserve and build on the gains made under his administration.
“I am handing over to a capable leader backed by a powerful board. My appeal is that they cement the gains we have made, complete what has been started, and continue transforming lives through service,” he said.
In her acceptance remarks, Odido pledged to sustain the club’s momentum while expanding its community impact through stronger partnerships, membership growth and enhanced service delivery.
She commended Kariisa’s leadership, noting that he had set a high benchmark for future administrations, and promised continuity in advancing the club’s projects and visibility.
Under Kariisa’s leadership, the club was also named Club of the Year, a recognition that underscored its rising influence within Rotary circles. Membership grew from 67 to 81, reflecting increased appeal and engagement among Rotarians.
Former District Governor Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa praised Kariisa for what he described as a leadership style grounded in service beyond the club’s immediate interests, highlighting his collaboration, mentorship and support for wider Rotary initiatives.
With a strengthened foundation and a new leadership team in place, attention now shifts to Odido as she takes charge of the club’s next phase of growth and service delivery.