Rotary President Francesco Arezzo Visits Uganda as Rotary District 9213 Governor Geofrey Martin Kitakule Showcases National Impact

Uganda has today welcomed the President of Rotary International, Francesco Arezzo, who arrived in the country accompanied by his spouse, Ann Maria Criscione-Arezzo, for a high-level official visit aimed at spotlighting Rotary’s transformative humanitarian work across health, peacebuilding and community development.

The visit marks a significant milestone for Rotary in Uganda and across the African continent, positioning the country as a leading example of how coordinated service, strong partnerships and community-driven solutions can deliver measurable and sustainable impact.

Spotlight on Maternal and Child Health 

At the heart of the visit is a focus on maternal and child health, one of Rotary’s core Areas of Focus. President Arezzo is expected to tour the “Oxygen for Life” initiative at Kawempe National Referral Hospital, where Rotary-supported interventions continue to provide life-saving oxygen to mothers and newborns.

In a major milestone aligned with the visit, Rotarians will officially launch the Mama Toto Care Global Grant valued at USD 500,000. The grant is designed to strengthen maternal and child health services across multiple districts in Uganda, enhancing equipment, training and community outreach to reduce preventable deaths.

Rotary leaders say the project reflects a deliberate shift toward sustainable systems strengthening, rather than one-off interventions, ensuring long-term improvements in healthcare delivery.

Advancing Peace and Specialized Healthcare

President Arezzo’s itinerary also includes a visit to the Makerere University Rotary Peace Centre, a critical institution dedicated to training peacebuilders and advancing conflict resolution across Africa. The centre has become a cornerstone of Rotary’s global peacebuilding agenda, equipping fellows with the skills to mediate conflict and promote social cohesion.

In the health sector, the Rotary International President will tour the Nakasero Blood Bank, which plays a vital role in supporting safe blood transfusion services, as well as the Joint Clinical Research Centre Bone Marrow Transplant Unit in Lubowa — a pioneering facility advancing specialized treatment for blood disorders and cancers in the region.

These engagements underscore Rotary’s longstanding commitment to disease prevention and treatment, particularly in strengthening local capacity to deliver advanced medical services.

Polio Eradication and Community Outreach

Rotary’s global push toward a polio-free world will also take centre stage during a Polio Immunization Drive at Jjanyi Health Centre. The drive, led by Rotary Clubs including Blue Hearts, Kajjansi and Kampala South, reinforces Rotary’s historic leadership in the fight against polio. 

A Mega Health Camp hosted by the Rotary Club of Medical Stars in Kajjansi will further demonstrate Rotary’s grassroots impact by delivering essential medical services to underserved communities.

Youth Engagement and Leadership Development

Youth engagement remains central to the visit, with President Arezzo scheduled to interact with Rotaractors and participants of the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) in Lweza. The engagements highlight the growing influence of young leaders in shaping Rotary’s future and driving innovation in service delivery.

Senior Rotarians say the deliberate focus on youth programs such as Rotaract and RYLA is building a pipeline of ethical, service-driven leaders committed to community transformation.

High-Level Engagements and Celebrations

The visit will also feature a press conference, a Rotary Foundation Recognition Dinner, and a Membership Gala Dinner at Speke Resort Munyonyo, where Rotary’s philanthropic achievements and membership growth will be celebrated.

District Governor Kitakule Speaks

Speaking on the significance of the visit, Rotary District 9213 Governor Geofrey Martin Kitakule described President Arezzo’s presence as a powerful affirmation of Uganda’s growing impact within Rotary’s global network.

“This visit is a strong endorsement of the work Rotarians in Uganda are doing,” Kitakule said. “It demonstrates that when communities, partners and leaders align around shared goals, we can deliver transformative and sustainable solutions. From maternal health to peacebuilding and disease prevention, Uganda is showcasing models that can be replicated across the continent.”

He emphasized that Rotary’s collaborative approach — working closely with government institutions, health facilities and local communities — has been central to the success of projects such as Oxygen for Life and the upcoming Mama Toto Care Global Grant.

Kitakule further noted that the visit provides an opportunity to deepen partnerships, expand Rotary’s reach and strengthen Uganda’s role as a hub of innovation and impact within Rotary International.

As President Arezzo’s engagements continue, Uganda stands ready not only to showcase its achievements, but also to reinforce its ambition to expand service, build stronger partnerships and lead in Rotary’s enduring mission of Service Above Self.