The Deputy Commander of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) Land Forces, Maj. Gen. Joseph Ssemwanga, has called on Ugandans to continue safeguarding peace, describing it as the cornerstone of national development and community transformation.
Maj. Gen. Ssemwanga made the remarks while officiating at the joint leadership handover ceremony for the Lions Club of Masaka and the Lions Club of Masaka Greater, held in Masaka City.
Prior to the ceremony, members of the two Lions Clubs visited Kyabumba Primary School in Masaka District to assess the impact of several community projects they have implemented at the school.
The projects include the installation of a solar power system, construction of a clean water source, establishment of a school vegetable garden where pupils learn modern farming techniques, and improvement of school infrastructure to enhance the learning environment.
Parents and school administrators praised the clubs for their continued support, saying the interventions have significantly improved learning conditions and the welfare of learners.
Kyabumba Primary School head teacher, Mwajumwa Nasimbwa, said the initiatives have not only improved the school's infrastructure but have also transformed the attitudes of pupils and parents towards environmental conservation and modern agriculture.
"The support from the Lions Clubs has transformed our school community. Our pupils are now learning modern farming practices and environmental conservation, skills they are also taking back to their homes," Nasimbwa said.
Outgoing President of the Lions Club of Masaka, Sylvia Masawi, urged the school community to protect the facilities provided and continue promoting environmental conservation.
"We encourage the community to safeguard these projects because they belong to you. Teaching children to care for the environment is one of the greatest investments we can make for the future," Masawi said.
She also challenged the misconception that Lions Clubs are exclusively for wealthy people.
"Lions is not an organisation for the rich alone. Anyone committed to serving humanity can become a member and contribute to changing lives," she added.
During the leadership transition, Sylvia Masawi handed over the presidency of the Lions Club of Masaka to Richard Muhumuza, while Rev. Fr. Vincent Nanseera officially passed the leadership of the Lions Club of Masaka Greater to Proscovia Nakabugo.
The ceremony was attended by senior government and security officials, including Assistant Commissioner General of Prisons Robert Munanura, who encouraged more Ugandans to join Lions Clubs and participate in community service.
"Many people think Lions Clubs are for affluent individuals, but that is not true. Every small act of kindness has the power to transform someone's life. We need more people to join and serve their communities," Munanura said.
He added that even modest contributions by volunteers can have a lasting impact on vulnerable communities.
Representing the Commander of the UPDF Reserve Force Division, Brig. Gen. Jackson Kajuba Pande, Maj. Gen. Ssemwanga emphasized that sustainable development can only flourish where peace prevails.
"Peace is the foundation upon which every development programme is built. Without peace, communities cannot prosper. The work Lions Clubs are doing to improve people's lives also contributes to strengthening peace and social stability," he said.
Outgoing leaders Rev. Fr. Vincent Nanseera and Sylvia Masawi encouraged the incoming executives to build on the achievements of their predecessors and expand the clubs' humanitarian programmes.
The newly elected presidents, Richard Muhumuza and Proscovia Nakabugo, pledged to recruit more members, strengthen community service initiatives, and expand the reach of Lions projects across the Greater Masaka region.
"We are committed to building on the strong foundation laid by our predecessors. Our priority is to attract more people into Lions so that together we can touch more lives and serve our communities better," the new leaders said.
