Rotary’s Impact in Focus as Rotary District 9213 Governor Geoffrey Martin Kitakule Welcomes H. E. Alupo to Open DISCON 101 in Entebbe

Entebbe — The official opening of the 101st Rotary District Conference (DISCON 101) in Uganda set a powerful tone for service, partnership, and national transformation, with Rotary District 9213 Governor Geoffrey Martin Kitakule and Vice President H. E. Jessica Alupo taking center stage to highlight the organization’s growing impact across the country.

Held from April 16th to 18th, 2026 at the Imperial Resort Beach Hotel under the theme “Inspire. Serve. Impact.”, the high-profile conference has drawn over 3,000 delegates from across the region and beyond, positioning Uganda as a hub for humanitarian engagement and global Rotary collaboration.

Kitakule Showcases Rotary’s Expanding Footprint

In his address, Kitakule underscored Rotary’s tangible contributions to Uganda’s development, revealing that since the start of the 2025/2026 Rotary year in July, the organization has implemented community projects worth over UGX 8 billion.

These interventions span critical sectors including healthcare, education, youth empowerment, environmental conservation, economic development, peacebuilding, and leadership.

“This conference provides an important platform to showcase Rotary’s achievements, strategic partnerships, and future opportunities for collaboration,” Kitakule noted.

His leadership has been widely credited for strengthening Rotary’s footprint in Uganda, with a focus on scaling sustainable, community-driven solutions. At DISCON 101, Kitakule positioned Rotary not just as a charitable organization, but as a strategic development partner capable of complementing government efforts and mobilizing resources for high-impact interventions.

The conference itself reflects this vision—bringing together Rotarians, policymakers, private sector actors, and international partners to align on shared goals of service and transformation.

Alupo Applauds Rotary’s Role in National Development

Presiding over the official opening on Thursday, Vice President H. E. Jessica Alupo delivered a strong endorsement of Rotary’s role in Uganda’s development agenda, describing the organization as a “trusted and strategic partner” in delivering essential services.

“As Government of Uganda, we commend Rotary for complementing our efforts in delivering critical services aligned to Uganda’s Vision 2040 and National Development Plans,” Alupo said.

She emphasized that Rotary’s work is deeply rooted in values of leadership, integrity, and service above self—principles that closely mirror those guiding public service and national transformation.

Over USD 4.6 Million in Impactful Projects

Alupo highlighted Rotary District 9213’s impressive fundraising and project implementation record, revealing that over USD 1 million has been mobilized for The Rotary Foundation during the current Rotary year.

These contributions have facilitated Global Grant projects valued at more than USD 4.65 million, targeting key sectors such as healthcare, education, water and sanitation, and economic empowerment.

“This demonstrates not only the power of giving, but Rotary’s ability to leverage resources efficiently to deliver high-impact interventions,” she said.

Health Initiatives Take Center Stage

The Vice President paid special tribute to Rotary’s flagship health programs, including Rotary Family Health Days, the Rotary Cancer Program, and the Rotary Mama Toto Care initiative.

She noted that these interventions are directly aligned with government priorities of strengthening primary healthcare, reducing maternal and child mortality, and combating non-communicable diseases.

Of particular significance is the ongoing effort to establish a Bone Marrow Transplant Centre at the Joint Clinical Research Centre, a move expected to significantly enhance Uganda’s capacity to manage complex health conditions.

Alupo also acknowledged the government’s commitment to the Rotary Cancer Program, including a UGX 3 billion contribution from Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, underscoring the strong partnership between Rotary and the state in addressing national health challenges.

Championing Maternal and Child Health

Drawing from her own passion as a Rotarian, Alupo emphasized the importance of maternal and child health, particularly in underserved communities where access to quality care remains limited.

She commended the Rotary Mama Toto Care initiative spearheaded by Rotarian John Magezi, describing it as a scalable and impactful model currently being implemented in 14 districts across Uganda.

“As a nation, we cannot achieve sustainable development without safeguarding the lives of mothers and children,” she said.

Peacebuilding and Leadership Development

Beyond health and economic initiatives, Alupo praised Rotary’s role in fostering peace and leadership, particularly through the establishment of the Rotary Peace Centre at Makerere University.

The center, she noted, positions Uganda as a regional hub for conflict resolution and leadership training, equipping professionals with skills to promote social cohesion and sustainable peace across Africa.

Recognizing Leadership and Service

Alupo extended special appreciation to District Governor Kitakule for his “exemplary leadership” throughout the Rotary year, crediting him for steering impactful programs and strengthening partnerships.

She also congratulated Rotarian Emmanuel Katongole on his appointment as a Director at Rotary International, and Rotarian Francis Tusubira for his role as Trustee of The Rotary Foundation—milestones that further elevate Uganda’s presence on the global Rotary stage.

A Call for Collective Responsibility

As the conference got underway, Alupo called upon Ugandans, the private sector, and development partners to embrace Rotary’s culture of giving and collaboration.

She highlighted initiatives such as #RotaryEyamba for enhancing visibility and mobilizing volunteerism, noting that such efforts are critical for scaling impact and sustaining community transformation.

A Defining Moment for Rotary and Uganda

For Kitakule, DISCON 101 represents more than just an annual gathering—it is a defining moment to reaffirm Rotary’s mission and strengthen its role in Uganda’s development journey.

With thousands of delegates in attendance and global attention drawn to Uganda, the conference underscores the growing influence of Rotary District 9213 under his leadership.

As discussions, exhibitions, and partnerships unfold over the three-day event, one message remains clear: through leadership, service, and collaboration, Rotary continues to play a pivotal role in shaping a healthier, more inclusive, and prosperous Uganda.