Rotary Club of Masaka inspires youth to embrace hard work, community service
In a dynamic ceremony at Muteesa I Royal University in Kirumba, Masaka, members of the Rotary Club of Masaka encouraged youth to adopt qualities of industriousness, creativity, and generosity, positioning themselves to lead Uganda toward a brighter future.
The event, which marked the leadership changeover for the Rotaract Club at the university, featured a keynote speech from Masaka City Planner and Rotary Club member, Engineer Martin Kigozi. Kigozi, a former Assistant Governor of Rotary District 9214, urged the young audience to work diligently, think innovatively, and maintain a spirit of service and selflessness in leadership.
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“For us to have a vibrant and decent nation in the future, our youth must grow up to be industrious, creative, and possess a heart to help others. This is the foundation of building a better world for everyone,” Kigozi said, encapsulating the Rotary’s mission of "Service Above Self."
Kigozi also oversaw the induction of new members into the Rotaract Club and led the handover ceremony from outgoing Rotaract President, Abubaker Jjemba, to the newly elected President, Joseph Owen.
Joseph Owen, a student in the Faculty of Science and Technology and a representative on the University Council, was introduced by fellow student Mildred Basirika, who praised him as a "bright and dedicated young man," well-suited to lead the Rotaract Club in the upcoming year.
In his farewell remarks, outgoing President Abubaker Jjemba reflected on his term, urging the incoming leaders to stay committed to the core values that unite them, particularly education.
He encouraged them to be innovative, consultative, and diligent in their efforts to secure funding and execute the club’s projects.
“Don’t forget the main theme that brought us together—education. Be creative, consult others, and remain vigilant to successfully raise funds and run our projects,” Jjemba advised, as he passed on the club’s leadership.
Under Joseph Owen's leadership, the new Rotaract team has already set out several key initiatives for their term. These include planting trees for environmental conservation, visiting prisoners to provide hope, and other community service projects aimed at positively impacting society.
President of the Rotary Club of Masaka, Denis Kalyango, along with fellow Rotarian Denise Nakisozi, encouraged the new leadership to approach their roles with confidence and to view failures as learning opportunities when pursuing worthy goals.
Nakisozi also stressed the importance of balancing their studies with service to those in need.
“Be confident and don’t be afraid to fail, as long as you’re failing for the right reasons. Stay true to the theme of your studies and commit yourselves to serving others, especially those in need,” Nakisozi advised, presenting the new leadership with a symbolic card to begin their journey.
