Rotary District 9214’s Foundation Recognition Dinner became an evening of gratitude, reflection, and renewed commitment as the Executive Director of the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), Dr Chris Mukiza, delivered a stirring keynote address connecting leadership, statistics, and human compassion.
Speaking to Rotarians and development partners, Mukiza applauded the sustained work of Rotary clubs across Uganda and Tanzania, supported by donors and community institutions that continue to expand access to education in underserved areas, strengthen maternal and child health systems, and provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene solutions.
As Uganda’s National Statistician, he said leading a national statistics office goes beyond producing figures, arguing that credible data must guide national direction and development priorities.
He stressed that progress is most meaningful when financial resources, reliable statistics, and human generosity align.
Mukiza noted that the numbers that carry the greatest weight are expressed in people’s lived realities—children staying in school, mothers surviving childbirth, families accessing safe water, and communities rising from poverty.
He pointed to Rotary’s global footprint as proof of generosity backed by disciplined leadership. With more than $4 billion invested in development programs, he said Rotary had left “an unmistakable legacy,” including its signature triumph: the near-eradication of polio after immunizing 2.5 billion children worldwide.
“That level of achievement is not accidental. It is the result of sustained generosity and disciplined leadership,” he said.
Turning to District 9214, he outlined the measurable impact Rotarians continue to deliver across Uganda and Tanzania, including peacebuilding initiatives, conflict-resolution programs, and community service projects that transform thousands of lives.
He also hailed the district’s milestone achievement in September 2025—raising over $100,000 in a single evening during the Major Donors Dinner—an accomplishment he said reaffirmed the region’s reputation as one of Rotary’s most committed.
Mukiza used the evening to honour individuals, families, corporate partners, and clubs whose consistent giving anchors Rotary’s mission.
He cited Past Trustee Geeta Manek’s words that “philanthropy is not about the size of the gift, but the size of the heart that gives it,” reminding members that every contribution, whether large or small, builds the foundations of healthier and more resilient communities.
He also echoed Rotary International Director-Elect Emmanuel Katongole, who has previously observed that “our giving today is not for ourselves, but for generations to come,” saying the sentiment reflects Rotary’s long-term development vision.
District Governor Christine Kawooya’s theme, “Unite for Good – Together, one act at a time,” ran through his closing call for Rotarians to mentor emerging donors, nurture a culture of generosity, and return to their clubs as ambassadors for sustainable community impact.