Rotary District Governor Geoffrey Martin Kitakule has raised concern over persistent health challenges in Uganda, urging citizens and institutions to support Rotary’s life-changing health interventions across the country.
Speaking during the installation of Dr. John Kameri as the 14th president of the Rotary Club of Namugongo for the 2025–2026 term, Kitakule said health remains one of the most urgent issues facing communities, especially in underserved areas.
“Rotary is there to change lives. From Kampala to the remotest corners of the country, we are delivering services in maternal and child health, cancer screening, immunization, and sanitation,” he said.
Kitakule cited recent Rotary-led efforts including medical outreaches, cancer testing, and immunization drives in partnership with the Buganda Kingdom health unit, as part of the organisation’s push to improve public health.
He announced an upcoming Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) project in Bucha, targeting girls in primary school who continue to suffer due to poor hygiene facilities.
“We are not only planting trees and building toilets. We are creating healthier learning environments,” he noted.
Kitakule also launched Rotary Yamba, a new campaign aimed at mobilizing more Ugandans to participate in Rotary health projects.
“We have partnered with institutions like the Buganda Kingdom, NBS, UBC, and various companies. But we need more hands-on deck,” he said, calling for volunteers to help expand access to essential services.
He emphasized that with over 137 Rotary Clubs and 5,000 members in District 9213, Rotary harnesses the expertise of professionals including doctors, teachers, and engineers to tackle the country’s systemic challenges in health, education, and economic empowerment.
Dr. John Kameri, the incoming president of the Rotary Club of Namugongo, also placed health at the centre of his leadership agenda, highlighting gaps in Uganda’s public health sector.
“There’s a critical shortage of essential drugs in health centres. Patients are walking away without treatment,” he said. In response, he revealed that the club is organizing regular free medical camps to offer consultations and distribute medicine to vulnerable communities.
He also cited recent contributions made by the club, including the donation of a zero machine to Angelinas Hospital and the construction of housing for medical staff to ensure 24/7 patient care.
On sanitation, Dr. Kameri pointed to dire conditions in some schools, including Rock View School in Tororo, which has only four functional toilets for over 2,000 pupils.
He said the club plans to renovate the school’s sanitation facilities, build a library, and introduce computer labs to boost both hygiene and learning.
“We are prioritizing health, education, and sanitation this year because these are the pillars of dignity and development,” Dr. Kameri said.
\Kitakule reaffirmed Rotary’s long-term commitment to sustainable health solutions: “We don’t just offer short-term fixes. We stay in communities and ensure transformation continues for years to come.”
Dr. Kameri echoed that call, urging more Ugandans to take part.
“Rotary is about service above self. You don’t have to be wealthy to make a difference. With even the smallest contribution, you can save a life,” he said.
\Hope Tunwesigye, the incoming Assistant Governor for Rotary Club of Namugongo pledged renewed efforts to address critical health and social issues affecting Ugandan communities, with a focus on empowering women, improving maternal and child health, and expanding access to clean water and sanitation.
Speaking during the installation of Dr. John Kameri as the new president of the Rotary Club of Namugongo, Tunwesigye congratulated the incoming leadership and emphasized Rotary’s commitment to delivering impact through projects aligned with the organisation’s seven areas of focus.
“Rotary Club of Namugongo is a big, vibrant club, and we are all set to do good in our communities,” said Tunwesigye. “We shall prioritize interventions in water and sanitation, maternal and child health, environmental protection, and the empowerment of women and youth.”
She highlighted ongoing Rotary initiatives aimed at helping vulnerable groups, especially adolescent girls who face early pregnancies and lack access to proper reproductive health care and support systems.
“We are empowering women and young girls who give birth at a very young age,” she said, noting that early motherhood remains a serious challenge in many parts of Uganda, contributing to high maternal and infant mortality rates and limiting educational opportunities for girls.